Illinois handles small claims in the circuit courts, and the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice publishes standardized, statewide forms — so you use the same numbered forms whether you file in Cook County or downstate. A "small claim" is a money claim of $10,000 or less under Supreme Court Rule 281.
The short version: file the Small Claims Complaint (CS-C 702.1) and have the clerk issue a Small Claims Summons (CS-S 705.1) to serve the defendant. You can claim up to $10,000. Download the official forms free at illinoiscourts.gov.
The Illinois Small Claims Forms You Need
Illinois’ standardized forms use CS- prefixes (complaint and summons) and an ATJ prefix for the fee waiver. The main ones:
📄 Small Claims Complaint — CS-C 702.1
The statewide standardized form that opens your case. It identifies the plaintiff and defendant, states the amount you are claiming (up to $10,000), and describes the basis of the claim. This is the one form every Illinois small claims case needs.
📬 Small Claims Summons — CS-S 705.1
The summons the clerk issues to notify the defendant. The Proof of Service and an Affidavit for Service by Certified Mail are built into pages 3–4 of this same form, so it documents service as well.
💵 Application for Waiver of Court Fees (Civil) — ATJ 601.9
The statewide fee-waiver form (branded FW-CIV). If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit this and the court decides whether to waive your court costs.
⚖️ If the defendant responds — Appearance & Answer
The summons directs the defendant to the statewide Appearance and Answer forms. If they do not respond after valid service, you can ask the court for judgment; ask the clerk about your court’s default procedure.
Where to Get Official Illinois Forms
Illinois forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Illinois Courts — standardized small claims forms — illinoiscourts.gov (approved forms)
- Small Claims Complaint (CS-C 702.1) — CS-C 702.1 (official PDF)
- Application for Waiver of Court Fees (ATJ 601.9) — ATJ 601.9 fee waiver
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the small claims / court clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Illinois Small Claims Limits & Fees
| Item | Amount / rule |
|---|---|
| Claim limit | $10,000 (exclusive of interest & costs) — Rule 281 |
| Complaint form | CS-C 702.1 |
| Summons (with proof of service) | CS-S 705.1 |
| Fee waiver | ATJ 601.9 (Application for Waiver of Court Fees) |
| Filing fee | Varies by county |
The $10,000 limit comes from Illinois Supreme Court Rule 281. Filing fees are set by each county and vary widely across the state — confirm the exact fee with your circuit clerk. In Cook County, the Pro Se Small Claims branch handles claims up to $3,000; larger claims are filed in the regular small claims division.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Illinois small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.