Government form, explained · British Columbia
BC's Notice of Claim (Form 1 / SCL001): what it starts, and what it costs
This is SCR Form 1, code SCL001. It starts a small claim in BC Provincial Court, not the Civil Resolution Tribunal, which most people with smaller disputes use instead.
CRT or Provincial Court: the split that matters
Most claims for up to $5,000 go to the Civil Resolution Tribunal, BC's online tribunal for smaller disputes, which uses its own process, not this form. This Notice of Claim starts a Provincial Court small claim in the $5,001 to $35,000 band.
"Most claims" is not "all claims": exceptions exist where the CRT lacks jurisdiction, refuses a claim, or a court orders otherwise. Check which forum applies to your claim before filing either way.
Where to get it, and how to file
Download the current form from gov.bc.ca. File at the registry nearest to where the defendant lives or carries on business, or where the event happened. Registries allow electronic filing of documents (a fee is charged) through Court Services Online.
The filing fee
Filing a notice of claim costs $100 for claims up to and including $3,000, or $156 for claims over $3,000, under Schedule A of the Small Claims Rules (B.C. Reg. 261/93). A further $7 e-filing fee per document package applies if filed electronically through Court Services Online.
BC's own gov.bc.ca guidance pages publish no fee dollar amounts, the fees come from Schedule A of the regulation itself.
Deadlines after filing
Serve the notice of claim promptly: after that time, your notice of claim will expire, one year from when it was filed if it hasn't been served.
The defendant normally has 14 days from the date the notice of claim was served to file the reply. A defendant served outside the province has 30 days instead.
Common mistakes
- ✗Filing this Notice of Claim for a claim of $5,000 or less that should have started at the Civil Resolution Tribunal instead
- ✗Letting the one-year window to serve the notice of claim lapse before serving the defendant
- ✗Missing the $7 e-filing fee when filing electronically through Court Services Online
Common Questions
What is BC's Notice of Claim form?
It's Form 1, code SCL001, the document that starts a small claim in BC Provincial Court. It is not the form for the Civil Resolution Tribunal, which uses its own online process instead of a paper form.
Do I file at the CRT or Provincial Court?
Most claims for up to $5,000 go to the Civil Resolution Tribunal. This Notice of Claim starts a Provincial Court small claim in the $5,001 to $35,000 band instead. Exceptions exist for claims outside the CRT's jurisdiction, refusals, or a court order, which is why the accurate phrase is "most claims," not "every claim, no exceptions."
How much does it cost to file the Notice of Claim?
Filing a notice of claim costs $100 for claims up to and including $3,000, or $156 for claims over $3,000, under Schedule A of the Small Claims Rules. A further $7 e-filing fee per document package applies if filed electronically through Court Services Online.
How long do I have to serve the notice of claim, and how long does the defendant have to reply?
After that time, your notice of claim will expire, one year from filing if it isn't served. The defendant normally has 14 days from the date the notice of claim was served to file the reply; a defendant served outside the province has 30 days.
Filing a claim in BC?
The full guide covers the CRT, Provincial Court, service, hearings, and collecting once you win.
Official sources
- gov.bc.ca: Small claims forms →
- Provincial Court of BC: Small claims →
- B.C. Reg. 261/93, Schedule A (fees) →
Last updated: July 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice, verify current requirements with the court. Full disclaimer.