How to make a small claims application

Before you start

It’s best to try to resolve the issue with the person or business before making a small claims application. You can do this by phone, email or in person.

If that doesn’t work, send them a short complaint in writing. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) guide explains how to do this.

• Keep copies of any letters or emails you send and any replies you receive.
• If there’s still no solution, tell them in writing (letter or email) that you plan to make a small claims application.
• You are the claimant (the person making the claim). The other party is the respondent (the person or business you are claiming against).
• Check your consumer rights before you apply.

Find where to make your small claims application

To apply for a small claim, you’ll need to know which court office handles your application. This depends on where the respondent is based, or where the issue took place.

Decide where to make your claim

You can usually make your claim in the District Court area where:

• The respondent (person or business you’re claiming against) lives or has their registered business address
• The contract or purchase took place
• The damage or issue happened

If you bought something online, use the seller’s registered business address to decide where to apply.

Find your District Court area and number

When completing your application, you’ll need to enter the correct District Court area and court number. You can find this using the court area map:

1. Open the District Court map
2. In the map menu, switch on the layers called:
   • District Court Districts
   • District Court Areas
3. Use the search bar (top right corner) to enter the Eircode or address of the person or business you’re claiming against
4. Click the black dot that appears on the map
5. Use the navigation arrows (bottom left) to see the relevant court office, area and District Court number. This will show in the left panel.

Once you have this information, you’re ready to start your application.

Preparing to make your small claims application

Before you begin your small claims application, gather all the details you’ll need. Having the correct information will help avoid delays or rejected applications.

1. Your personal details

As the person making the claim (the claimant), you’ll need to provide:

• Your full name
• Your home address
• Your email address and phone number

2. Details of the person or business you’re claiming against

It’s essential to include the correct legal name and contact details. If these are wrong, your claim could be rejected or unenforceable.

• If claiming against a sole trader: include their name and registered business address (this may be their home address)
• If claiming against a company:
  • Include the company’s full legal name and trading name
  • Include their business address
  • Include their Company Registration Office (CRO) number
  • You can find this information by calling 01 804 5200 or searching the CRO website
• If claiming against an individual: include their full name, home address and contact details

Note: Both you and the person/business you are claiming against must be based in the Republic of Ireland.

3. What happened and why you’re claiming

You’ll need to explain the background to your claim. Include:

• What happened and when
• Details of any faulty goods or poor service
• Information about any damage or loss
• Copies of any messages or emails between you and the respondent
• Evidence such as receipts, repair quotes or photos

4. How much you’re claiming for

State the total amount you’re claiming and explain how you calculated it. Include evidence such as receipts or quotes to support your claim.

Important limits to remember:

• You can only claim for the cost of the goods, service, damage or deposit
• You cannot claim for time spent, distress or your €25 application fee
• Your total claim must be €2,000 or less

Completing your small claims application

You can apply for a small claim in two ways:

• Online – using the Courts Service Online (CSOL) platform
• In person or by post – through your local court office

Note: Your full application and any supporting documents will be shared with the person or business you are claiming against (the respondent).

Option 1 – Apply and pay online

To apply online:

1. Go to CSOL.ie
2. Create an account using your email address
3. Select Public Registered User as the account type
4. Fill in your personal details and set a username and password
5. Once registered, log in and begin your application

After you submit your application:

• The small claims registrar will review it
• If it’s approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to pay the €25 fee online by card
• If it’s rejected, you’ll get an email explaining why and what you can do next

Option 2 – Apply and pay through the court office

You can complete a paper application form in one of the following ways:

• Download the form from the Small Claims forms page
• Request the form by post from your local court office
• Visit your local court office and fill it out with their help

Submitting your form by post

• Post your completed form to the relevant court office
• Include the €25 fee by postal order, bank draft or cheque
• If approved, the court will notify you by post and send the claim to the respondent
• If rejected, you’ll get your form and fee returned with written feedback from the registrar

Submitting your form in person

• Bring your completed form to your local court office
• The small claims registrar will review it at the counter
• If approved, you can pay the €25 fee using cash or card
• If rejected, the registrar will explain what to do next

What happens when your application is approved

Once the small claims registrar approves your application and the €25 fee has been paid, they will send a copy of your claim to the respondent by registered post. This process is called service.

