The rule in Idaho
The small claims limit in Idaho is $15,000. The rule is Idaho Code § 1-2301; the Idaho Legislature, Idaho Code § 1-2301 puts it this way: “where the amount of each claim does not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000)”. The court that hears these cases: Magistrate division small claims department.
Among the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure on this site, Idaho ranks 7th from the top. That is $5,000 above the median of $10,000. It is 6 times Kentucky's $2,500 floor and 60% of the $25,000 top figure. Georgia and North Dakota use the same $15,000 figure.
Next door, Montana allows $7,000, Nevada allows $10,000, Oregon allows $10,000, Utah allows $20,000, Washington allows $10,000 and Wyoming allows $6,000. A claim of $15,000 that fits in Idaho would be $9,000 over the line in Wyoming. Utah goes $5,000 further, so a dispute worth $20,000 could stay in small claims there but not in Idaho.
Worked check against the $15,000 figure: a $7,500 claim uses 50% of the limit and leaves $7,500 of room; a claim of exactly $15,000 still fits, because the rule caps the amount rather than excluding it; a claim of $15,001 is $1 over.
The source checked for Idaho does not publish a statewide filing fee, so this page shows none; the clerk of the court where the case is filed posts the current amount.
The section was last amended in 2026 (chapter 196). It also bars awards of punitive damages and of damages for pain and suffering.
Deposit disputes are a common small claims case. Idaho sets no cap on deposits (deposit rules), so a deposit larger than $15,000 could not be claimed in full in small claims; the landlord's return deadline there is 21 days.
Source: Idaho Legislature, Idaho Code § 1-2301 · Idaho Code § 1-2301 · last checked October 20, 2026.
Where the case goes
A claim within the limit is filed with the Magistrate division small claims department. The linked source is the place to confirm forms, the filing fee and where to file before starting; the guides on filing a small claims case and serving the papers explain the usual steps in general terms.
Questions
What is the small claims limit in Idaho?
$15,000, under Idaho Code § 1-2301. Checked October 20, 2026.
Do interest and costs count toward the Idaho limit?
The wording quoted from the source (“where the amount of each claim does not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000)”) does not address it; the court clerk can say how the court counts them.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Idaho?
The source checked does not publish a statewide fee; the clerk of the court where the case is filed posts it.