Welcome to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). We are an independent agency that provides fair and impartial hearings in disputes involving Idaho state agencies. If you are a member of the public involved in a case or simply want to understand more about how administrative hearings work, this page is here to help.
What Is the Office of Administrative Hearings?
The OAH conducts contested case hearings for state agencies. These are legal proceedings that occur when an individual or business disagrees with a decision made by a state agency—such as licensing issues, benefits denials, or regulatory compliance matters.
The OAH is neutral and independent. Our administrative hearing officers do not work for the agencies involved in your case. Their role is to listen to all sides, review evidence, and make decisions based on the law and the facts presented.
When Might I Interact with OAH?
You may be involved in a hearing with the OAH if you have:
- Appealed a decision by a state agency (such as unemployment, professional licensing, or benefits eligibility)
- Requested a formal administrative hearing after receiving notice of agency action
- Been named in a complaint that is being reviewed in an administrative process
What Happens During a Hearing?
A hearing is a formal meeting where both sides present information (called “evidence”) and explain their position. You may:
- Testify and bring witnesses
- Submit documents or other evidence
- Ask questions of the other side’s witnesses
Hearings may be held in person, by phone, or through video conferencing, depending on the case and your needs. Learn more about the Hearing Process here.
You do not have to hire an attorney, but you may choose to have one represent you. OAH strives to make the process accessible even for those who are not lawyers.
What Are My Rights?
If you are involved in a hearing, you have the right to:
- Be notified of the hearing date and process
- Present your side of the story
- Receive a written decision explaining the outcome
All parties are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the process. You can learn more on the Know Your Rights page.
Resources
- Representing Yourself in a Hearing
- Forms and Filing Instructions
- Statutes and Rules
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us
Need Help?
If you’re unsure what to do next, or have received a hearing notice and have questions, we encourage you to contact us.
The Office of Administrative Hearings is here to ensure that Idahoans receive a fair, unbiased review when disagreements arise with state agencies. We are committed to making the process understandable, respectful, and accessible to everyone.