How to File Small Claims Court in North Dakota (2026 Guide)

North Dakota small claims court is a division of the District Court. With a $15,000 jurisdictional limit, North Dakota has one of the higher caps in this guide series. The most important rule: small claims decisions in North Dakota cannot be appealed. The decision of the judge or judicial referee is final for both parties. This places North Dakota alongside Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Oregon as states with no appeal from small claims judgments. Go into your hearing prepared — it is your only opportunity.

Key North Dakota Rules

• No appeal — N.D. Court rules: “Small Claims Court decisions can’t be appealed. The decision of the judge or judicial referee is final.”
• Claim Affidavit (Form 2) and Affidavit of Identification (Form 8) — complete and file with the clerk of District Court along with supporting exhibits.
• Debtor pays within 10 days — after receiving notice of judgment, the debtor must pay within 10 days.
• Judgment valid for 10 years — renewable for an additional 10 years under N.D.C.C. § 28-05-02.
• Statute of limitations — 6 years for written and oral contracts under N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16.
• No jury trial — North Dakota small claims specifically excludes jury trials.
• Attorneys permitted — unlike some neighboring states, North Dakota does not ban attorney representation.

Step-by-Step Filing

1. Send a certified demand letter and keep the return receipt.
2. Complete Form 2 (Claim Affidavit) and Form 8 (Affidavit of Identification) with supporting exhibit copies.
3. File with the clerk of District Court in the county where the defendant resides or where the dispute occurred.
4. Pay the filing fee. The court arranges service on the defendant.
5. Attend the hearing. Prepare thoroughly — the decision is final with no appeal available.
6. If you win, enforce the judgment after the 10-day payment period expires.