Short answer. In Illinois, small claims (Small claims, circuit court) cover claims up to $10,000. Where to file: Generally the county where the defendant lives or where the events happened. Illinois's filing fee wasn't on the official page we checked; ask the clerk.
Can I file my claim in Illinois small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Illinois limit of $10,000.
Illinois small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $10,000. $10,000 or less.
- Court
- Small claims, circuit court
- Who can file
- Anyone 18 or older, with or without a lawyer; a person under 18 must have a lawyer. A corporation must be represented by a lawyer.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Generally the county where the defendant lives or where the events happened. A business may be sued in any county where it does business or has an office.
- Serving the other side
- The circuit clerk by certified mail (lowest cost), the sheriff, or a special process server appointed by the court.
- Appeal
- Within 30 days after losing, file a motion asking the judge to reconsider, or an appeal to a higher court.
Filing and service fees are set by each county's circuit clerk and weren't listed on the statewide pages checked. A fee waiver application is available.
Not confirmed for Illinois: filing fees. The official Illinois page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Illinois, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Illinois limit is $10,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtGenerally the county where the defendant lives or where the events happened. A business may be sued in any county where it does business or has an office.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeFiling and service fees are set by each county's circuit clerk and weren't listed on the statewide pages checked. A fee waiver application is available. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedThe circuit clerk by certified mail (lowest cost), the sheriff, or a special process server appointed by the court.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionWithin 30 days after losing, file a motion asking the judge to reconsider, or an appeal to a higher court.
Official Illinois links
- Illinois small claims self-help page
- Illinois online filing
- Illinois Supreme Court Library: Small Claims research guide
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Illinois pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Illinois small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Illinois?
$10,000. $10,000 or less.
Can a lawyer represent me in Illinois small claims?
Allowed in Illinois, per the official page. Anyone 18 or older, with or without a lawyer; a person under 18 must have a lawyer. A corporation must be represented by a lawyer.
Where do I file a small claim in Illinois?
Generally the county where the defendant lives or where the events happened. A business may be sued in any county where it does business or has an office.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Illinois?
Within 30 days after losing, file a motion asking the judge to reconsider, or an appeal to a higher court.
How is the other side served in a Illinois small claims case?
The circuit clerk by certified mail (lowest cost), the sheriff, or a special process server appointed by the court.
Can I file a Illinois small claim online?
The official link for online filing in Illinois is https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm. Check whether it covers your court and your type of case.
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · Idaho small claims · Indiana small claims