Illinois Secretary of State hearings are scheduled by written request through the Department of Administrative Hearings. First-offender revocations without aggravation qualify for informal hearings at any Driver Services facility, no appointment required, though preparation is still recommended. Multiple-offense revocations, out-of-state applicants, and cases involving death or great bodily harm require formal hearings held before a hearing officer in Chicago, Springfield, Joliet, or Mount Vernon. Formal hearings are requested by mail with a $50 fee and are scheduled roughly 90 days out. Denial requires a 90-day wait before reapplication. A Chicago DUI lawyer files the request, assembles the evidentiary packet, and appears at the hearing.
