Court Filing Fee Calculator
Court filing fees are mandatory government charges paid when initiating or responding to court proceedings. This calculator estimates filing fees for common US federal court filings based on the Judicial Conference fee schedule (effective 2024). For state court fees, it shows common typical ranges, as these vary by jurisdiction. Always verify fees directly with the specific court before filing, as fees change periodically and may differ by court district or county.
Federal fees per Judicial Conference schedule (2024). State court fees are typical ranges only. Verify all fees with the specific court before filing.
Federal court fee schedule (2024)
Federal civil case filing fee: $405 (including $55 admin fee)
Federal appeal (notice of appeal): $605
Bankruptcy Chapter 7: $338
Bankruptcy Chapter 11: $1,738
Bankruptcy Chapter 13: $313
Certified copy: $11.00 base + $0.50 per page
Source: 28 U.S.C. 1914, 1930; Judicial Conference fee schedule
State court filing fees vary widely. Small claims courts typically charge $30 to $75; general civil courts typically charge $150 to $500 for initial filings. Some states charge fees based on the amount in controversy. Check your state court's official website for the current schedule.
Common court fees to budget for
- Initial complaint or petition filing fee (the largest single fee).
- Service of process fees (typically paid to the US Marshal or a private process server).
- Motion filing fees (federal courts: often $50 to $200 per motion).
- Jury demand fees (some courts charge for requesting a jury trial).
- Certified copy fees for obtaining certified documents for enforcement.
- Notice of appeal fees when appealing a lower court decision.
Court filing fee calculator: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file a civil lawsuit in federal court?
As of 2024, filing a civil case in a US District Court costs $405 (the filing fee is $350 plus a $55 administrative fee). Filing a notice of appeal from a district court costs $605. These fees are set by 28 U.S.C. 1914 and the Judicial Conference fee schedule. Indigent parties may apply for a fee waiver (in forma pauperis) under 28 U.S.C. 1915.
How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy filing fees (2024): Chapter 7 is $338; Chapter 11 is $1,738; Chapter 12 is $278; Chapter 13 is $313. These fees are set by 28 U.S.C. 1930. Applicants who cannot afford the fee may apply for a waiver or to pay in installments.
Do state courts charge filing fees?
Yes. Every state has its own court fee schedule. Fees vary widely by court level and case type. For example, small claims courts typically charge $30 to $75 for claims under $5,000; superior court civil filings often cost $200 to $500 or more. Always check the specific court's fee schedule before filing.
What is a fee waiver?
A fee waiver (also called in forma pauperis or IFP) allows indigent litigants to file court documents without paying fees. In federal court, the standard is set by 28 U.S.C. 1915: the applicant must demonstrate inability to pay. State courts have their own waiver standards. Fee waivers must be applied for and approved by the court.
Are there additional fees beyond the initial filing fee?
Yes. Courts charge fees for many actions: filing a notice of appeal, service of process, obtaining certified copies of documents, recording judgments, and requesting jury trials. Some courts also charge fees for filing motions or scheduling hearings. The complete fee schedule for each court is published on the court's official website.
Official sources
- U.S. Courts, District Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule: District Court Fee Schedule.
- 28 U.S.C. 1914 (District Court fees): 28 U.S.C. 1914.
- 28 U.S.C. 1930 (Bankruptcy fees): 28 U.S.C. 1930.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.