Texas Small Claims Court Filing Fees
How much does it cost to file small claims in Texas? Select your county to see the exact court filing fees, e-filing convenience fees, and total estimated cost.
Court Cost Calculator
Estimate your total filing cost for a Texas small claims case.
Understanding Texas Small Claims Court Fees
Filing a small claims lawsuit in Texas involves several fees. The base court filing fee is $54, set by Texas Local Government Code §118.121. On top of that, most counties charge an e-filing convenience fee ranging from $2 to $12, bringing the total court cost to roughly $56–$66 in e-filing counties.
Some counties — particularly rural ones — do not support e-filing and require documents to be filed in person or by mail. In those counties, fees may differ and Flash Justice charges a higher service fee ($149 vs. $99) to cover printing and mailing costs.
Beyond the filing fee, you will also need to pay for service of process — the legal requirement that the defendant receives a copy of your lawsuit. Constable service fees typically range from $75 to $100 per defendant.
Typical Cost Breakdown
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $54 – $139 |
| E-Filing Convenience Fee | $2 – $12 |
| Service of Process (Constable) | $75 – $100 |
| Flash Justice Service Fee | $99 – $149 |
| Estimated Total | $150 – $300 |
Fees vary by county. Use the calculator above for your county's exact fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total cost to file a small claims case in Texas typically ranges from $150 to $250. This includes the court filing fee (usually $54, set by Texas Local Government Code §118.121), an e-filing convenience fee ($2–$12 depending on the county), and process server or constable fees ($75–$100 per defendant). Flash Justice handles the entire filing for a flat service fee of $99 for e-filing counties or $149 for manual-filing counties.
Related Resources
Ready to File Your Claim?
Flash Justice prepares your court documents and files them with the court — starting at $99.
Start Free Case Assessment