Illinois Form DSD FR 6: Family Financial Responsibility – If your Illinois driver’s license has been suspended due to unpaid child support or a related family court order, Form DSD FR 6 is the official document that allows the court to notify the Illinois Secretary of State of your compliance. This form plays a critical role in restoring full driving privileges under the state’s Family Financial Responsibility Law.
This guide explains what Form DSD FR 6 is, when it is used, how the process works, and what steps you must take after the form is submitted. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State resources and the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Is Illinois Form DSD FR 6?
Form DSD FR 6, titled “Compliance of Family Financial Responsibility Law,” is an official Illinois Secretary of State form used by circuit courts. It notifies the Secretary of State that an individual (the obligor) is now in compliance with a court-ordered child support obligation or that a previous non-payment order has been stayed.
According to Section 7-704 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Secretary of State cannot restore full driving privileges until it receives authenticated notification of compliance from the court. The Circuit Clerk must report this compliance using Form DSD FR 6.
You can download the official fillable PDF here: Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD FR 6 (PDF).
Understanding the Illinois Family Financial Responsibility Law
The Family Financial Responsibility Law is part of Chapter 7 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-701 et seq.). Its purpose is to encourage payment of court-ordered child support by linking non-compliance to the suspension of driving privileges.
Under this law, the Secretary of State must suspend a driver’s license when it receives an authenticated report from a court showing that an obligor is 90 days or more delinquent in child support payments (or has been found in contempt for non-payment). Similar rules apply to certain visitation order violations.
The suspension remains in effect until the court notifies the Secretary of State that the individual is in compliance or that the order has been stayed. Form DSD FR 6 is the prescribed document for that notification.
Official information and related forms are available on the Illinois Secretary of State website: Family Financial Responsibility Law Publications and Forms.
When Is Form DSD FR 6 Required?
Form DSD FR 6 is used in two main situations:
- Notice of Compliance — The court certifies that the person is now in compliance with a court order of support.
- Notice of Stay Order — The court notifies the Secretary of State that the original Record of Nonpayment of Court-Ordered Child Support is stayed until further notice.
The form must be completed and certified by the Circuit Clerk (or other authorized court official) and include the court’s seal or file stamp. It is not a form that the driver fills out and submits independently.
Information Required on Form DSD FR 6
The form collects the following key details about the obligor:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Driver’s license number
- Social Security number
- Street address, city, state, and ZIP code
- County
- Case number
It also requires certification by the Circuit Clerk, the signature of the issuing judge (when applicable), the circuit court location, and the court seal. The completed form is mailed to:
Secretary of State
Safety & Family Responsibility
2701 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
Important note printed on the form: This court order is not an authorization to operate a motor vehicle. The obligor will be notified by the Secretary of State when driving privileges have been reinstated.
Steps to Reinstate Your Illinois Driver’s License After Suspension
Receiving a completed Form DSD FR 6 from the court is only one part of the reinstatement process. Follow these steps:
- Work with the court (or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, if applicable) to come into compliance with the support order or obtain a stay.
- Ensure the Circuit Clerk completes and submits Form DSD FR 6 to the Secretary of State.
- Pay the required $70 reinstatement fee. Of this amount, $30 is deposited into the Family Responsibility Fund. Payment can often be made online through the Secretary of State’s website.
- Wait for official notification from the Secretary of State confirming that your full driving privileges have been restored.
You can check current reinstatement fee information and pay online at the official page: Driver’s License Reinstatement Fees.
Family Financial Responsibility Driving Permits
While a suspension is in effect, the court may authorize a limited Family Financial Responsibility Driving Permit (FFRP). This permit allows restricted driving privileges for employment, medical needs, or seeking work. A separate court order on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State is required for the permit to be issued.
An FFRP is temporary (maximum duration of one year) and does not restore full driving privileges. Full privileges still require compliance notification via Form DSD FR 6 (or equivalent) plus payment of the reinstatement fee.
Related Forms and Resources
Other official forms connected to the Family Financial Responsibility Law include:
- DSD FR 1 — Record of Non-Payment of Court Ordered Child Support
- DSD FR 10 — Visitation Order Violation
- DSD FR 11 — Visitation Violation Compliance
All forms are available on the Illinois Secretary of State publications page linked earlier. For the most accurate and current information, always refer to official .gov sources rather than third-party sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive once the court completes Form DSD FR 6?
No. The form itself does not restore driving privileges. You must wait for the Secretary of State to process the form and send official notification of reinstatement. You also need to pay the $70 fee.
Who submits Form DSD FR 6?
The Circuit Clerk (or authorized court staff) submits the completed, sealed form to the Secretary of State. Drivers do not mail the form themselves.
Is there a different process if the Department of Healthcare and Family Services initiated the suspension?
Yes. In administrative cases handled by HFS, compliance notification may come through that agency rather than a circuit court form. The $70 reinstatement fee still applies.
Where can I find the official statute?
The relevant sections are contained in 625 ILCS 5/7-701 through 7-708 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Section 7-704 specifically addresses the requirement for notification of compliance.
Final Tips for Illinois Drivers
Stay current on child support obligations whenever possible. If you fall behind, contact the court or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services promptly to arrange a payment plan or seek a stay. Acting quickly can prevent or shorten a license suspension.
Always download forms directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the current version. Keep copies of all court documents and correspondence with the Secretary of State for your records.
For additional assistance, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services resources or contact your local circuit court clerk’s office.