Illinois SOS Form DAH A 23: Request Hearing Documents – If you need copies of documents from your Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings file—such as decision orders, evaluations, or treatment records—Form DAH A 23 (also referenced as DAH H 23 in updated versions) is the official request form. This guide explains the purpose of the form, who should use it, current fees, step-by-step instructions, and important limitations for U.S. residents, particularly those in Illinois dealing with driver’s license reinstatement or hearing-related matters.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH A 23?
Form DAH A 23 is the official “Request for Copies of Documents from the Department of Administrative Hearing Files Only” issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. It allows petitioners, attorneys, or authorized individuals to obtain photocopies of specific documents contained in Administrative Hearings case files.
These files typically relate to formal or informal hearings concerning driver’s license suspensions, revocations, restricted driving permits, or DUI-related matters. The form is not used for general driving records, tickets, or notices of suspension/revocation.
You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois Form DAH A 23 (PDF)
Note that newer versions may appear as DAH H 23. Always verify the latest form on the official Request Copies of Documents page.
Who Should Use Form DAH A 23?
This form is intended for:
- Individuals (petitioners) who previously submitted documents for an administrative hearing and need copies of those records.
- Attorneys representing clients in Illinois driver’s license or DUI-related hearing cases.
- Authorized third parties, provided proper consent is included when alcohol or drug-related documents are requested.
It is specifically limited to documents held in Department of Administrative Hearings files. Requests for tickets, sworn reports, Notices of Suspension or Revocation, or other driving-record items must be directed to the Department of Driver Services Abstract Unit instead.
Documents Available Through Form DAH A 23
The form includes an estimation chart listing common documents and approximate page counts. Typical items include:
- Formal Decision Order – approximately 8 pages
- Informal Decision Letter – approximately 2 pages
- Uniform Report Evaluation – approximately 7–12 pages (varies by version)
- Update Evaluations – approximately 6–8 pages
- Investigative Evaluations – approximately 7–8 pages
- Non-DUI Evaluation – approximately 8 pages
- Treatment Documentation – approximately 8 pages
- Treatment Waiver – approximately 3 pages
- Remedial Education – approximately 2 pages
- Informal Hearing Officer Comment Sheets – approximately 8 pages
- Out-of-State Hearing Application – 8 or 22 pages (depending on application date)
- Abstinent and Support Letters – approximately 6 pages
Page counts are estimates used to calculate fees. Actual counts may vary.
Fees for Document Copies
The Illinois Secretary of State charges $0.50 per page for copies. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State (or Office of the Secretary of State). Cash is not accepted.
Example: Requesting a Formal Decision Order (estimated 8 pages) costs $4.00.
If the estimated fee is not included or additional pages are needed, the department will contact you by mail or email. You generally have 20 days to submit any additional amount; otherwise, you receive only the number of pages originally paid for.
How to Complete and Submit Form DAH A 23?
Follow these steps based on official Illinois Secretary of State guidance:
- Download and complete the form, providing your driver’s license number, petitioner name, current mailing address, email (if available), and details of the documents requested (including dates where known).
- Calculate the estimated fee using the page chart on the form.
- For alcohol- or drug-related documents requested by an attorney or third party, include written consent from the petitioner authorizing disclosure under the Alcohol and Drug Confidentiality Act.
- Submit the completed form and payment according to current instructions. Older versions of the form directed mail submission to:
Secretary of State
Department of Administrative Hearings
Support Services Division
501 S. Second St., Room 212
Springfield, IL 62756
Updated processes (as reflected in recent form versions) may require emailing the completed form first to [email protected]. The department then provides the exact amount due; after payment is received, documents are emailed or mailed.
Always check the official page for the most current submission method: ilsos.gov Request Copies of Documents.
Important Limitations and Notes
Do not use Form DAH A 23 for the following:
- Copies of traffic tickets
- Sworn reports
- Notices of Suspension or Revocation
- Other driving-record abstracts
Those items must be requested from:
Secretary of State
Driver Services Department
Abstract Unit
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
Phone: 217-782-2720
Your address on the form will update official records. Provide a current mailing address to ensure documents reach you.
Contact Information for Assistance
For questions about Form DAH A 23 or Administrative Hearings files:
- Phone: 217-782-7065
- Email: [email protected]
- General Administrative Hearings inquiries: [email protected]
- Toll-free: 800-252-8980
Springfield Flagship Office:
2701 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62723
Official website: www.ilsos.gov
Why Request These Documents?
Copies of Administrative Hearings documents are often needed for:
- Preparing for a subsequent formal or informal hearing
- Appealing a decision under the Administrative Review Law
- Attorney review of prior evaluations or orders
- Personal records related to license reinstatement efforts
Having accurate copies helps ensure you meet documentation requirements and avoid delays in the hearing process.
Final Tips for a Successful Request
- Use the most recent form available from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Include the correct fee or follow the email-first process if required.
- Provide clear identification (driver’s license number) and document details.
- For alcohol/drug documents requested by someone other than the petitioner, always attach proper consent.
- Allow reasonable processing time after payment is received.
For the official form and latest instructions, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Administrative Hearings page or download Form DAH A 23 here:
This information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State publications and web resources. Procedures and form versions can be updated; always confirm details directly with the Department of Administrative Hearings before submitting a request.