Wyoming Small Claims Court Guide

Wyoming Quick Facts

How to File in Wyoming Circuit Court

Wyoming handles small claims through its Circuit Court system under Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-201. The $6,000 limit is lower than most states, which can be a constraint for larger deposit disputes. Wyoming has no cap on security deposits, so landlords can charge whatever they want. The return deadline is where things get interesting: landlords have 30 days after the lease ends OR 15 days after receiving your forwarding address, whichever is later. If you claim damages beyond the deposit, an additional 30 days may apply. This means providing your forwarding address in writing is critical to starting the clock.

1. Document and send your forwarding addressBefore anything else, make sure you've sent your forwarding address to your landlord in writing (certified mail is best). In Wyoming, the deposit return deadline doesn't fully start until the landlord has your new address. Keep proof of when you sent it — this date is critical to your case.
2. Gather your evidenceCollect your lease, move-in/move-out photos, all correspondence, your demand letter with certified mail receipt, and receipts for any cleaning or repairs. Include proof of when you provided your forwarding address, as this determines the deadline.
3. File at the Circuit CourtVisit the Circuit Court clerk in the county where the rental property is located or where the landlord resides. Wyoming does not currently offer online filing for small claims, so plan to file in person.
4. Pay the filing fee & serve the defendantPay the filing fee ($20 for claims up to $2,000, $35 up to $4,000, or $50 over $4,000). Service is typically done by the sheriff or by certified mail. Wyoming's low filing fees make it affordable to pursue even smaller deposit claims.
5. Present your case at the hearingCircuit Court small claims hearings are informal. Bring organized evidence and walk the judge through the timeline. Emphasize when you provided your forwarding address, when the deadline expired, and what the landlord did or didn't do. Wyoming allows recovery of the full deposit plus court costs.

Wyoming Filing Fees

Wyoming has some of the lowest filing fees in the country with a three-tier structure. Claims up to $2,000 cost just $20. Claims between $2,000 and $4,000 cost $35. Claims over $4,000 (up to the $6,000 limit) cost $50. Service costs vary — sheriff service or certified mail typically adds $15–$30.

Fee waivers may be available for those who demonstrate financial hardship. Ask the clerk about the process. If you win, the court can order the landlord to reimburse your filing fees and court costs as part of the judgment.

What You Can Sue For

• Security deposits — Landlord failed to return your deposit within the required timeframe or made improper deductions under Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208 (full deposit + court costs)
• Property damage — Someone damaged your vehicle, personal belongings, or other property up to $6,000
• Breach of contract — A party failed to honor a written or oral agreement for goods, services, or payments
• Unpaid debts — Money owed for services rendered, personal loans, or other obligations up to the $6,000 limit

Frequently Asked Questions