§ Rule 284. Service by Certified or Registered Mail

Codes > Illinois Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court > Part I. > Rule 284.

Rule 284. Service by Certified or Registered Mail

Unless otherwise provided by circuit court rule, at the request of the plaintiff and in lieu of personal service, service in small claims may be made within the state as follows:

(a) For each defendant to be served the plaintiff shall pay to the clerk of the court a fee of $2, plus the cost of mailing, and furnish to the clerk an original and one copy of a summons containing an affidavit setting forth the defendant's last known mailing address, and a copy of the complaint in addition to the original. The original summons shall be retained by the clerk.

(b) The clerk forthwith shall mail to the defendant, at the address appearing in the affidavit, the copy of the summons and complaint, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, showing to whom delivered and the date and address of delivery. The summons and complaint shall be mailed on a “restricted delivery” basis when service is directed to a natural person. The envelope and return receipt shall bear the return address of the clerk, and the return receipt shall be stamped with the docket number of the case. The receipt for certified or registered mail shall state the name and address of the addressee, and the date of mailing, and shall be attached to the original summons.

(c) The return receipt, when returned to the clerk, shall be attached to the original summons, and, if it shows delivery at least 3 days before the day for appearance, shall constitute proof of service.

(d) The clerk shall note the fact of service in a permanent record.