GetSmallClaims › Small Claims by State › Arkansas

How to File a Small Claims Case in Arkansas (2026)

Updated June 10, 2026 · Self-help guide, not legal advice. Verify details with your local court.

Bottom line: In Arkansas, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court. You file the "Statement of Claim" at the Arkansas small claims court; the filing fee is typically $30-$65, and you do not need a lawyer.
$5,000Maximum claim
$30-$65Filing fee
Statement of ClaimForm to file at the Arkansas small claims court

How to sue in Arkansas small claims court

  1. Send a demand letter first. Put your demand in writing (the amount owed + a deadline) before filing - many courts expect it and it often settles the dispute.
  2. Confirm the defendant's exact legal name and address. For a business, look it up on the Arkansas Secretary of State website and sue the registered entity.
  3. Complete and file the Statement of Claim at the Arkansas small claims court. The filing fee is typically $30-$65.
  4. Serve the defendant per Arkansas rules (a non-party adult, sheriff, process server, or certified mail), then file the Proof of Service with the court.
  5. Prepare your evidence (contracts, photos, texts, receipts - 3 copies of each) and attend your hearing.

Statute of limitations by claim type

Claim typeTypical deadline to sue
security deposit1-6 years (deposit claims often have their own short deadline; many states require return within 14-30 days of move-out)
unpaid invoicewritten contract typically 3-6 years; oral 2-4 years
unpaid loanwritten 3-6 years; oral 2-4 years
breach of contractwritten contract typically 3-6 years (CA 4, TX 4, FL 5); oral 2-4 years
property damagetypically 2-6 years (TX 2, CA 3, FL 4)
refundwritten contract / warranty typically 3-6 years; consumer-protection deadlines vary
othercommonly 2-6 years depending on whether the claim is written, oral, or property-based

Deadlines vary by state and claim - always verify the Arkansas statute of limitations for your specific situation before filing.

Build my Arkansas small claims pack →

Arkansas small claims FAQ

How much can you sue for in small claims court in Arkansas?

Up to $5,000 in Arkansas small claims court (2026).

What form do you file for small claims in Arkansas?

You file the "Statement of Claim" at the Arkansas small claims court. The filing fee is typically $30-$65.

Do you need a lawyer for small claims in Arkansas?

No. Small claims court is designed for self-represented people; you do not need a lawyer to file in Arkansas.

How long do you have to file a small claims case in Arkansas?

It depends on the claim type - commonly 2-6 years. Verify your specific deadline (statute of limitations) for Arkansas before filing.

Small claims guides for other states

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowa

GetSmallClaims is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Court limits, fees, forms, and deadlines change - verify with the Arkansas small claims court before filing.