- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- Circuit Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 30 days
Serving the defendant
The plaintiff chooses the method. At the plaintiff's request the circuit clerk will serve the summons and complaint by certified or registered mail in lieu of personal service (Rule 284); otherwise the plaintiff arranges service by the county sheriff or a court-appointed special process server.
- County sheriff — personal service
- Court-appointed special process server — personal service
- Clerk-sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, restricted delivery to a natural person (Rule 284) — $2 per defendant plus the cost of mailing, paid to the clerk
Certified- or registered-mail service is not proved unless the return receipt shows delivery at least 21 days before the appearance date and restricted-delivery requirements are met; if it fails, the plaintiff must re-serve by sheriff or special process server.
Find your county court
Small claims is filed at the county level. Pick your county for its court, fee, and forms — or start your claim and we'll ask where you'd sue.
Start my claimCommon questions
How much can I sue for in small claims court in Illinois?
Up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.
What court hears small claims in Illinois?
Circuit Court. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
Who can file a small claims case in Illinois?
Any individual 18 years or older (a person under 18 must be represented by a lawyer); A corporation as claimant, assignee, subrogee, or counterclaimant ONLY if represented by counsel (Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282(b)); A corporation defending as defendant may appear through an officer, director, manager, department manager, or supervisor without an attorney (Rule 282(b)).
Can I file small claims online in Illinois?
Illinois offers statewide e-filing through eFileIL (Odyssey eFileIL / Tyler Technologies). Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.
How long do I have to appeal in Illinois?
Generally 30 days from the judgment. Confirm the exact window for your court.
Your small claims filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Your court's own forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- A filing checklist with your court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your hearing
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-20 · Sourced from Illinois judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and Ill. S. Ct. Rules 281-289 (Small Claims). See how we verify.