Yes! You can use AI to fill out Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100)
Form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, is a mandatory Judicial Council of California form that initiates a small claims court case, allowing individuals to sue for up to $12,500 and businesses or public entities to sue for up to $6,250. The form captures essential information about the plaintiff, defendant, the nature of the claim, the amount owed, and the legal basis for filing in a particular courthouse. It also serves as the official court order notifying the defendant of the trial date and their obligation to appear. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
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Form specifications
| Form name: | Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100) |
| Number of pages: | 6 |
| Language: | English |
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How to Fill Out SC-100 Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a SC-100 form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your SC-100 form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your SC-100 form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Navigate to Instafill.ai and search for or upload Form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, to begin filling it out online.
- 2 Enter the court information, including the California county, Superior Court name and address, and leave the case number and trial date fields for the clerk to complete upon filing.
- 3 Complete Section 1 with the plaintiff's full name, phone number, street address, mailing address, and email, adding a second plaintiff's details if applicable, and check any relevant status boxes (fictitious name, payday lender, etc.).
- 4 Complete Section 2 with the defendant's full name, phone number, street and mailing addresses, and if the defendant is a corporation or public entity, provide the name and address of the authorized agent for service of process.
- 5 Fill in Section 3 with the total dollar amount claimed, a clear explanation of why the defendant owes the money, the date or time period of the incident, and a detailed calculation of the amount owed.
- 6 Answer questions 4 through 10, including whether you demanded payment, the reason for filing at this courthouse, the zip code of the filing location, whether the claim involves an attorney-client fee dispute or a public entity, and your prior small claims filing history.
- 7 Review all entries for accuracy, then have the plaintiff(s) sign and date the declaration on page 4, print or save the completed form, make the required copies, and submit the original to the court clerk's office along with the filing fee.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Form SC-100
Form SC-100, 'Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court,' is the official California form used to file a lawsuit in small claims court. It is used when you want to sue someone for money or the return of property, and your claim falls within the small claims court dollar limits. The form initiates the legal process and also serves as the court's order requiring both parties to appear at trial.
Individual plaintiffs (natural persons and sole proprietors) can claim up to $12,500. Corporations, partnerships, public entities, and other businesses are limited to claims of $6,250. Additionally, if your claim is for more than $2,500, you may not file more than two such claims in California during the same calendar year.
Yes, you are required to ask the defendant to pay you (or return your property) before filing your claim — this can be done in person, in writing, or by phone. Question 4 on the form asks whether you have done this, and if you answer 'No,' you must explain why not. Skipping this step could affect your case.
Fill out pages 2, 3, and 4 of the form completely, then make copies — one for each defendant and one extra for yourself. Take or mail the original and all copies to the court clerk's office and pay the required filing fee. Some courts also allow electronic filing, so check your local court's website at courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm for details.
You must have someone who is at least 18 years old — and who is not a party to the case — deliver a court-stamped copy of all pages of the form to each defendant. There are special rules for serving public entities, associations, and some businesses, so refer to forms SC-104, SC-104B, and SC-104C for those specific requirements.
You should file at a courthouse that covers the area where the defendant lives or does business, where the plaintiff's property was damaged or injury occurred, or where the relevant contract was made or broken. For consumer contracts, retail installment contracts, or vehicle finance sales, specific rules apply based on where the buyer signed or lives — these are detailed in Question 5 of the form.
Both plaintiffs and defendants should bring all relevant witnesses, receipts, contracts, photos, and any other evidence that supports their case. The judge will hear both sides and may issue a decision at the trial or mail it to you afterward. Being well-prepared with documentation significantly strengthens your case.
If you are the defendant and you fail to appear at the trial, the judge may issue a default judgment against you, granting the plaintiff what they are asking for plus court costs. If this happens, the plaintiff can legally collect the judgment by taking your money, wages, or property.
Defendants can appeal a small claims judgment by filing form SC-140, Notice of Appeal, within 30 days after the clerk hands or mails you the judge's decision. Plaintiffs, however, cannot appeal their own claims. If you were not present at the trial, you can file form SC-135 to ask the judge to cancel the judgment before pursuing an appeal.
If you are suing a public entity, you must first file a written claim directly with that entity before filing in small claims court. On the form, you must indicate the date the claim was filed. You can only proceed with the small claims filing if the public entity denies your claim or fails to respond within the legally allowed time.
