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Process Serving · Chicago
Chicago Process Server for Law Firms
Have court papers served in Chicago, ordered and tracked from one account. This page covers what is local to Chicago; Illinois's rules on who can serve, methods and deadlines are on the Illinois process serving page.
Process serving through Legal Hub Group is for law firms, attorneys and their staff. Representing yourself? Our sister company Famous Legal Services handles serves for individuals.
What is different
Serving papers in Chicago
A $5 sheriff share in Cook County
In a county of 3,000,000 or more, a private detective hired to serve a summons from that county pays $5 of each service fee to the county sheriff; the plaintiff pays the $5 to the clerk when filing the summons and complaint, and the detective deducts it from the bill. 735 ILCS 5/2-202(a-3) ↗
Civil Division and Law Division
The Clerk of the Circuit Court's Civil Division handles civil cases seeking damages under $30,000, at the Richard J. Daley Center. Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Civil Division ↗
The court
Chicago's court
Circuit Court of Cook County: Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602. The court's website ↗
Price
The same as anywhere in Illinois: $170 routine, $220 rush, $270 same-day per person served, and $110 for each additional defendant at the same address on routine. Subscription plans take up to 20% off every serve.
Routine: First attempt within 3 business days. Rush: First attempt within 24 hours.
Questions
Serving papers in Chicago: questions
Who can serve a summons in Chicago?
The Cook County Sheriff, or a licensed or registered private detective (or registered employee of a certified agency) without special appointment; the court may also appoint a private person over 18 (735 ILCS 5/2-202(a)).
Why is there a $5 fee in Cook County?
In a county of 3,000,000 or more, $5 of each private detective's service fee goes to the sheriff, paid by the plaintiff to the clerk at filing (735 ILCS 5/2-202(a-3)).
Nearby
Other cities and states
General information, not legal advice. Checked October 2026; the court and the cited rules control.
Serve papers in Chicago today.
Create your free firm account, upload the papers and choose routine, rush or same-day.