Informal Hearings Before the Illinois Secretary of State

Who Qualifies for an Informal Hearing?

Informal hearings are available for cases involving:

• Traffic offenses that did not result in a fatality
• A single DUI offense (minimal or moderate risk classification)
• Fraudulent statements made to the Secretary of State
• Minor moving violations

Unlike formal hearings, informal hearings do not require advance scheduling. They are conducted on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis at Secretary of State Driver Services facilities throughout Illinois.

What Happens at an Informal Hearing?

At an informal hearing, you will be interviewed by a hearing officer who will ask detailed questions about your driving history, the circumstances that led to your suspension or revocation, any alcohol or drug evaluations and treatment you have completed, and changes you have made to ensure you will drive safely in the future.

Being well-prepared for this interview is critical. A poor performance at an informal hearing can result in a denial — and the need to wait before reapplying.

How We Prepare You

The attorneys at Botto Gilbert Lancaster, will have you fully prepared for your informal hearing. We know exactly what questions the hearing officer will ask. We will work with you — for as long as it takes — until we are confident you are ready to give the right answers and make the best possible impression.

We attend the hearing alongside you and strongly advocate on your behalf. If full reinstatement is not immediately possible, we may be able to help you obtain a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) to allow you to drive to work, school, and medical appointments while your case is resolved.

After the hearing, the officer submits a recommendation to the Secretary of State’s office. Decisions arrive by mail approximately 10 to 12 weeks after the hearing.