If there are more than two plaintiffs or more than one defendant, you must attach form SC-100A to list the additional parties. Check the appropriate box on the form to indicate that SC-100A is attached. Make sure all parties are properly listed to ensure the case is handled correctly.
Yes, AI-powered services like Instafill.ai can help you accurately auto-fill Form SC-100, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors. These tools guide you through each field and ensure the form is completed correctly before submission.
You can visit Instafill.ai, upload Form SC-100, and use the AI-powered tool to fill in all required fields interactively online. The service walks you through each section, auto-fills information where possible, and allows you to save or print the completed form for filing with the court.
If your copy of Form SC-100 is a flat, non-fillable PDF, Instafill.ai can convert it into an interactive fillable form so you can type directly into the fields. This eliminates the need to print and handwrite the form, making the process faster and more accurate.
If you have a disability or hearing impairment, you can request accommodations by filling out form MC-410, Disability Accommodation Request, at least five days before your trial — services like assistive listening systems, real-time captioning, and sign language interpreters are available. If you don't speak English well, contact the court clerk as soon as possible to request a court-provided interpreter using form INT-300.
Compliance SC-100
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Claim Amount Does Not Exceed Small Claims Court Limits
Validates that the monetary amount entered in the Claim Amount field does not exceed the applicable jurisdictional limit: $12,500 for individuals and sole proprietors, or $6,250 for corporations, partnerships, public entities, and other businesses. The system must cross-reference the plaintiff type to apply the correct limit. If the claim amount exceeds the applicable limit, the form cannot be accepted for small claims court filing and the plaintiff must be directed to the appropriate civil court.
2
Claim Amount Greater Than $2,500 Triggers Annual Filing Limit Acknowledgment
Ensures that when the claim amount exceeds $2,500, the plaintiff has checked 'Yes' on Question 10 and thereby acknowledged they have not filed, and may not file, more than two small claims cases for more than $2,500 in California during the current calendar year. This is a statutory restriction under California small claims law designed to prevent abuse of the court system. If the claim exceeds $2,500 but the acknowledgment is not confirmed, the form submission should be flagged as incomplete.
3
First Plaintiff Name and Address Are Required
Validates that the First Plaintiff Name, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code fields are all populated, as these are mandatory fields identifying the party bringing the suit. Without complete plaintiff identification, the court cannot properly serve notices or enter a valid judgment. If any of these required fields are blank, the form must be rejected and the plaintiff prompted to complete all required identifying information.
4
Defendant Name and Address Are Required
Validates that the Defendant Name, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code fields are all populated, as the defendant must be clearly identified for proper service of process and court proceedings. An incomplete defendant address makes it impossible to serve the defendant with the court-stamped copy of the claim as required by law. If any of these fields are missing, the form should be flagged as incomplete before submission.
5
Agent for Service of Process Required for Corporate or Public Entity Defendants
Checks that when the defendant is identified as a corporation, limited liability company, or public entity, the Agent for Service Name and Agent Street Address fields are completed. California law requires that service of process on such entities be made through an authorized agent, and failure to identify this agent can render service invalid. If the defendant appears to be a business entity but no agent information is provided, the form should generate a warning requiring the plaintiff to supply this information.
6
Incident Date or Date Range Is Provided
Validates that either the Incident Date field or both the Incident Start Date and Incident End Date fields are populated in Item 3b, ensuring the court and defendant understand when the alleged harm occurred. A missing date or date range undermines the defendant's ability to prepare a defense and may affect the court's assessment of the statute of limitations. If neither a specific date nor a date range is provided, the form should prompt the plaintiff to supply at least one of these fields.
7
Incident Date Is Not a Future Date
Ensures that the Incident Date, Incident Start Date, and Incident End Date fields do not contain dates that are in the future, as a claim must be based on harm that has already occurred. A future-dated incident would indicate a data entry error or an invalid claim that has not yet materialized. If any incident date is found to be after the current date, the form should display an error prompting the plaintiff to correct the entry.
8
Reason for Claim Field Is Not Empty
Validates that the Reason for Claim field (Item 3a) contains a substantive explanation of why the defendant owes the plaintiff money, and is not left blank or filled with placeholder text. This narrative is essential for the defendant to understand the nature of the claim and prepare a response, and for the court to assess the validity of the claim. If this field is empty, the form must be flagged as incomplete and the plaintiff directed to provide a detailed explanation.
