Updated May 2026 Illinois

Illinois Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the Small Claims Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$56–$254

Filing Fee Range

$10,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator

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Illinois Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Illinois, filing fees are $56–$254 depending on the amount of your claim.

Illinois offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $5 applies.

Illinois small claims are filed in Circuit Court. Cook County fees tend to be higher; downstate may be lower.

Tip

Chicago-area courts may have higher filing fees. Check your specific county.

You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Illinois courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Illinois official court website ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Illinois?

The small claims filing fee in Illinois is $56–$254. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in Illinois?

The fee to start a small claims case in Illinois is $56–$254. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in Illinois?

Yes — Illinois offers e-filing for small claims. An e-filing fee of $5 typically applies in addition to the standard filing fee.

How do I waive the filing fee in Illinois small claims?

If you cannot afford the $56–$254 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Illinois courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Illinois small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Illinois?

Small claims cases in Illinois are handled by the Small Claims Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.