Administrative Hearings

FORMAL HEARINGS

A hearing officer presides at a formal hearing at which both testimony and documentary evidence, is heard. The officer is authorized to rule on all motions, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses or documents at the request of any party, examine witnesses and rule upon the admissibility of evidence.

Offenses such as reckless homicide and multiple DUI offenses are handled through formal hearings. An order reflecting the recommendation of the hearing officer and the decision of the Secretary of State is issued. Decisions from a formal hearing are subject to the Administrative Review Law.

A formal hearing must be requested in writing through the U. S. mail. No facsimiles or internet mail requests will be accepted. Petitioners are eligible for a subsequent hearing 90 days following their most recent hearing.

PLEASE NOTE: Any request for a formal hearing must by law be accompanied by a filing fee of FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00). The fee may be submitted in the form of a check, money order, or by credit card. Payment shall be made payable to the Secretary of State. CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If a request is received without the fee attached, the request will be returned and no hearing with be scheduled. This fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.

This is in accordance with Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code and 92 Illinois Administrative Code 1001.70.

Formal hearings are held in four locations: Springfield, Chicago, Joliet, and Mt. Vernon.

Information and a safety responsibility hearing request form regarding a hearing for an accident without insurance can be found at Safety Responsibility Hearings.

Formal Hearing Request Form PDF