Washington · Unpaid personal loan

Unpaid personal loan in Washington small claims

Friend or family owes you money? Recover it in small claims.

Lending money to a friend or family member without repayment can lead to a small claims case. You do not need a formal promissory note to sue, but having written evidence of the loan — even text messages or emails confirming the amount and a promise to repay — dramatically strengthens your case. The key elements are proving the loan was made, the amount, and that repayment was due.

In Washington, small-claims cases are heard in the District Court (Small Claims Department) and you can sue for up to $10,000 (for an individual; $5,000 for businesses and other entities).

Good to know: Small claims in Washington are heard in the small claims department of the county District Court (a court of limited jurisdiction). The case is generally filed in the district court of the county where the defendant resides; exceptions are in RCW 3.66.040. The State of Washington may not be sued in small claims, and attorneys and paralegals cannot appear or participate unless the judge grants permission.

Unpaid personal loan: steps that matter

1. Gather all evidence of the loan: bank transfers, cash-withdrawal records, texts, emails, or any written note agreeing to repay.
2. Calculate the amount owed including any agreed interest, and confirm when repayment was supposed to occur.
3. Send a written demand for repayment with a clear deadline and keep proof you sent it.
4. Confirm you are within the statute of limitations below before filing — the clock may have started from the repayment due date.
5. File in the court where the defendant lives or where the loan was agreed to.

Filing your Notice of Small Claim in Washington

1. Prepare the Notice of Small Claim. Complete the Notice of Small Claim form provided by the district court clerk. It must include the plaintiff's name and address; a sworn statement briefly describing the claim, the amount, and when it occurred; a statement requiring the defendant to appear in person; and notice that failure to appear may result in a judgment for the amount requested.
2. File with the district court clerk and sign before the clerk. File in the district court of the county where the defendant resides (see RCW 3.66.040 for exceptions). The plaintiff must sign the Notice in the presence of the clerk unless the court instructs otherwise. The clerk enters a hearing/trial/response date on the form.
3. Pay the filing fee. Pay the clerk a filing fee at the time of filing: $35 or $50 depending on whether the county supports a dispute resolution center. Service/mailing costs are additional and may be recoverable if you win.
4. Serve the defendant. After filing, have the Notice served on the defendant by someone who is not the plaintiff, either by personal service (by a non-party over 18 competent to be a witness, or the sheriff/deputy) or by registered/certified mail with a signed return receipt filed with the court. The defendant must be served at least ten calendar days before the scheduled hearing.
5. Prepare for and attend the hearing. Gather all documents, photos, receipts, estimates, and records, and appear at the assigned courtroom on the hearing date. Some courts require mediation first. The judge hears both sides informally and normally announces the decision and enters judgment at the hearing.

Filing fees: Filing and service fees are set locally and vary; confirm the current amount with the court. A fee waiver is available if you cannot afford the costs.

Deadline that applies to your unpaid personal loan

A personal loan is a contract or debt claim — you lent money on a promise to repay. If you have a written loan agreement, the written-contract statute of limitations typically applies. If the loan was only a verbal agreement, the oral-contract or debt period usually governs. The limitations clock generally starts from the date repayment was due or the last payment made.

Written contract: 6 years (RCW 4.16.040(1))

Answering a lawsuit: Washington small claims has no traditional written-answer deadline. Instead of filing an answer, the defendant must appear in person at the hearing set by the court, and must be served the Notice of Small Claim at least ten calendar days before the scheduled hearing. A defendant who wishes to file a counterclaim does so by paying a fee, filing it with the court, and serving the plaintiff.

Serving the defendant: After filing, the Notice of Small Claim must be served on the defendant by someone who is not the plaintiff, either by personal service or by mail. Personal service may be made only by (1) a non-party over age 18 competent to be a witness, or (2) the sheriff or a deputy of the county where the court is located, using the methods in RCW 4.28.080. Alternatively it may be sent by registered or certified mail, with a signed return receipt filed with the court. Service must occur at least ten calendar days before the scheduled hearing.

Appeals: Either party may appeal an adverse judgment to the Superior Court, following chapter 12.36 RCW, by taking the required steps within 30 days of entry of judgment (file a written Notice of Appeal with the district court, serve the other parties, pay a $20 transcript fee, deposit the $280 superior court filing fee plus a $40 appeal preparation processing fee, and post a bond equal to twice the judgment/amount in controversy). No appeal is allowed if the original amount sued for was less than $250; a party who brought a claim or counterclaim may appeal only if the amount originally sued for exceeded $1,000.

All Washington small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines District Court (Small Claims Department) applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your unpaid personal loan claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Washington small-claims forms for your unpaid personal loan case

These forms are published by the District Court (Small Claims Department). Download and complete them before filing.

• Notice of Small Claim (MISC 05.0100): The statement of claim filed to start a small claims case (plaintiff's initiating document).
• Proof of Service / Certificate of Service (MISC 05.0200): Filed with the court to prove the Notice of Small Claim was served on the defendant.
• Small Claims Judgment (MISC 05.0500): Form recording the court's judgment in a small claims case.
• An Introduction to Small Claims Court (official AOC brochure/guide): Official Administrative Office of the Courts guide explaining who may sue, how to start, fees, service, hearing, and appeals.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Washington Courts - Small Claims Court resources page. Last reviewed 2026-06-23.