Illinois DAH H 12 Formal Hearing Request Form Guide – If your Illinois driving privileges have been suspended or revoked for serious offenses, you may need to request a formal administrative hearing through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Administrative Hearings. The official form for this process is Form DAH H 12 — Formal Hearing Request.
This SEO-optimized guide explains what the form is, when you need it, how to complete and submit it, associated fees, hearing locations, and key preparation tips. All information is based on current official guidance from the Illinois Secretary of State.
What Is Form DAH H 12?
Form DAH H 12 is the official Illinois Secretary of State document used to request a formal hearing under Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. It allows individuals to:
- Contest a suspension, revocation, or cancellation of driving privileges
- Apply for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP)
- Apply for full reinstatement of driving privileges
- Alternatively apply for reinstatement or an RDP
- Contest re-suspension or extension of a Statutory Summary Suspension under the Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) Program
- Request other related relief (specify on the form)
Formal hearings are required in more serious cases, such as those involving a fatality or multiple DUI dispositions. They differ from informal hearings, which are available for less severe offenses and are handled on a walk-in basis.
You can download the current fillable PDF version of Form DAH H 12 directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois Form DAH H 12 — Formal Hearing Request (PDF)
When Do You Need a Formal Hearing?
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, a formal hearing is required if your driving privileges were suspended or revoked due to:
- Offenses involving a fatality or great bodily harm
- Multiple DUI dispositions
In these situations, an informal hearing is not available. You must submit Form DAH H 12 in writing along with the required filing fee. Faxes and email requests are not accepted.
You become eligible for a subsequent formal hearing 90 days after your most recent hearing.
How to Complete and Submit Form DAH H 12?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official Form DAH H 12 PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State site (link above).
- Fill in all required personal information: full name, driver’s license number, address, city, state, ZIP, county, telephone numbers, date of birth, and email address.
- Select the purpose of your hearing by checking the appropriate box(es).
- Choose your preferred hearing location (Chicago, Joliet, Springfield, or Mount Vernon) and mail the form to that address.
- Indicate whether you prefer a virtual hearing (via Microsoft Teams) or an in-person hearing. Provide a valid email address if requesting a virtual hearing.
- Indicate preferred time of day (a.m. or p.m.). Note that preferences are not guaranteed; hearings are scheduled based on availability.
- Sign and date the form.
- Enclose a non-refundable $50 filing fee in the form of a check or money order payable to the “Secretary of State.” Cash is not accepted.
- Mail the completed form and fee to the selected location.
If the form is received without the filing fee, it will be returned and no hearing will be scheduled. The $50 fee is non-refundable under Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and 92 Illinois Administrative Code 1001.70.
Filing Fee and Payment Details
The current filing fee for a formal hearing request is $50. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Cash is not accepted under any circumstances.
Once the Department of Administrative Hearings receives your completed Form DAH H 12 and the $50 fee, they will schedule the hearing and send a Notice of Hearing by mail or email (if you provided an email address).
Formal Hearing Locations in Illinois
Formal hearings are currently available at the following locations:
- Springfield — Springfield Flagship, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Room 103, Springfield, IL 62723 (or Howlett Building address on some forms)
- Chicago — 17 N. State St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602
- Joliet — 54 N. Ottawa St., Fourth Floor, Joliet, IL 60432
- Mt. Vernon — 218 S. 12th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
- Virtual — Available via Microsoft Teams upon request
Always confirm the exact mailing address on the current Form DAH H 12, as addresses can be updated.
What to Expect at a Formal Hearing?
A formal hearing is conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the Secretary of State. The officer has authority to:
- Rule on motions
- Administer oaths
- Subpoena witnesses or documents
- Examine witnesses
- Determine the admissibility of evidence
Both testimony and documentary evidence are considered. The burden of proof generally rests with the petitioner. After the hearing, you can expect a recommendation and final decision within approximately 90 days. Decisions are subject to the Illinois Administrative Review Law.
If you are not prepared, you may withdraw your request in writing at least five days before the hearing and resubmit later without the usual 90-day waiting period. Failure to appear typically results in a default order denying relief.
Important Tips for Success
- Gather all required supporting documentation in advance (alcohol/drug evaluations, treatment verification, character references, employment verification, etc.). Many related forms are available on the official Administrative Hearings Publications page.
- If you need a language interpreter, you must bring your own (the interpreter cannot be affiliated with your evaluation, treatment, or attorney). Sign-language interpreters can be requested in advance.
- Bring acceptable photo identification when entering state buildings.
- Out-of-state petitioners (except those with lifetime revocations) and Illinois residents temporarily living outside the state may be eligible to use an Out-of-State Resident Reinstatement Application instead of appearing in person.
- Add the official email address [email protected] to your trusted contacts so you do not miss hearing notices.
Official Resources and Additional Forms
Always obtain forms and the most current information directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
- Formal and Informal Hearings Overview
- Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms
- Form DAH H 12 Download
For the latest rules, refer to 92 Illinois Administrative Code Part 1001 and Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Conclusion
Form DAH H 12 is the essential first step for anyone seeking formal administrative relief from serious Illinois driving privilege suspensions or revocations. By downloading the official form, carefully completing it, paying the $50 non-refundable fee, and properly preparing your documentation, you give yourself the best chance at a successful outcome.
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website regularly for any updates to forms, fees, locations, or procedures. When in doubt, contact the Department of Administrative Hearings at the location nearest you for clarification.