If service upon an individual defendant is impractical under items (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of Section 2-203, the plaintiff may move, without notice, that the court enter an order directing a comparable method of service. The motion shall be accompanied with an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the investigation made to determine the whereabouts of the defendant and the reasons why service is impractical under items (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of Section 2-203, including a specific statement showing that a diligent inquiry as to the location of the individual defendant was made and reasonable efforts to make service have been unsuccessful. The court may order service to be made in any manner consistent with due process.
2-203.1.Service by special order of court.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 2. Process · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceLets a plaintiff, without notice, ask the court to approve a comparable alternative method of serving an individual defendant when personal or substitute service under Section 2-203 is not practical, supported by an affidavit describing the diligent inquiry made and why service has failed.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-203.1
Plain-English Summary
This section provides a path forward when the standard methods of serving an individual, personal delivery and substitute service at the defendant's usual abode under items (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of Section 2-203, cannot be made to work. The plaintiff may move, without notifying the defendant, for a court order directing a comparable method of service.
The motion must be supported by an affidavit describing the nature and extent of the investigation made to find the defendant, why service is impractical under those two methods, and a specific statement showing that a diligent inquiry into the defendant's location was made and that reasonable efforts at service have failed. If satisfied, the court may order service in any manner consistent with due process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a plaintiff use this section?
When service on an individual defendant is impractical under items (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of Section 2-203, personal delivery and substitute service at the usual place of abode.
Does the plaintiff need to notify the defendant before asking for this order?
No. The plaintiff may move without notice.
What must the supporting affidavit show?
The nature and extent of the investigation to locate the defendant, why service is impractical under those two methods, and a specific statement that a diligent inquiry into the defendant's location was made and reasonable service efforts failed.
What kind of alternative service method can the court order?
Any manner consistent with due process.
Does this section replace the two ordinary methods in Section 2-203, or work alongside them?
It supplements them, applying only once those two methods have proven impractical.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 87-1165.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: alternative service by court order Illinoiscan't locate a defendant for servicespecial order for service of process Illinoisdiligent inquiry affidavit for service