GetSmallClaims › Small Claims by State › Tennessee

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

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

Bottom line: In Tennessee, you can sue for up to $25,000 in small claims court. You file the "Civil Warrant (General Sessions Court)" at the Tennessee General Sessions Court; the filing fee is typically $25-$60, and you do not need a lawyer.

$25,000Maximum claim

$25-$60Filing fee

Civil Warrant (General Sessions Court)Form to file at the Tennessee General Sessions Court

How to sue in Tennessee small claims court

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.
Confirm the defendant's exact legal name and address. For a business, look it up on the Tennessee Secretary of State website and sue the registered entity.
Complete and file the Civil Warrant (General Sessions Court) at the Tennessee General Sessions Court. The filing fee is typically $25-$60.
Serve the defendant per Tennessee rules (a non-party adult, sheriff, process server, or certified mail), then file the Proof of Service with the court.
Prepare your evidence (contracts, photos, texts, receipts - 3 copies of each) and attend your hearing.

Statute of limitations by claim type

Claim type	Typical deadline to sue
security deposit	1-6 years (deposit claims often have their own short deadline; many states require return within 14-30 days of move-out)
unpaid invoice	written contract typically 3-6 years; oral 2-4 years
unpaid loan	written 3-6 years; oral 2-4 years
breach of contract	written contract typically 3-6 years (CA 4, TX 4, FL 5); oral 2-4 years
property damage	typically 2-6 years (TX 2, CA 3, FL 4)
refund	written contract / warranty typically 3-6 years; consumer-protection deadlines vary
other	commonly 2-6 years depending on whether the claim is written, oral, or property-based

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

Build my Tennessee small claims pack →

Tennessee small claims FAQ

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

Up to $25,000 in Tennessee small claims court (2026).

What form do you file for small claims in Tennessee?

You file the "Civil Warrant (General Sessions Court)" at the Tennessee General Sessions Court. The filing fee is typically $25-$60.

Do you need a lawyer for small claims in Tennessee?

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

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

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

Small claims guides for other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana

GetSmallClaims is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Court limits, fees, forms, and deadlines change - verify with the Tennessee General Sessions Court before filing.