- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- Circuit Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 30 days
Common questions
Who can I sue in small claims court in Illinois?
An individual or a business, as long as your claim is within the $10,000 limit. You must name and serve the correct legal person or entity.
How much can I sue for in Illinois?
Up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Over that, you can waive the excess and still use small claims.
Do I need a lawyer to sue in Illinois small claims?
No — small claims is designed for self-representation.
What are the steps to sue someone in Illinois?
Send a demand, file your county's claim form in Circuit Court, pay the fee, and serve the defendant. We prepare the demand and the filing from the same facts.
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.
Pick the county where you'll sue
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 claimYour 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.