Small Claims DeskSmall Claims Forms, IL

Illinois · Circuit Court

Illinois Small Claims Forms

Illinois small claims cases are filed in Circuit Court, and each county uses its own current forms. Illinois has approved statewide standardized small claims forms (Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice) that every circuit court is required to accept: the Small Claims Complaint, Small Claims Summons, the 'How to File & Serve a Small Claims Complaint & Summons' guide (SC-I 1802.4), a 'Getting Started' guide, and the Application for Waiver of Court Fees. Fillable PDFs are published at ilcourts.info/forms. This inverts the Florida model, where the approved forms are illustrative and each clerk publishes its own version.

The forms you need

To open a small claims case in Illinois you file the court's claim form and a service/summons form:

Terminology and layout vary by county in Illinois. The blank forms are free; getting the wording right is what keeps your case from being sent back. We supply your county's current forms, completed with your claim.

If your claim is based on a written agreement, a copy generally must be attached.

Get your county's forms

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 claim

Common questions

What forms do I need for small claims in Illinois?

The court's claim form plus a summons/service form, filed in Circuit Court. Some counties add a return-of-service form.

What is the Illinois small claims form called?

It depends on the county and court — often a Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition. We use your court's exact term.

Where do I get Illinois small claims forms?

From the county court that will hear your case. We keep the current version for each supported county.

Your small claims filing packet — $49

Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:

Start my claim

Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.

Related tools

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.