You will get a notification when your claim has been posted. The respondent must sign for the delivery for it to be officially served.

If the respondent does not sign for the claim

If the claim is returned to the court office without a signature, the registrar will contact you to discuss next steps. You may need to provide updated address details or try a different service method.

Once the respondent receives the claim

The respondent has 15 calendar days from the date of service to respond. After that, your case can move forward based on their reply — or lack of response.

What can happen next

After your claim is served, one of the following will happen:

• The respondent accepts liability – they agree to your claim
• The respondent disputes the claim – they disagree and submit a defence
• The respondent makes a counterclaim – they disagree and make a claim back against you
• No response – they do not reply within 15 days

How the respondent can reply

When your small claims application is approved and the fee is paid, it will be sent to the respondent by registered post. This is known as service. The respondent must sign for the claim for it to be successfully served.

Once the respondent has received the claim, they have 15 calendar days to respond. There are four possible outcomes:

• If the respondent accepts liability
• If the respondent disputes your claim
• If the respondent makes a counterclaim
• If there is no response

If the respondent accepts liability

If the respondent accepts or agrees with your claim, they must fill out a Notice of Acceptance of Liability form. This will be returned to the small claims registrar, who will then send it to you.

There are three possible outcomes:

• They pay the full amount
• They pay in instalments
• They offer a repair or replacement of the good or service

The registrar will let you know what has been proposed and ask if you agree.

The respondent can pay by:

• Cheque (sent to the small claims office, then forwarded to you)
• Direct payment to your card
• Bank transfer (if they have your details)

If you receive payment or a replacement directly, contact the small claims registrar to confirm.

Once full payment is made or the issue is resolved, your case will be closed.

If the respondent disputes your claim

If the respondent does not agree with all or part of your claim, they must complete a Notice of Dispute form and return it to the small claims registrar.

You will receive a copy and be asked for your response. If you do not agree with their dispute, let the registrar know in writing (by letter or email).

The registrar will then attempt to settle the matter between both parties without going to court.

Outcome 1: The claim is settled

Settlement options may include:

• Full or partial payment
• Instalments
• Repair or replacement

If both parties agree and the outcome is fulfilled, the case will be marked as settled and closed.

Outcome 2: The claim goes to court

If a settlement can’t be reached, the case will be listed for a hearing in the District Civil Court.

You’ll receive a Notice of Hearing with the date, time and venue. The judge cannot award costs or witness expenses in small claims cases.

To prepare for the hearing, see our Preparing for Civil Court page.

If the respondent makes a counterclaim

If the respondent disagrees with your claim and also makes a claim against you, this is called a counterclaim.

They will include the details in the Notice of Dispute, and the registrar will send this to you for your response. You should reply in writing (by letter or email).

The registrar will again try to settle the matter without a court hearing.

Outcome 1: The claim is settled

Settlement options may include:

• Payment
• Instalments
• Repair or replacement

If resolved, the case is marked as settled and closed.

Outcome 2: The claim goes to court

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to court, as above.

You’ll receive a Notice of Hearing with the date, time and venue. The judge cannot award costs or witness expenses in small claims cases.

To prepare for the hearing, see our Preparing for Civil Court page.

If there is no response

If the respondent receives your claim but does not respond within 15 calendar days, you may apply for summary judgment (a judgment in your favour without a hearing).

Contact the small claims registrar to confirm that the claim was signed for.

Step 1: Complete an affidavit of debt

The registrar will send you an Affidavit of Debt form. You must sign and swear it, confirming the respondent hasn’t replied or paid.

You can do this by:

• Visiting the relevant court office
• Visiting another court office and posting the form to the relevant one
• Visiting a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths (a fee may apply)

You must return the sworn Affidavit of Debt within 30 calendar days. If you do this at the court office, there is no fee.

Step 2: After the affidavit is filed

The registrar will notify the respondent that judgment has been granted. They will have 14 calendar days to pay or appeal.

If there is still no response after 21 calendar days, the registrar will issue a D