Illinois DAH H 79 Form: Contest Child Support License Suspension

Illinois DAH H 79 Form: Contest Child Support License Suspension – If your Illinois driver’s license faces suspension due to delinquent court-ordered child support payments, Form DAH H 79 from the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Department of Administrative Hearings provides a formal way to request a hearing. This article explains the form, its purpose under Illinois law, how to complete and submit it, and key steps for U.S. residents dealing with this issue. Information is based on official Illinois SOS resources.

What Is Illinois Form DAH H 79?

Form DAH H 79 is the official “Hearing Request to Contest Delinquent Child Support Payment Suspension — Court Order” issued by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings. It allows a driver (petitioner) to request an administrative hearing under Section 7-706 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-706) to challenge a pending or active suspension of driving privileges resulting from a court order related to unpaid child support.

The form is specifically for suspensions triggered by a circuit court finding under the Family Financial Responsibility Law (also known as the “Deadbeats Don’t Drive” provisions). This differs from suspensions certified by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (IDHFS/HFS), which use a separate form (DAH H 80).

Official download of the current form (DAH H 79.3, printed December 2021): Download Illinois Form DAH H 79 PDF.

Why Driver’s Licenses Are Suspended for Child Support in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Family Financial Responsibility Law, a parent’s driving privileges can be suspended if they fall at least 90 days behind on court-ordered child support payments. There are two main systems:

System One – Court-Ordered Suspension: A circuit court rules the parent is in contempt for non-payment (90 days or more delinquent or adjudicated in arrears equal to 90 days of obligation). The court submits a certified Record of Non-Payment to the SOS. The SOS then notifies the driver of a pending suspension effective in 60 days.
System Two – IDHFS Certification: The Department of Healthcare and Family Services certifies delinquency directly to the SOS.

Form DAH H 79 applies only to court-ordered suspensions. The suspension remains in effect until the court notifies the SOS of compliance. During the 60-day notice period, or while suspended, eligible individuals may request an administrative hearing using this form. Courts may also authorize a Family Financial Responsibility driving permit for work or medical travel.

Source: Illinois Secretary of State – Child Support Suspension page.

Grounds for Contesting the Suspension with Form DAH H 79

Important limitation: You cannot contest the amount of the child support debt or whether you owe the debt at the SOS administrative hearing. Those issues must be addressed in the court that issued the support order.

Valid reasons to check on the form (and support with facts and documents on the reverse side or attached pages) include:

You are not the person who owes the duty to make payments under the Court Order of Support.
The authenticated court document does not indicate you are 90 days or more delinquent, or adjudicated in arrears equal to 90 days of obligation or more.
You have not been held in contempt of court for failure to pay child support.
A superseding authenticated court order of support has been entered.

Provide supporting facts and attach a copy of the relevant court order or authenticated document. False statements are subject to penalties under §1-109 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure.

How to Complete and Submit Form DAH H 79?

Follow these steps carefully:

Download the official fillable PDF from the Illinois SOS website: DAH H 79 PDF.
Enter your full name, driver’s license number, street address, city/state/ZIP, and telephone number.
Check the applicable box(es) stating your grounds for contesting the suspension.
On the reverse side (or additional pages), provide detailed facts supporting each checked box and attach required court documents.
Sign and date the form, certifying the statements are true under penalty of law.
Include the non-refundable $50 filing fee as a check or money order payable to the Secretary of State. Cash is not accepted. Requests without the fee will be returned unscheduled.
Select your preferred hearing location and mail the completed form plus fee to that office.

Hearing locations and mailing addresses (as listed on the form):

Chicago: Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings, 17 N. State St., Ste. 1200, Chicago, IL 60602 | Phone: 312-793-3722
Joliet: Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings, 54 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432 | Phone: 815-740-7171
Springfield: Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings, Rm. 212, Howlett Building, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756 | Phone: 217-782-7065
Mt. Vernon: Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings, 218 S. 12th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 | Phone: 618-242-8986

Indicate a.m. or p.m. preference if available. The fee is non-refundable per Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and 92 Illinois Administrative Code 1001.70.

Official forms list: Illinois SOS Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms.

What Happens After You Submit the Form?

Once the SOS receives a complete request with the $50 fee, a hearing will be scheduled. You will receive notice of the date, time, and location. The hearing focuses solely on the limited grounds listed on the form related to the court order documentation and identity.

If successful, the SOS may remove the suspension from your driving record. If not, the suspension continues until the court provides a compliance notice (using forms such as the Compliance of Family Financial Responsibility Law).

For reinstatement after compliance, the court must submit the proper notification to the SOS. You may also be eligible for a restricted Family Financial Responsibility driving permit ordered by the court for employment or medical needs. Contact the SOS at 217-558-2043 for more details on court-ordered suspensions.

Related Forms and Additional Resources

Do not confuse DAH H 79 with:

DAH H 80 – For suspensions certified by the Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services (IDHFS).
General Formal Hearing Request (DAH H 12) – Used for other types of administrative hearings.

For IDHFS-related child support issues or payment arrangements, contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Division of Child Support Services at 1-800-447-4278.

Additional trusted resources:

Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submit the form promptly during the 60-day notice period if possible. Always attach supporting court documents. Keep copies of everything you mail. The $50 fee is mandatory and non-refundable—do not send cash. Address only the limited contestable issues; debt amount disputes belong in family court.

If you need legal advice specific to your situation, consult an Illinois-licensed attorney experienced in family law or driver’s license matters. This article provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is not legal advice.

By properly using Form DAH H 79, eligible Illinois drivers can formally challenge a court-ordered child support-related license suspension through the Secretary of State’s administrative process.

Download the form now: Official Illinois DAH H 79 Hearing Request Form (PDF).