How to File a Small Claims Case on eFileIL

Why eFileIL Exists

Electronic filing is mandatory for all civil cases across Illinois circuit courts. The portal at efile.illinoiscourts.gov is how you submit your small claims complaint, pay filing fees, and receive clerk confirmations. Paper filings are only accepted if you qualify for an exemption.

The system runs through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs). You don't file directly with the court — you file through an EFSP, which transmits your documents to the court electronically.

Setting Up Your Account

1. Go to efile.illinoiscourts.gov
2. Choose an EFSP from the approved list (each has slightly different interfaces, but they all submit to the same court system)
3. Create an account with your contact details; add a payment method if you owe filing fees
4. Complete your filing profile with your name and contact information

Some EFSPs charge a convenience fee on top of the court's filing fee. Compare options before committing to one.

Filing Your Small Claims Complaint

Once your account is set up:

Select the court: Choose the county circuit court where you're filing. For Cook County, you'll also select the specific Municipal District.

Select the case type: Choose "Small Claims" from the case category options.

Upload your documents: Your complaint and any exhibits must be uploaded as PDF files. The system requires PDF/A format in some jurisdictions. Key documents:

• Small Claims Complaint (the standard form or the Rule 282 simplified version for claims under $2,500)
• Written contracts, leases, or invoices attached as exhibits (required under 735 ILCS 5/2-606 for contract-based claims)
• Fee waiver application, if you qualify

Redact before uploading. Supreme Court Rule 138 requires you to remove Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, driver's license numbers, and birth dates from all filed documents. The unredacted originals stay in your personal files.

Pay the filing fee: The portal accepts credit/debit cards and, in some cases, electronic bank transfers. Filing fees vary by county and claim amount; published county examples run roughly $87 to $284. Check the local clerk's current schedule.

Submit and save your confirmation. The portal records the submission time. Under Rule 9(f), a filing submitted on a day the clerk's office is closed is file-stamped the next day the office is open, unless rejected. Save the confirmation and check the accepted file stamp.

When You Don't Have to Use eFileIL

Supreme Court Rule 9(d) automatically exempts self-represented litigants who are incarcerated when they file and people whose disability prevents e-filing. A self-represented litigant may also request a good-cause exemption if they lack computer or internet access at home or the technological literacy to use it, have no email account or credit card/bank account, have a language barrier or low literacy, or tried to e-file but could not complete the filing and necessary equipment or support was unavailable.

For a good-cause exemption, file the standardized Certification for Exemption From E-Filing; the exemption takes effect when the certification is filed. Automatic exemptions do not require certification. Many courthouses have public-access terminals with scanners if you'd prefer to e-file with staff assistance — the Daley Center in Cook County, McLean County Room 404, and Madison County Room 120 all offer this.

If you are exempt, you may file paper documents in person, by mail, or through another method allowed by the local court.

Common Mistakes

Wrong case category. Make sure you select "Small Claims" — filing under a general civil category subjects your case to different rules and higher fees.

Missing attachments. If your claim is based on a written agreement, attach it. Courts can dismiss complaints that fail to include the written instrument per 735 ILCS 5/2-606.

Unredacted personal information. Documents with exposed Social Security or account numbers get rejected or flagged.

Wrong county. File where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred. A timely venue objection generally results in transfer to a proper venue, if one exists, rather than automatic dismissal (735 ILCS 5/2-104 and 2-106); transfer costs may apply.

The Illinois Small Claims Filing Guide includes a step-by-step eFileIL walkthrough with screenshots of what to select at each stage.

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