llinois SOS Form DAH IH 51: Abstinence & Character Guide – Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH IH 51, officially titled Documentation of Abstinence / Character / Substance Use, is an official document issued by the Department of Administrative Hearings. Petitioners use this form when seeking reinstatement of driving privileges or a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) after an alcohol- or drug-related suspension or revocation, most commonly following a DUI conviction.
Who Needs Form DAH IH 51?
This form is primarily required for petitioners classified as High Risk – Dependent or those recommended for abstinence by a Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (DSUPR)-licensed evaluator or treatment provider. It is also commonly used or recommended for High Risk – Non-Dependent cases when documenting non-problematic use or abstinence.
According to official Illinois Secretary of State requirements and Illinois Administrative Code (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1001.440), at least three original letters or completed DAH IH 51 forms must be submitted from independent sources who maintain regular and frequent contact with the petitioner.
Key Requirements for Form DAH IH 51
To be accepted at an informal or formal administrative hearing, the documentation must meet these strict rules:
- A minimum of three original forms or letters is required (photocopies or electronic versions are not accepted as primary evidence).
- Each form must be signed and dated within 45 days of the hearing date for in-person appearances.
- The writer must have regular and frequent contact with the petitioner.
- Fellow members of a support group (such as AA or NA) should not complete this form unless they have regular and frequent contact with the petitioner outside of group meetings. If they do, they must clearly state the frequency and extent of that outside contact.
- All statements are made under penalty of perjury pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
How to Complete Form DAH IH 51 – Section by Section?
The form contains six numbered questions that mirror the minimum information required in a character/abstinence letter under state rules. Here is what each section asks:
- Relationship to the petitioner — State whether you are a family member, friend, co-worker, supervisor, neighbor, etc.
- How long have you known the petitioner? — Provide a specific time frame (e.g., “8 years” or “since March 2019”).
- How often do you see the petitioner? — Be precise: daily, several times per week, weekly, monthly, etc.
- Abstinence or current substance use — Detail how long you have known the petitioner to be abstinent from alcohol and/or drugs. Include specific dates for each substance when possible. If the petitioner is still using, describe the frequency, amount, and how long that pattern has been maintained.
- Lifestyle and attitude changes — Describe any positive changes you have observed since the petitioner remained abstinent or maintained the current use pattern (e.g., improved work reliability, better family relationships, healthier routines).
- Character and safe driving — Explain why you believe the petitioner will be a safe and responsible driver based on your personal observations of their character.
At the bottom, the writer must sign, date, and provide their full address. The petitioner’s full name and Illinois driver’s license number are entered at the top.
Abstinence Period Requirements
The length of documented abstinence or non-problematic use depends on the relief sought:
- Full driver’s license reinstatement — Generally requires at least 12 consecutive months of documented abstinence (or non-problematic use for High Risk – Non-Dependent).
- Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) — Requires no less than 6 months of documented abstinence or non-problematic use.
Abstinence must typically cover alcohol and all controlled substances (legal or illegal) unless prescribed by a physician. Periods of extended incarceration are generally given less weight unless the petitioner took proactive rehabilitation steps while incarcerated.
Tips for Strong Documentation and Successful Hearings
Hearing officers evaluate credibility carefully. To maximize the chance of approval:
- Choose writers who truly know the petitioner well and see them regularly.
- Ensure consistency between the dates and details on the DAH IH 51 forms and the Alcohol/Drug Evaluation (Uniform Report).
- Avoid vague statements. Specific observations carry more weight than generic praise.
- Submit original signed documents. Keep copies for your records.
- Coordinate with related forms such as DAH IH 52 (Documentation of Self-Help Support/Recovery Program) when a formal support program is required.
Incomplete or non-compliant paperwork is a frequent reason for denial or continuance, and continuances are rarely granted solely for missing documents.
Where to Obtain Form DAH IH 51 and Related Resources?
The official source is the Illinois Secretary of State website. Download the current version here:
Official DAH IH 51 PDF Download
Additional helpful pages include:
- Alcohol- and Drug-Related Hearings Requirements
- Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms List
- Illinois Secretary of State Official Website
Forms are fillable PDFs. Download them to your computer and open with Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH IH 51 is a critical piece of evidence for anyone seeking to regain driving privileges after an alcohol- or drug-related sanction. When completed accurately by qualified individuals and submitted as original documents within the 45-day window, it helps demonstrate rehabilitation, responsible character, and reduced risk to public safety.
Always rely on the most current official forms and instructions from ilsos.gov. Requirements can vary slightly based on risk classification, number of prior offenses, and whether the hearing is formal or informal. Consulting a licensed Illinois attorney experienced in Secretary of State hearings is recommended for complex cases.