9
Demand for Payment Question Is Answered
Validates that the plaintiff has selected either 'Yes' or 'No' in response to Question 4, which asks whether the plaintiff demanded payment or return of property from the defendant before filing. California small claims rules require that a demand be made prior to filing, and if 'No' is selected, the plaintiff must provide an explanation in the corresponding field. If neither option is selected, or if 'No' is selected but no explanation is provided, the form should be flagged as incomplete.
10
Filing Location Basis Is Selected
Ensures that exactly one of the filing location options (a through e) in Question 5 is selected, establishing the legal basis for filing the claim at the chosen courthouse. Proper venue is a jurisdictional requirement, and filing in the wrong court can result in dismissal of the claim. If no option is selected, or if the 'Other' option (e) is selected without a written explanation, the form should be rejected and the plaintiff prompted to identify the correct venue basis.
11
Public Entity Claim Filing Date Is Provided When Suing a Public Entity
Validates that when 'Yes' is selected for Question 8 (suing a public entity), the Public Entity Claim Filed Date field is populated with a valid past date. California law requires that a written claim be filed with the public entity before a small claims action can be initiated, and the date of that prior filing must be documented. If the 'Yes' box is checked but no claim filing date is provided, the form should be flagged as incomplete and the plaintiff directed to supply the required date.
12
Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Arbitration Form Attached When Required
Checks that when 'Yes' is selected for Question 7 (attorney-client fee dispute) and the plaintiff has undergone arbitration, the arbitration confirmation checkbox is also checked, indicating that form SC-101 has been completed and attached. Failure to attach the required arbitration documentation can result in the claim being dismissed or delayed. If the attorney-client fee dispute is confirmed and arbitration has occurred but the attachment checkbox is not checked, the form should generate a warning requiring the plaintiff to attach form SC-101.
13
First Plaintiff Signature Date Is Present and Valid
Validates that the First Plaintiff Signature Date field is populated with a valid date that is not in the future and is not earlier than a reasonable filing window, ensuring the declaration under penalty of perjury is properly executed. An unsigned or undated declaration renders the form legally deficient and may result in rejection by the court clerk. If the signature date is missing, formatted incorrectly, or is a future date, the form should be flagged and the plaintiff prompted to correct the entry.
14
Second Plaintiff Fields Are Complete If a Second Plaintiff Is Named
Ensures that if any Second Plaintiff fields (name, phone, address) are partially filled in, all required Second Plaintiff fields—including Name, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code—are also completed, and that the Second Plaintiff Signature Date and Printed Name are provided. Partial information for a second plaintiff creates ambiguity about whether a second party is actually a claimant in the case. If some but not all required second plaintiff fields are populated, the form should prompt the user to either complete all required fields or clear the partial entries.
15
More Than Two Plaintiffs Checkbox Requires SC-100A Attachment Acknowledgment
Validates that when the 'More than two plaintiffs' checkbox is selected, the user is clearly notified that form SC-100A must be attached to the submission, and that the submission workflow enforces or confirms this attachment. Similarly, if the 'More than one defendant' checkbox is selected, the same requirement for SC-100A applies. Failing to attach the required supplemental form when multiple parties are involved results in an incomplete filing that the court clerk cannot process.
16
Phone Number Format Validation for Plaintiffs and Defendant
Validates that all phone number fields—First Plaintiff Phone Number, Second Plaintiff Phone, and Defendant Phone—conform to a standard 10-digit U.S. phone number format (e.g., (XXX) XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX) when populated. Incorrectly formatted phone numbers can prevent the court or parties from making necessary contact regarding the case. If a phone number is entered but does not match an acceptable format, the form should display an inline error prompting the user to correct the entry before submission.
Common Mistakes in Completing SC-100
Many plaintiffs attempt to file claims exceeding the legal limits: $12,500 for individuals/sole proprietors and $6,250 for corporations, partnerships, and public entities. This happens because people are unaware of the different caps that apply based on the type of claimant. Filing an amount over the limit will result in the case being dismissed or transferred to a different court. Always verify the applicable limit for your claimant type before entering the claim amount, and consider whether you are willing to reduce your claim to fit within the small claims limit. Tools like Instafill.ai can help flag when entered amounts exceed applicable thresholds.
A required step before filing a small claims case is asking the defendant to pay (or return property) in person, in writing, or by phone. Many plaintiffs skip this step and check 'No' on Item 4 without providing a valid explanation, which can jeopardize their case. Courts expect plaintiffs to have made a good-faith attempt to resolve the matter before suing. Always make a documented demand for payment first, keep a record of it (such as a written letter or text message), and only then proceed with filing.
