Chicago process service calls for more than reaching the right address — papers must also be delivered in line with Illinois rules and properly documented. One Source Process provides in-person delivery of legal documents across Chicago and the rest of Cook County, with the appropriate proof of service prepared after completion. Our process serving services support everything from routine to time-sensitive assignments, while our Illinois process servers extend that coverage beyond the city.
Chicago Process Service
Routine
$125
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1st attempt within 5 business days
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Up to 3 attempts made within 7–10 business days
Same Day
$225+
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1st attempt same day
(or next, depending on submission time and server availability) -
Up to 3 attempts in 3 days
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Additional mileage may be incurred for rural or outside of city limits locations.
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A $50 Pro Se surcharge applies per service address to all Pro Se Service of Process orders—Routine, Rush and Same Day—in every service area. It is added after the applicable geographic/service-level price, before separately authorized extras.
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Significant discounts for volume accounts. Please contact us at info@onesourceprocess.com to inquire.
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Stay informed with timely updates and service details via our online portal.
Get Started with Process Service in Chicago
Apply online
Once we have received your application, we will respond with an email confirmation the same day. If you submit a Rush order, we will respond to you immediately.
Have your documents served
One of our highly trained professional servers will attempt to serve your document(s) as instructed by your Job Order.
Receive your affidavit
Once Your document(s) have been served. We will send you an Affidavit of Service!
Types of Requests We Service
Real Estate
- Foreclosure documents
- Eviction Notices / 30 Day Notice to
Correct or Vacate - Landlord & Tenant documents
- Bank levies
- Wage garnishments
Family Law
- Divorce papers
- Paternity determination
- Child support
- Custody
- Visitation papers
Government
- Local & Federal government
courts - City municipalities
- Government agencies
- Police departments
- Jails & detention facilities
General Civil Litigation
- Summons & Complaints
- Restraining orders
Our Certifications & Partners
We proudly showcase our certifications and partnerships, reflecting our dedication to quality and collaborative excellence.
Is the person/entity avoiding service?
You may require our stake-out and investigative services
Illinois Service Rules
Illinois sets clear limits on who may serve process, and Cook County’s recent changes have altered how private service can move forward.
Sheriff Service and Court-Appointed Special Process Servers
For a clear breakdown of sheriff service versus a private server in Illinois, it helps to understand the rules that apply to each option. Illinois law generally authorizes sheriff service, but it also allows licensed or registered private detectives and registered employees of certified private detective agencies to serve process without special appointment. In Cook County, that rule has applied since January 1, 2025, although a $5 sheriff fee still applies to qualifying private service. Other private individuals age 18 or older who are not parties to the case may serve only if the court appoints them. The Illinois Service Rules set out the broader requirements for serving summonses and documenting service.
How the Appointment Order Affects Your Timeline
Because qualifying private servers in Cook County no longer need a special court appointment, service can often begin without waiting for a motion and signed order. If the proposed server does require court appointment, that authorization must be obtained before the first attempt, which can add time to the service timeline.
Courts With Jurisdiction Over Chicago Matters
Chicago cases are filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The First Municipal District handles civil matters arising in Chicago, including small claims and evictions, while larger civil cases may proceed in the Law Division. Family matters are handled by the Domestic Relations Division, and probate cases by the Probate Division, with these divisions based at the Richard J. Daley Center.
Chicago Process Service Options and Turnaround
We match the service level to your deadline. Routine service includes a first attempt within five business days, while rush process service in Chicago moves the first attempt within 72 hours. For urgent assignments, a same-day process server in Chicago can make the first attempt the same day or the next, depending on submission time and server availability.
Each attempt is logged with the date, time, and location, and after successful service, we provide the required affidavit of service for the Illinois matter. The same expedited options are available for time-sensitive subpoenas, but how long process service takes will still vary with the service level, recipient availability, and the number of attempts required.
Serving Chicago’s Buildings
Access is often the hardest part of a Chicago serve, and the city’s building types each call for a different approach.
High-Rise and Doorman Buildings
Downtown and along the lakefront, many buildings have a doorman, front desk, or elevator key-fob access that stops a server at the lobby. We work with building staff where allowed and adjust attempt times when needed.
Two-Flats, Three-Flats, and Greystones
Much of Chicago’s residential stock is two-flats, three-flats, and greystones split into units. Labels and buzzers are often unclear, so our server verifies the available unit details before attempting delivery.
Secured and Buzzer-Only Entries
Buildings with only a keypad or buzzer and no staff need patience and timing. We attempt contact when someone is likely home and document each try rather than leaving papers where they would not count as valid service.
Difficult and Evasive Recipients
When an address is stale or repeated attempts are unsuccessful, we combine fieldwork and investigative tools to locate and serve individuals in Chicago, IL. We also vary attempt times and use lawful strategies such as drop service where appropriate.
A difficult Chicago serve can involve:
- verifying a last-known address before the first attempt;
- using our skip tracing service to find a current residence or workplace;
- researching options for serving when the address is wrong or missing;
- attempting service at different times, including evenings and weekends;
- serving at a workplace where the rules allow it.
Neighborhood Process Service Across Chicago
We provide process service throughout Chicago, including every neighborhood and community area.
Bronzeville
Bronzeville’s mix of historic greystones, mid-rise apartments, and newer construction on the South Side can affect how each serve is approached. Our Bronzeville process service covers service throughout the neighborhood, from residential buildings to multi-unit properties and commercial addresses.
Start Your Chicago Process Service Order
Send us the documents and the Chicago address, and we will assign a qualified server, begin attempts promptly, and return a file-ready affidavit. We handle both single serves and higher-volume process service for law firms in Chicago, with dedicated support for ongoing needs.
Testimonials from real clients
FAQ
Do I Need a Court Order to Use a Private Process Server in Cook County?
How Much Does Process Service Cost in Chicago?
Which Cook County Courthouse Handles My Filing?
Do You Offer Rush Process Service in Chicago?
Can You Serve Someone in a Secured Apartment Building?
Can an Out-of-State Attorney Order Service in Chicago?
Ask us anything!
Ask us anything!
CEO Brandon Yoshimura (left) and Director of Operations Danny Koo (right) outside of our office in Washington, DC.