Illinois Form DAH H 74 Hearing Request Guide

Illinois Form DAH H 74 Hearing Request Guide – If you received a Notice of Suspension under Illinois’ Safety Responsibility Law after a motor vehicle crash, Form DAH H 74 is the official document you must use to request an administrative hearing. This guide explains what the form is, when and how to file it, the required fee, critical deadlines, and what happens next. All information is based on official guidance from the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS).

What Is Form DAH H 74?

Form DAH H 74, officially titled “Administrative Hearing Request — Safety Responsibility Suspension,” is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Administrative Hearings. It allows a driver (or vehicle owner) to contest a proposed Safety Responsibility Suspension of driving privileges or vehicle registration.

The Safety Responsibility Law requires drivers involved in an Illinois crash that results in bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to the property of any one person to show proof of insurance or the financial ability to pay damages. If the Secretary of State determines there is a reasonable possibility of a civil judgment against an uninsured motorist, a suspension of up to two years may be ordered.

By filing Form DAH H 74, you request a formal administrative hearing under 625 ILCS 5/7-205 to challenge that preliminary finding of probable fault.

When Should You File Form DAH H 74?

You should file the form as soon as you receive a Notice of Suspension related to a Safety Responsibility action. Timing is critical:

If your request is postmarked within 15 days of the date on the suspension notice, the suspension is stayed (delayed) pending the outcome of the hearing.
If the request is postmarked after the 15-day window, the hearing will still be granted, but the suspension will take effect and will not be delayed while the case is pending.

Do not delay. Missing the 15-day postmark deadline means you will lose driving privileges while waiting for the hearing decision.

How to Complete and Submit Form DAH H 74?

Download the current official form here:

Download Illinois Form DAH H 74 (PDF)

The form asks for the following information:

Your full name and driver’s license number
Current mailing address, city, state, and ZIP code
Telephone number(s) and email address (required for virtual hearings)
Crash number and date of the accident
Illinois registration number of the vehicle involved
Effective date of the proposed suspension
Attorney information (if you are represented)

You must also indicate your preferred physical hearing location in case an in-person appearance is required (Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, or Mount Vernon) and whether you prefer a morning or afternoon hearing.

Mailing address for the completed form:
Illinois Secretary of State
Department of Administrative Hearings
501 S. Second St., Room 212
Springfield, IL 62756

Do not fax or email the form. Only mailed requests with the proper fee are accepted.

Filing Fee and Accepted Payment Methods

Every request for a Safety Responsibility hearing must include a non-refundable $50 filing fee. The fee is required by Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and 92 Ill. Admin. Code 1001.70.

Accepted forms of payment:

Money order
Cashier’s or certified check
Check drawn on the account of an attorney of record or attorney professional corporation
Credit card (in some cases, with the appropriate payment form)

Cash and personal checks are not accepted. If the form arrives without the fee, it will be returned and no hearing will be scheduled. The fee is non-refundable even if you later withdraw the request or default.

Make the check or money order payable to the “Secretary of State.”

What to Expect at the Hearing?

Safety Responsibility hearings are primarily conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. You must provide a valid email address so the Department can send the Teams invitation and instructions. If you are unable to appear virtually, you may be required to attend in person at one of the four designated hearing locations listed on the form.

At the hearing, the hearing officer will determine whether:

You (or your vehicle) were involved in a qualifying Illinois crash,
You are exempt from the Safety Responsibility Law, and
There is a reasonable possibility of a civil judgment against you.

You may present evidence, call witnesses, and be represented by an attorney. After the hearing, you can expect a written decision by email or regular mail within approximately 90 days.

Decisions are subject to the Illinois Administrative Review Law if you wish to appeal further in circuit court.

How to Terminate a Safety Responsibility Suspension Without a Hearing?

If you prefer not to contest fault, you may terminate the suspension by complying with the requirements listed on the back of your Notice of Suspension. Common methods include filing proof of insurance (SR-22), paying damages, or posting security. For details, contact the Safety and Financial Responsibility Section at 217-782-3720 or write to:

Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Safety and Financial Responsibility Section
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, IL 62723

Important Tips for Illinois Drivers

Act quickly — the 15-day postmark deadline is strict.
Keep a copy of the completed form and proof of mailing (certified mail with return receipt is recommended).
Provide an accurate email address; virtual hearings require it.
If you have an attorney, list their contact information clearly on the form.
Always download the form directly from the official ILSOS website to ensure you have the most current version.

Official Resources

Filing Form DAH H 74 correctly and on time is the only way to request a hearing and, if filed within 15 days, protect your driving privileges while the case is decided. Always verify the latest instructions and form version on the official Illinois Secretary of State website before submitting.