Illinois Process Servers

United States Process Serving Corp provides professional and reliable process serving across Illinois. Our network of experienced process servers ensures your legal documents are delivered promptly and in compliance with the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2-201 through 5/2-209).

Illinois Process Serving Laws

Illinois does not have a statewide licensing requirement specifically for process servers. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-202, process is primarily served by the county sheriff or, if the sheriff is disqualified, by the county coroner. In counties with a population under 2,000,000, process may also be served without special court appointment by a person licensed or registered as a private detective under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, or by a registered employee of a certified private detective agency. The court may also, in its discretion upon motion, appoint any private person over 18 years of age who is not a party to the action to serve process. A significant change took effect on January 1, 2025, when Public Act 103-0671 amended the statute to allow licensed private process servers to serve defendants in Cook County without first going through the Cook County Sheriff’s Office — a requirement that had been in place since the 1980s. Gated residential communities, including condominium associations and housing cooperatives, must grant entry to authorized process servers attempting to serve a defendant or witness who resides within the community.

Illinois Legal Resource Centre

Serving documents in Illinois requires compliance with the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/, Article II). Below are answers to common questions regarding service of process in this state.

Frequently Asked Questions (Illinois)

What is the Small Claims limit in Illinois?

The Small Claims limit in Illinois is $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs, as defined by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 281. Small claims cases are heard in the small claims division of the Circuit Court. Corporations must be represented by an attorney in small claims court, but individuals may represent themselves. Either party may request a jury trial.

Who can serve process in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-202, process may be served by the county sheriff, the county coroner (if the sheriff is disqualified), or a licensed private detective or registered employee of a certified private detective agency under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. The court may also appoint any private person over 18 years of age who is not a party to the action. As of January 1, 2025, licensed private process servers may serve in Cook County without first requiring the sheriff to attempt service.

What are the rules for substitute service in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-203, if the defendant cannot be personally served, service may be made by leaving a copy of the summons at the defendant’s usual place of abode with some person of the family or a person residing there, of the age of 13 years or upwards, and informing that person of the contents of the summons. The server must also mail a copy of the summons to the defendant at his or her usual place of abode. If both personal and abode service are impractical, the plaintiff may move under 735 ILCS 5/2-203.1 for a special order of court directing an alternative method of service consistent with due process, supported by an affidavit demonstrating diligent inquiry and unsuccessful efforts.

Comprehensive Services in Illinois

We offer a full suite of legal support services across Illinois, including:

  • Professional process serving for all document types
  • Court filing and document retrieval
  • Skip tracing and locate services
  • Rush and same-day service (where available)
  • Sworn Affidavit of Service for every serve

Coverage Area

Our Illinois network covers the entire state, including major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign, as well as rural and suburban communities throughout Illinois’s 102 counties.

All Illinois Locations (A-Z)

Click on a city below to connect with our local process server:

Do you offer rush service in Illinois?

Yes, same-day and next-day rush service is often available in Illinois’s major metropolitan areas. We recommend calling or emailing us first to confirm availability so we can prioritize your file immediately.

Contact Information

United States Process Serving Corp
Phone: 1-800-465-7378
Website: www.unitedstatesprocessserving.com