Idaho Small Claims

Small claims court is Idaho’s streamlined way of taking care of low-value civil disputes, designed so that everyday people can resolve conflicts quickly and inexpensively. Small claims in Idaho are handled by the District Court's Magistrate Division Small Claims Department.

Since every state has its unique regulations, understanding Idaho's approach to small claims enables small and medium-scale businesses, contractors, landlords, tenants, and customers to assert their rights, get compensation, and avoid the expense of a complete civil lawsuit.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Idaho?

The Small Claims department in Idaho handles claims for money or the return of personal property. These claims are often related to uncomplicated and everyday issues, such as unpaid bills or debts, simple contract disputes, arguments over security deposits, and minor property damage.

To start a small claims process, you will have to submit brief facts, documents, photographs, messages, emails, names of witnesses, or whatever supporting information you have to the magistrate directly. These cases are informal by design and do not use juries. Although you can get legal counsel outside of court, your lawyer will not be allowed to represent you in the proceedings.

Small Claims Court Limits in Idaho

The jurisdictional cap for small claims is $5,000, outside of court costs and interest. If your claim exceeds the cap, you can either waive the excess to continue in small claims or you can start a standard civil lawsuit. However, standard civil lawsuits tend to be more complicated in comparison. By statute, juries are not allowed in small claims cases.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Idaho

There are several steps that you should take when filing a small claims case in Idaho, regardless of where in the state you file. These steps include:

1) Confirm venue and eligibility: You may file where the claim originated or where the defendant resides. The Magistrate Division handles small claims. The Idaho Court Assistance Office (CAO) also offers a detailed filing procedure and the necessary court forms that you will need to file.

2) Submit forms: You can use the CAO forms for filing small claims in Idaho. These can help you put your claim in detail and answer any queries the court may have for you.

3) File and pay the fee: You can choose to file physically in a clerk's office or online if it's accessible. Idaho provides a Guide & File system that can help you prepare to represent yourself and submit all necessary forms electronically. It can be especially useful to check the county website first, as this will ensure you have the up-to-date information on all required fees.

4) Serve the defendant properly: Idaho allows authorized servers, a competent adult, or a mail service (including certified/restricted delivery) to serve the affidavit. You can find instructions on deadlines and how to fill out and submit the Affidavit of Service (many counties demand serving and filing of proof within roughly 30 days).

5) Business/organization parties: Corporations or LLCs may appear through an authorized non-attorney employee in small claims. However, attorneys may not appear at the small-claims hearing itself.

Small Claims Courts in Major Idaho Cities (examples)

• Boise (Ada County): You may find the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. Specifically, the court can be found at 200 W. Front St., Room 1171, Boise, ID 83702. The local CAO page lists service options (including restricted delivery by mail) and clerk contacts. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Idaho Falls (Bonneville County): The Bonneville County Courthouse can be located at 605 N. Capital Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402. Bonneville County pages link to the 7th Judicial District Court Assistance Office and iCourt access.
• Coeur d’Alene (Kootenai County): The First Judicial District of Idaho is made up of five counties: Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone Counties. The Courthouse Complex, situated near the intersection of Government Way, houses Kootenai County's two principal court buildings. This court can be found at 324 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. The county site posts addresses for court buildings and phone contacts.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Idaho

After filing and getting the suit served, the court sets a hearing. The magistrate swears in parties, hears a brief account, and examines exhibits during the judge-led, informal proceedings. The rules of evidence are loosened to facilitate a "just, speedy, and inexpensive" conclusion. Small-claims trials do not include juries or attorneys. Many judges also render a decision at the end of the hearing or shortly thereafter.

If you are not satisfied with the decision, you can file a Notice of Appeal in the small-claims court as an aggrieved party within 30 days. According to the Idaho Rules of Small Claims Actions, the appeal is heard de novo, or in a new hearing. Parties may make a timely jury demand during the appeal process. On appeal, there are modest cost/attorney-fee limitations.

If the debtor does not pay after judgment, you—not the court—must pursue collection (e.g., garnishment or execution) through the clerk using post-judgment civil tools. You can use local clerk or CAO packets to get further instructions on how you can effectively pursue collection and get your due.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Idaho

Information related to small-claims cases is public unless it has been sealed. You can find case numbers, party names, events/docket entries, hearing dates, and judgments as part of small claims public records in Idaho. You can access small claims records in the state through

1. iCourt Portal (official):Idaho’s iCourt helps users access trial-court case registers, payments, and county contacts. On this platform, you may find and use the search page to look up cases by name/number. The images of documents on the platforms are limited in quality; you can, however, request copies from the clerk if needed.
2. County resources: Many counties (e.g., Kootenai, Cassia, Owyhee) have a direct link to iCourt, and they post local records/request instructions there. To get certified copies of the small claims record, you should contact the Magistrate Division clerk in the county of filing.

Typically, personal information is hidden from public records, and so are sealed records. You should always check that third-party records are correct by comparing them against the official documents to get the most accurate information.