Illinois Form DAH IH 52 Self-Help Support Guide – If you are seeking restoration of your driving privileges in Illinois after an alcohol- or drug-related suspension or revocation, the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings requires specific documentation of your recovery efforts. Form DAH IH 52, titled “Documentation of Self-Help Support or Recovery Program,” is one of the key tools used to meet those requirements.
This official form allows fellow members of established self-help programs—such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)—to verify a petitioner’s active involvement. It can be submitted in place of a traditional letter and is accepted as part of the evidence package for Restricted Driving Permits (RDPs) or full license reinstatement.
Download the current official form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State:
What Is Form DAH IH 52?
Form DAH IH 52 is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings. According to the form itself (revised March 2026, version DAH IH 52.9 ADA), a petitioner must provide written documentation of involvement in an established self-help support/recovery program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, to support claims of abstinence.
Documentation must consist of at least three original letters from fellow program members. This form may be completed and submitted instead of a letter. Fellow members may sign using their first name and last initial, although a full signature is encouraged. If the petitioner has a sponsor, one of the three letters or forms should come from the sponsor and be clearly identified as such.
The form collects the following information from the program member:
- How long they have known the petitioner
- How often they see the petitioner at the program (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
- How long they have personally known the petitioner to be involved in the program
- Any other information they believe is important
The signer must affirm the statements under penalty of perjury pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
When Is Form DAH IH 52 Required?
This form (or equivalent original letters) is primarily required for petitioners classified as High Risk — Dependent in alcohol- and drug-related administrative hearings. Under Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Section 1001.440 and the Secretary of State’s published hearing requirements, these individuals must document both abstinence and active participation in a support/recovery program.
Key requirements include:
- At least three original letters or completed DAH IH 52 forms from fellow program members verifying active involvement
- If a sponsor exists, one letter or form from the sponsor
- Separately, at least three original letters from friends, family, or other individuals verifying abstinence (minimum 12 months for full reinstatement; minimum 6 months for a Restricted Driving Permit)
- All letters and forms must be signed and dated no more than 45 days before the hearing date (or the postmark date for certain out-of-state applications)
Witness testimony can sometimes substitute for written documentation, but original signed forms or letters remain the standard and preferred method.
For full details on classification levels and required documents, review the official Alcohol- and Drug-Related Hearings page on the Illinois Secretary of State website: ilsos.gov Alcohol- and Drug-Related Hearings.
Self-Help vs. Non-Traditional Support Programs
Form DAH IH 52 is specifically for structured, organized, and recognized programs such as AA or NA. If your support network is non-traditional (for example, church groups, family-based accountability, or informal peer support without a formal structure), different forms apply:
- DAH IH 67 — Documentation of Non-Traditional Support/Recovery Program
- DAH IH 71 — Documentation of Non-Traditional Support/Recovery Program Cover Letter (the petitioner’s own explanatory letter)
These are available on the official Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms page: Administrative Hearings Forms.
How to Complete and Submit Form DAH IH 52?
1. Download the fillable PDF from the official Illinois Secretary of State link provided above.
2. Have each fellow program member complete a separate form (or write an original letter containing the same information).
3. Ensure the form is signed and dated within 45 days of your hearing.
4. Include the petitioner’s full name and Illinois driver’s license number at the top.
5. Submit the original signed forms with your complete hearing packet. Photocopies or faxes are generally not accepted as final evidence, although they may be provisionally allowed if originals follow promptly.
Forms and supporting documents are typically brought to the hearing or submitted according to instructions in your Notice of Hearing. For formal hearings, a $50 non-refundable filing fee (check or money order payable to the Secretary of State) is required when requesting the hearing.
Tips for Strong Documentation
- Choose program members who know you well and can speak specifically about your attendance and progress.
- If you have a sponsor, make sure their form is clearly labeled as coming from the sponsor.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Consider having your documents reviewed by an Informal Hearing Officer before your formal hearing. Locations and availability can be found via the Secretary of State Facility Finder on ilsos.gov.
- Combine DAH IH 52 forms with abstinence verification letters (often using Form DAH IH 51 or personal letters) and all required evaluation and treatment documentation.
Contact and Additional Resources
Illinois Secretary of State – Department of Administrative Hearings
- Springfield: 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723 | 217-782-7065
- Chicago: 17 N. State St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602 | 312-793-3722
- General email: [email protected]
- Case inquiries: [email protected]
Official publications and forms list: Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms
Illinois Administrative Code governing support/recovery documentation: 92 Ill. Adm. Code § 1001.440
Hearing requirements summary (DAH IH 22): Available via the forms page linked above.
Conclusion
Form DAH IH 52 is a straightforward but essential document for Illinois drivers classified as High Risk — Dependent who rely on traditional self-help programs such as AA or NA. Completing it accurately, obtaining the required number of original signed forms or letters within the 45-day window, and pairing it with solid abstinence and treatment evidence significantly strengthens a petition for driving relief.
Always use the most current version of the form from the official Illinois Secretary of State website and verify all requirements with the Department of Administrative Hearings before your hearing date. Proper documentation demonstrates genuine recovery efforts and helps hearing officers evaluate whether restoring driving privileges is consistent with public safety.