Imperial County Small Claims Court

Court Information

Court name

Superior Court of California, County of Imperial — Small Claims Division (El Centro Courthouse)

Address

939 West Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243

Phone

(760) 482-2238

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm

Official website

https://www.imperial.courts.ca.gov/general-information/locations-and-contact-info

Typical hearing wait

8 weeks

Filing Fees

Max claim: $12,500 · Required forms: SC-100, SC-104

Claim amount	Filing fee
$1 – $1,500	$30
$1,501 – $5,000	$50
$5,001 – $12,500	$75

Fee waiver available if you qualify (form FW-001).

How to File

File your small claims case at the Imperial County Superior Court clerk's office, El Centro Courthouse, 939 West Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243 — this is the only courthouse in Imperial County that handles small claims matters. Small claims is a mandatory e-filing case type under Local Rule 2.18, but self-represented parties are exempt (though encouraged to file electronically through one of the court's approved Electronic Filing Service Providers). Bring a completed Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100) and the filing fee, or a Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001) if you cannot afford it.

Serving the Defendant

Serve the defendant with your claim at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant lives outside Imperial County). Service may be made personally, by substituted service, or by certified mail. File your Proof of Service (SC-104) with the Imperial County Superior Court before your hearing.

Allowed methods: Personal service, Substituted service, Certified mail
Deadline: Serve at least 15 days before the hearing date.

Hearing Tips

Small claims hearings are eligible for remote appearance by phone or video through Microsoft Teams; register well in advance of your hearing online or by calling (760) 482-2273, and a remote-appearance fee may apply unless you have a fee waiver.
If you do not receive written confirmation from the court before your hearing date, you must plan to appear in person.
Call the Small Claims Info line at (760) 482-2238 with case-specific filing or hearing questions.
Self-represented parties are not required to e-file, but the court encourages filing electronically through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP).

✓ Interpreters available ✓ Phone appearance allowed

Know Your Rights Under California Law

California Civil Code § 1950.5 requires landlords to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to your deposit back plus up to 2× the deposit amount in statutory damages.

Read the full California Security Deposit Law guide →

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