Plaintiffs frequently misspell the defendant's name, use a nickname instead of a legal name, or fail to properly identify a business entity (e.g., listing a trade name instead of the registered legal business name). This can result in an unenforceable judgment or difficulty serving the defendant. For businesses, look up the official registered name through the California Secretary of State's website. For corporations or LLCs, also be sure to identify and list the authorized agent for service of process, as required by the form.
When suing a corporation, limited liability company, or public entity, the form requires listing the person or agent authorized for service of process, including their name, job title, and address. Many plaintiffs leave this section blank because they are unaware of this requirement or don't know how to find the information. Failing to provide this information can result in improper service and delays or dismissal of the case. You can find the registered agent's information through the California Secretary of State's business search portal at businesssearch.sos.ca.gov.
Plaintiffs often file their claim at an incorrect courthouse by misunderstanding the venue rules in Item 5. For example, they may file where they live rather than where the defendant lives or does business, or they may not realize that special rules apply for consumer contracts, retail installment contracts, or vehicle finance sales. Filing in the wrong venue can result in the case being dismissed or transferred. Carefully read all sub-options (a through e) in Item 5 and select the one that accurately reflects the legal basis for your chosen courthouse.
The SC-100 form requires additional attachments in several situations: form SC-100A for more than two plaintiffs or defendants, form SC-103 if a plaintiff uses a fictitious business name, form SC-101 for attorney-client fee disputes with prior arbitration, and forms SC-104/SC-104B/SC-104C for serving public entities or businesses. Plaintiffs frequently overlook these requirements, which can result in an incomplete filing that is rejected by the clerk or causes procedural problems later. Review all checkbox items carefully and gather any required supplemental forms before submitting.
Item 3 asks plaintiffs to explain why the defendant owes money, when it happened, and how the amount was calculated. Many plaintiffs write overly brief or vague descriptions such as 'they owe me money' without specifying the underlying event, contract, or damage. A weak explanation makes it harder for the judge to understand the case and may weaken the plaintiff's position. Provide a clear, factual narrative including the nature of the dispute (e.g., unpaid loan, property damage, breach of contract), specific dates, and a detailed breakdown of how the dollar amount was calculated—excluding court costs and service fees.
Item 10 requires plaintiffs to confirm they have not already filed more than two small claims cases for over $2,500 in the current calendar year. Many plaintiffs are unaware of this restriction and inadvertently file a third such case, which is not permitted under California law. Violating this rule can result in the case being dismissed. Before filing, review your filing history for the current calendar year and ensure you are within the allowed limit. If you have already filed two cases over $2,500 this year, you may need to wait until the next calendar year or pursue the claim in a different court.
When suing a government agency or public entity (Item 8), California law requires the plaintiff to first file a formal written claim with that entity and wait for a denial or the expiration of the response period before filing in small claims court. Many plaintiffs skip this prerequisite step and file directly in court, which will result in dismissal of the case. If you are suing a public entity, file your government tort claim first, record the date it was filed, and only proceed with the SC-100 after the entity denies the claim or the statutory waiting period has passed.
After filing, the plaintiff must have someone who is at least 18 years old—and not a party to the case—serve a court-stamped copy of all form pages on each defendant. Many plaintiffs either serve the defendant themselves (which is not allowed), use someone under 18, or fail to follow the special service rules for businesses, associations, or public entities as outlined in forms SC-104, SC-104B, and SC-104C. Improper service can result in the case being postponed or dismissed. Identify a qualified server in advance and review the applicable service rules for the type of defendant you are suing.
Item 11 states that by filing in small claims court, the plaintiff gives up the right to appeal the claim. Many plaintiffs sign without fully understanding this consequence, assuming they can appeal if they lose, just as defendants can. This is a critical distinction: defendants may appeal a small claims judgment, but plaintiffs cannot appeal their own claims. If your case involves a complex legal issue or a significant amount of money where an appeal might be important, consider whether small claims court is the right venue before signing and submitting the form.
Plaintiffs frequently enter incomplete addresses (missing zip codes, city, or state), use P.O. boxes as street addresses, or confuse the mailing address with the physical street address fields. Incorrect address information can cause problems with court correspondence, service of process, and enforcement of any judgment. Double-check that all address fields are fully completed, that street addresses and mailing addresses are entered in their correct respective fields, and that the defendant's address is accurate and current. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help validate address formats and flag missing fields before submission.
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