How to File Small Claims in Illinois

Claim limit

$10,000

Court

Circuit Court

File online

Yes (statewide)

Appeal window

30 days

Common questions

Step 1 — Which court do I file in?

Illinois small claims cases go to Circuit Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose. Pick your county below.

Step 2 — What form do I file?

Your county's claim form (Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition). We complete it with your claim in the language the court expects.

Step 3 — What does it cost?

A filing fee set by your county, plus a small service fee. Your county page shows the current amounts.

Step 4 — How is the defendant served?

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.

Step 5 — What happens at the hearing?

Illinois uses a Trial. Bring your documents and be ready to explain what happened. We give you a checklist of what to bring.

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.