Illinois SOS Form DAH IH 78 Email Authorization – If you are involved in an Illinois Secretary of State Administrative Hearing related to driver’s license suspension, revocation, or reinstatement, timely receipt of the final decision is critical. Form DAH IH 78, the official Email Authorization form issued by the Department of Administrative Hearings, allows petitioners to receive notification of the final decision by electronic transmission instead of (or in addition to) traditional mail.
This guide explains what the form is, who should use it, how to complete it correctly, and where to download the official version from trusted Illinois government sources.
What Is Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH IH 78?
Form DAH IH 78 is the Email Authorization form used by the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings. The current version (DAH IH 78.2, printed July 2023) is a simple one-page document that authorizes the department to send the final decision in a petitioner’s case via email.
By completing and signing the form, the petitioner agrees to receive the official notification of the final decision by electronic transmission. The form collects basic identifying information and the petitioner’s preferred email address.
Official source: Illinois Secretary of State Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms.
Purpose of the Email Authorization Form
After a formal or informal administrative hearing, the Secretary of State’s office issues a final decision. For formal hearings, this typically occurs within approximately 90 days of the hearing date. The decision letter may grant full reinstatement of driving privileges, approve a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), or deny the requested relief.
Form DAH IH 78 streamlines delivery of that final decision. Providing a valid email address on this form (or on related hearing request forms) allows the department to send the decision electronically, which is often faster and more reliable than postal mail alone.
The form specifically states: “By providing us with your email address, you hereby agree to receive notification of our final decision by electronic transmission.”
Who Needs to Complete Form DAH IH 78?
Any individual (petitioner) who has requested or is participating in an Illinois Secretary of State administrative hearing and prefers to receive the final decision by email should complete this form. This commonly includes people seeking:
- Reinstatement of driving privileges after suspension or revocation
- A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP)
- Relief from multiple DUI-related sanctions (formal hearings)
- Resolution of other driving privilege issues through informal hearings
Even if you already provided an email address on the Formal Hearing Request form (DAH H 12), submitting Form DAH IH 78 confirms authorization specifically for the final decision notification.
How to Download Form DAH IH 78?
Always download the official form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website to ensure you have the current, fillable version.
Official download link: https://www.ilsos.gov/content/dam/publications/pdf_publications/dah_ih78.pdf
The form is a fillable PDF. For best results, download it to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader. General instructions for filling PDF forms from the Secretary of State are available on the official publications page.
You can also find the form listed under “Email Authorization – DAH IH 78” on the Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms page.
How to Fill Out the DAH IH 78 Form?
The form is straightforward and requires only a few pieces of information:
- Date — Enter the date you complete the form.
- Petitioner’s Name — Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Illinois driver’s license or identification records.
- Petitioner’s Driver’s License Number — Enter your Illinois driver’s license number.
- Petitioner’s Email Address — Provide a valid, regularly monitored email address.
- Petitioner’s Signature — Sign the form to authorize electronic delivery of the final decision.
There are no additional questions or checkboxes. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Important Notes for Reliable Email Delivery
The form includes an important note about spam filters. Because many email providers filter messages from government domains, the Illinois Secretary of State recommends adding the following addresses to your trusted senders, contacts, or address book:
After submitting the form, periodically check both your inbox and spam/junk folders for messages from these addresses. Failure to monitor your email could result in missing the official decision notification.
Submitting the Form and Next Steps
Submit the completed Form DAH IH 78 along with any other required hearing documents according to the instructions provided by the Department of Administrative Hearings for your specific case. Common submission methods include mailing to the appropriate hearing office or providing it at an in-person or virtual hearing.
For existing hearings or case-file questions, contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- General questions: [email protected]
Springfield Flagship Office contact: 217-782-7065 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Chicago Office: 312-793-3722.
More details on formal and informal hearing processes are available on the official Formal and Informal Hearings page.
Related Resources from the Illinois Secretary of State
- Administrative Hearings Department Home
- All Administrative Hearings Forms and Publications
- Formal Hearing Request Form (DAH H 12)
- Hearing Requirements (DAH IH 22)
Always verify information on the official Illinois Secretary of State website (ilsos.gov), as procedures and form versions can be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form DAH IH 78 mandatory?
No. It is optional but highly recommended if you want the final decision delivered by email for faster notification.
Can I change my email address later?
Contact the Department of Administrative Hearings Support Services at [email protected] to update your contact information.
Will I still receive a paper copy?
The form authorizes electronic transmission of the final decision. Practices regarding concurrent paper mailing can vary; confirm with the department if you require both.
Where can I get help filling out the form?
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader for the fillable PDF. For hearing-related questions, call the Springfield office at 217-782-7065 or email [email protected].
Completing Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH IH 78 is a simple step that helps ensure you receive your Administrative Hearings final decision promptly and securely by email. Download the official form today using the link provided and keep your contact information current throughout the hearing process.