Want them filled in for you? Answer a few plain-English questions and get your completed Illinois small claims forms plus a judge script, ready to review and file.
Get My Illinois Forms — $19Illinois 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 | Ask the clerk of court. Fees change and vary by claim size, and we publish a figure only where we have verified it against the court’s own schedule. |
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.
Illinois Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in Illinois?
Illinois publishes statewide standardized forms: the Small Claims Complaint (CS-C 702.1) opens the case, the Summons (CS-S 705.1) brings the defendant in, and the Application for Waiver of Court Fees (ATJ 601.9) covers you if you can't afford the fee. Download the current versions free from the Illinois Courts standardized-forms page.
❓ How much can you sue for in Illinois small claims court?
In Illinois you can claim up to $10,000. If your claim is larger, you can reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file it as a regular civil case.
❓ Does Illinois use a "statement of claim" form?
No — Illinois calls it the Small Claims Complaint (form CS-C 702.1). If you've seen "statement of claim" in guides from other states, the complaint is the Illinois equivalent.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in Illinois?
No — the procedure is simplified for self-representation. One caveat: if you're filing on behalf of a corporation or LLC, check the Illinois rules on who may appear for a business entity before you file.
Generate Your Illinois Small Claims Forms
Answer some plain-English prompts and SmallClaimsHelper builds your completed claim and courtroom judge script for Illinois, ready to review and file for $19.
Start My Claim — $19Consider this background, not legal advice. Illinois small claims forms, fees, and limits are updated periodically and can differ by county, so always use the official current forms and check with your court before you file.
Before you file, run the numbers. Now that you know the Illinois limit, three free tools answer the questions that come next: is the claim still in time (statute of limitations checker), is suing worth it once you count the fee and your time (worth-it calculator), and what will the whole thing cost (cost-to-sue estimator)? Many disputes settle before any of this, once the other side gets a written demand letter.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get official Illinois small claims forms free?
Download them free from the Illinois Courts standardized forms suites at illinoiscourts.gov. That includes the CS-C 702.1 complaint, the CS-S 705.1 summons, and the ATJ 601.9 Application for Waiver of Court Fees.
How do I serve the defendant in an Illinois small claims case?
The clerk issues a Small Claims Summons, form CS-S 705.1. It includes a Proof of Service and an Affidavit for Service by Certified Mail on pages 3–4, so the same form is used to document how the defendant was served.
How much can you sue for in Illinois small claims court?
Up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs, under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 281. Note that in Cook County the Pro Se Small Claims branch handles claims up to $3,000; larger claims (up to $10,000) go to the regular small claims division.
What form do I file for small claims in Illinois?
You file the statewide Small Claims Complaint, form CS-C 702.1, approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. It names the parties, the amount you are claiming (up to $10,000), and the basis of your claim, and it works in every Illinois circuit court.