- Claim limit
- $10,000
- Court
- Circuit Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 30 days
What each Illinois court charges to file
Source: Each county clerk's published fee schedule
| Your claim | You pay |
|---|---|
| Cook County | $287–$379 |
Fees change. Confirm the current amount with your clerk before you file — each county page carries that court’s own tier table and phone number.
The costs that are not the filing fee
The counter fee is the first charge, not the only one:
- Service of each defendant, charged by the sheriff or process server.
- Issuing the summons, where the court charges for it separately.
- A card surcharge, where the clerk takes payment by card.
- Re-filing, if the first attempt is rejected — the fee is charged again.
Court costs are normally included in the judgment you ask for, so they are recoverable if you win and you can collect.
A fee waiver exists for filers below an income threshold. Ask your clerk for the application; we cannot tell you whether you qualify.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file small claims in Illinois?
$287–$379 across the Illinois counties we cover, depending on the county and how much you are suing for, plus service.
Why does the fee differ by county in Illinois?
Filing fees are charged by the clerk of court, and the schedule — including how it steps up with the size of the claim — is set locally.
Do I get the Illinois filing fee back if I win?
Court costs are normally included in the judgment you ask for. Actually getting them back still depends on collecting from the defendant.
What if I cannot afford the fee?
Courts have a fee-waiver application for filers below an income threshold. Ask the clerk for the form.
Pick your county for its exact fee schedule
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.