Frequently Asked Questions

What is...

What is the administrative hearing process?

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is a court. You have a right to appeal when you disagree with an action taken by certain state agencies. OAH hears and decides the disagreement.

The judge who hears your case is neutral and not employed by the state agency involved in the disagreement. After your hearing, the judge will make a decision based on the facts gathered at the hearing.

You can appeal the decision of the OAH judge. You must follow specific steps at the end of the decision you receive.

What is a prehearing conference?

A prehearing conference is a brief phone call with the judge and the other parties. Not all appeals have a prehearing conference. You will know if you have a prehearing conference if you receive a Notice of Prehearing Conference.

If you have any questions about the prehearing conference, call OAH at (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

What is an exhibit?

Exhibits are documents you want the judge to read before making a decision.

You can file documents or review your case information through the Participant Portal.

Training and Resources:

Select from the list for instructions about exhibits:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

How do I...

How do I request a hearing?

If you disagree with an agency notice, read it carefully. It has instructions on how to appeal. It is your responsibility to follow those instructions. If you do not, you may lose your right to appeal.

If you have not already requested a hearing, in some cases, you may make that hearing request online.

How do I prepare for my hearing?

Select from the list for information on how to prepare:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

How do I submit documents?

You have the right to submit documents for the judge to read before the hearing.

You can file documents or review your case information through the Participant Portal.

Training and Resources:

Select from the list for instructions about exhibits:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

How do I attend my hearing?

You will receive a notice of hearing from OAH. Read it carefully. It will include the date, time and instructions on how to participate.

Select from the list for instructions on how to participate:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

How do I get my decision translated into my language?

For a free oral translation of OAH documents, call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

For instructions in many languages click Need Interpreter.

What if I...

What if I missed my hearing?

Even if you did not attend your hearing, you will receive a decision from OAH. That decision will give you instructions on how to request another hearing. You have a limited time to do this.

Select from the list for more information:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

What if I want to reschedule my hearing?

You may request a new date or time for your hearing. The judge will decide whether or not to grant that request.

Select from the list for instructions about rescheduling:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

What if I want to cancel my hearing?

You can cancel a hearing only if you were the one to request it. A request to cancel a hearing is called a withdrawal. This ends your case.

Select from the list for instructions:

If you are not sure which one to select, please call (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

What if I move?

Tell OAH IMMEDIATELY if your address or phone number changes. Important information about your case is mailed to your address.  

Other state agencies do not tell OAH if you update your address or phone number. You must also call OAH.

Please call OAH at (800) 583-8271 to update your address or phone number.  If you have a docket number, please have it ready.

What if I lost or never received my paperwork?

If you have not received your paperwork, please call OAH at (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271.

What if I have a disability and require an accommodation?

If you or any of your witnesses have a disability and require an accommodation to participate, contact OAH as soon as possible. You will need to tell OAH about how the disability effects the ability to participate and describe how we can help by accommodating the need so you can access our facilities and services.

Click Request an Accommodation or call OAH at 360-407-2700 or 800-583-8271.

What if I want a recording of the hearing?

Call OAH at (360) 407-2700 or (800) 583-8271 to find out how to get a recording of the hearing.

What if I need an attorney?

OAH does not provide an attorney. OAH cannot give legal advice.

Here are some low cost or free representation resources:

For a more detailed list, click Legal Research and Resources.

What if I don’t speak English?

Click Request Interpreter for instructions in many languages.

What if I disagree with the decision?

You can appeal the decision of the OAH judge. You must follow specific steps at the end of the decision you receive.