DuPage County Eviction Court β€” Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Illinois landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) in DuPage County β€” fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$236
Filing fee
3–5 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
E-File βœ“
Filing method

πŸ›οΈ DuPage County Courthouse Information

⚠️ DuPage County β€” What Landlords Should Know

DuPage County follows standard Illinois FED procedures without the additional RLTO requirements of Chicago.

Need an Eviction Attorney in DuPage County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local DuPage County eviction attorney β€” free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in DuPage County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Illinois law.

2

File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) at DuPage County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the DuPage County Courthouse (505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187). The filing fee is $236. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In DuPage County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $60. You must NOT serve the summons yourself β€” improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in DuPage County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Illinois Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself β€” this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Illinois.

DuPage County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $236 Paid to DuPage County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $60 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$51–$60 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions β€” DuPage County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in DuPage County?

The typical DuPage County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β€” assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. DuPage County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in DuPage County?

The court filing fee in DuPage County is $236. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($60), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$51–$60), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $347–$356.

What court handles evictions in DuPage County?

Evictions in DuPage County are filed at the DuPage County Courthouse, located at 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED).

Can I file an eviction online in DuPage County?

Yes, DuPage County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in DuPage County?

Illinois law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in DuPage County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The DuPage County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β€” notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois.

Relevant Illinois Statutes