Illinois SOS Form DAH IH 85 Support Affidavit Guide – If your Illinois driving privileges have been suspended or revoked due to alcohol- or drug-related offenses, you may qualify for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). One common purpose of an RDP is to allow travel to and from self-help support or recovery program meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The official form used to document these meetings and request driving privileges limited to this purpose is the Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH IH 85 — Support/Recovery Affidavit.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form DAH IH 85 is, who needs it, how to complete it correctly, where to submit it, and how it fits into the broader process of obtaining an RDP through the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Administrative Hearings. All information is based on official publications from the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) and current administrative rules.
What Is Illinois Form DAH IH 85?
Form DAH IH 85 is the official Support/Recovery Affidavit issued by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State, Department of Administrative Hearings. Petitioners use this sworn statement to affirm that they regularly attend self-help program meetings and will use any Restricted Driving Permit solely to travel to and from those meetings (up to five meetings per week).
The form requires specific details about each meeting location, including the name of the group or facility, full address, day(s) of the week, and start and end times. Meetings are typically one to one-and-a-half hours long. The affidavit makes clear that the RDP, if granted, is restricted exclusively to this purpose.
You can download the current official PDF version of the form directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form DAH IH 85 (PDF).
Who Needs to File Form DAH IH 85?
Drivers whose licenses are suspended or revoked and who need limited driving privileges specifically to attend support or recovery meetings must complete and submit this form. It is most commonly required in alcohol- and drug-related cases when seeking an RDP for support/recovery purposes.
According to Illinois administrative rules (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1001.420), a support/recovery program RDP is available when the petitioner demonstrates a hardship and provides verifiable documentation of regular attendance at meetings. The form serves as the primary affidavit for listing meeting details and affirming proper use of the permit.
This form is distinct from other related documents such as:
- DAH IH 52 – Documentation of Self-Help Support/Recovery Program (letters from fellow members)
- DAH IH 67 and DAH IH 71 – Documentation of Non-Traditional Support/Recovery Program
- DAH IH 51 – Documentation of Abstinence/Character/Substance Use
While those forms help establish ongoing involvement in a recovery program for hearing purposes, Form DAH IH 85 specifically supports the request for driving privileges limited to attending meetings.
Key Requirements for a Support/Recovery Restricted Driving Permit
To qualify for an RDP based on support/recovery meetings, petitioners generally must:
- Prove that no alternative transportation is reasonably available.
- Demonstrate that granting the permit will not endanger public safety.
- Provide verifiable documentation of regular meeting attendance.
- Limit attendance to no more than five meetings per week under the permit.
- Meet any applicable abstinence periods (often a minimum of six months for an RDP, or 12 months for full reinstatement in high-risk dependent cases).
In high-risk dependent classifications, additional documentation of a support/recovery program (at least three original letters from fellow members or participants, plus a sponsor letter if applicable) and abstinence verification are required. These letters must be signed and dated within 45 days of the hearing.
For official details on alcohol- and drug-related hearing requirements, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Alcohol- and Drug-Related Hearings page.
How to Complete Form DAH IH 85 Step by Step?
The form is relatively straightforward but must be completed accurately and under oath. Follow these steps:
- Header Information: Enter your full name as the Petitioner, your Illinois Driver’s License Number, and the current date.
- Affirmation Statement: The form includes a pre-printed sworn statement that you attend self-help program meetings at the listed locations and will use any RDP only for driving to and from up to five meetings per week.
- Meeting Details: Provide information for up to five meetings. For each meeting include:
- Name of the group, facility, or program
- Day of the week (Monday through Sunday checkboxes)
- Full street address
- City
- Start time (a.m./p.m.)
- End time (a.m./p.m.)
- Signature and Affirmation: Sign the form under penalty of perjury. The form references Illinois law regarding false statements (735 ILCS 5/1-109).
Download the fillable PDF, complete it on your computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results, then print and sign it. Handwritten entries are also acceptable if clear and legible.
Where and How to Submit Form DAH IH 85?
Mail the completed and signed form to the address listed on the form:
Office of the Secretary of State
Department of Administrative Hearings
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Room 220
Springfield, IL 62723
Phone: 800-252-8980
The form instructs petitioners to “PLEASE MAIL TO ADDRESS IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER.” Always use the most current version of the form, as mailing addresses and form numbers can be updated. The current version is marked April 2026 — DAH IH 85.2 ADA.
In most cases, Form DAH IH 85 is submitted as part of a formal or informal hearing packet when requesting an RDP. It may also be used when updating meeting schedules after an RDP has been issued.
Related Forms and Additional Documentation
Successful RDP applications for support/recovery purposes usually require more than just Form DAH IH 85. Common accompanying documents include:
- Alcohol/Drug Evaluation (Uniform Report) and any required updates
- Proof of completed DUI Risk Education and treatment (or treatment waiver)
- Letters documenting abstinence and program participation (DAH IH 51, DAH IH 52, or non-traditional equivalents)
- Employment, medical, or other verification forms if requesting multiple RDP purposes
- Proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) if required
A full list of Administrative Hearings forms is available on the official Illinois Secretary of State Administrative Hearings Publications and Forms page.
For general information about Restricted Driving Permits, including eligibility and BAIID requirements, see the official Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) page.
Important Tips for a Successful Submission
- Always use the most recent version of the form from the official ILSOS website.
- Ensure meeting times and locations are accurate and realistic. The Secretary of State may verify information.
- Submit original signed documents when required; photocopies or faxes may be accepted temporarily but originals are preferred.
- Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
- If your recovery program is non-traditional (not structured AA/NA-style), use the appropriate non-traditional documentation forms in addition to or instead of standard self-help letters.
- Consult the hearing requirements document (DAH IH 22) for a complete checklist based on your risk classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form DAH IH 85 the only document needed for a recovery meeting RDP?
No. It is one key piece of documentation. You must also meet all other hearing requirements based on your risk level and driving history.
Can I list more than five meetings?
The form and administrative rules limit the RDP to attendance at no more than five meetings per week.
What if my meeting schedule changes after the RDP is issued?
You should promptly notify the Department of Administrative Hearings and submit an updated affidavit if necessary.
Does this form apply to internet or virtual recovery meetings?
Illinois rules allow certain internet-based support programs under specific conditions, but the affidavit focuses on physical meeting locations and times for driving purposes. Confirm current policy with the Secretary of State.
Conclusion
Illinois Secretary of State Form DAH IH 85 — Support/Recovery Affidavit is an essential tool for drivers seeking limited privileges to attend recovery meetings while their full driving privileges remain suspended or revoked. By accurately completing and submitting this form along with all other required documentation, petitioners can demonstrate their commitment to recovery and the hardship of lacking transportation to meetings.
Always obtain forms and instructions directly from official Illinois Secretary of State sources to ensure you are using the current version. For the latest information, visit ilsos.gov or contact the Department of Administrative Hearings at 800-252-8980.
Download the official form now: Illinois Form DAH IH 85 Support/Recovery Affidavit (PDF)