Illinois DAH H 80: Contest Child Support License Suspension

Illinois DAH H 80: Contest Child Support License Suspension – If the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (IDHFS, also known as HFS or DCSS) has certified that you are 90 days or more delinquent in child support payments, the Illinois Secretary of State can suspend your driver’s license under the Family Financial Responsibility Law. Form DAH H 80 is the official document used to request an administrative hearing to contest that suspension.

This guide explains what Form DAH H 80 is, when to use it, how to complete it, where to file it, and important limitations of the hearing process. Information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State publications, the Illinois Vehicle Code, and resources from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

What Is Illinois Form DAH H 80?

Form DAH H 80, titled “Hearing Request to Contest Delinquent Child Support Payment Suspension — Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services (IDHFS) Certification,” is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings.

It allows a driver to request a hearing under Section 7-706 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-706) to challenge a driver’s license suspension that resulted from an IDHFS certification of delinquency.

There is a related but separate form, DAH H 79, used when the suspension is based on a court order rather than an IDHFS certification. Use the correct form for your situation.

Download the official current version of Form DAH H 80 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:

Download Official Illinois Form DAH H 80 (PDF)

You can also find it on the Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms page.

When Can Your Driver’s License Be Suspended for Child Support in Illinois?

Under 625 ILCS 5/7-702(c), the Secretary of State must suspend a driver’s license upon certification from IDHFS that the person is 90 days or more delinquent in payment of support under an order issued by a court or administrative body of Illinois or any other state.

IDHFS generally pursues this remedy when the non-custodial parent is significantly behind (often 90 days and a substantial dollar amount). Before suspension, IDHFS typically sends notice and provides an opportunity to catch up on payments or arrange a payment plan.

If you receive a notice of impending suspension based on IDHFS certification, acting quickly is critical.

What Issues Can You Raise at a DAH H 80 Hearing?

The scope of the administrative hearing under Section 7-706 is strictly limited. You may only contest:

  • Whether you are the person who owes a duty to make payments under the administrative order of support.
  • Whether the IDHFS certification actually indicates that you are 90 days or more delinquent in payment of support under an order of support issued by a court or administrative body of this or any other state.
  • Whether a superseding notification from IDHFS has informed the Secretary of State that you have paid the support delinquency in full, or have arranged for payment of the delinquency and current support obligation to the satisfaction of IDHFS.

Important limitation: You cannot contest the amount of the child support debt or whether you owe the debt at the Secretary of State hearing. Those issues must be addressed directly with IDHFS. The form itself states this clearly.

How to Complete and File Form DAH H 80?

  1. Download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website (link above).
  2. Print the form or open it in a PDF reader that supports fillable fields (Adobe Acrobat Reader is recommended).
  3. Enter your full name (as it appears on your driver’s license), driver’s license number, current street address, city, state, ZIP code, and telephone number.
  4. Check the appropriate box(es) that apply to your situation:
    • You are not the person who owes the duty under the Administrative Order of Support.
    • The IDHFS Certification does not indicate you are 90 days or more delinquent.
    • A superseding notification from IDHFS states you have paid the delinquency in full or arranged satisfactory payment of the delinquency and current support.
  5. On the reverse side (or additional pages), provide the facts supporting any boxes you checked and attach copies of any relevant orders, certifications, or notifications from IDHFS.
  6. Sign and date the form under penalty of perjury (pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109).
  7. Include 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. Requests submitted without the fee will be returned and no hearing will be scheduled.

The $50 fee is required by Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1001.70 and is non-refundable.

Where to Mail Form DAH H 80?

Mail the completed form and $50 fee to the location where you prefer the hearing to be held:

  • 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, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 212 Howlett Bldg., 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 your preference for a morning (a.m.) or afternoon (p.m.) hearing if desired.

What Happens After You File the Hearing Request?

If the Secretary of State receives your written request (Form DAH H 80) before the effective date of the suspension, the suspension is stayed until a hearing decision is entered. This stay remains in effect until the hearing officer issues a decision.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Secretary of State may either rescind the suspension or impose it. If the suspension is upheld, it becomes effective 10 days after the hearing decision is entered. If rescinded, no suspension is entered on your driving record for this matter.

You should bring all supporting documents, identification, and any evidence relevant to the limited issues listed above to the hearing.

How to Resolve the Underlying Child Support Issue with IDHFS?

Because the Secretary of State hearing cannot address the amount of arrears or the existence of the debt, contact IDHFS (Division of Child Support Services) promptly if you disagree with the balance or need to arrange a payment plan.

Useful contacts and resources:

Making satisfactory payment arrangements with IDHFS can lead to a superseding notification that allows reinstatement of driving privileges.

Additional Resources and Related Forms

Key Takeaways for Illinois Drivers

  • Form DAH H 80 is specifically for suspensions based on IDHFS certification (not court orders).
  • File the form and $50 fee before the suspension effective date to obtain an automatic stay.
  • The hearing is limited in scope — you cannot argue about the amount of arrears at the Secretary of State hearing.
  • Resolve the underlying child support debt or payment arrangement directly with IDHFS for the best long-term outcome.
  • Always use the official form from ilsos.gov to ensure you have the current version.

Acting promptly and using the correct form and process gives you the best chance of protecting or restoring your driving privileges while addressing any legitimate child support obligations.

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