Illinois Handicap Parking Permits

If you are a disabled resident, you may qualify to receive an Illinois handicap parking placard from the Office of the Secretary of State. Depending on the type and severity of the disability you have, you could be entitled to one of the following:

  • Meter-exempt permanent placard
  • Non-meter-exempt permanent placard
  • Temporary placard
  • Organization placard
  • Permanent disability license plate

Each type of Illinois disability parking placards has its own qualifications depending on the medical certification provided by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician’s assistant.

 

Law

If you have a handicap parking permit in Illinois, you are entitled to park in any of the marked handicap parking spaces. However, only people with a meter-exempt permanent placard can park in metered spots for free and for an unlimited time.

Misuse of any handicap stickers could result in a large fine or other consequence. Anyone who violates handicap parking privileges could face up to a $1,000 fine and up to a one-year suspension of their driver’s license. Anyone who witnesses abuse of a handicap parking placard should report the abuse immediately.

 

Parking Pass Requirements

The requirements for obtaining handicap parking in Illinois vary depending on the type of placard, but the general requirements include:

  • Not being able to walk for 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Requiring the use of portable oxygen
  • Having a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition
  • Requiring assistance from a wheelchair, cane, crutch or other devices for mobility
  • Limited mobility due to a neurological, oncological, orthopedic or arthritic condition
  • Having a verifiable lung disease
  • Nonfunctional or missing limbs, either temporary or permanent
  • And others

Disabled veterans can also apply for a disabled license plate. The main requirement for disabled veterans in Illinois is to provide a letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to confirm your service-connected disability.

 

How to Apply for Illinois Handicap Parking

You can apply for any disabled license plate or placard by mail. However, you can only apply for temporary placards in person. The application process in Illinois is similar for either method:

  • Complete the Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates (Form VSD 62)
  • Have your medical professional fill out the appropriate sections regarding the medical certification
  • If you are applying for a disability license plate, you must include the $29 replacement fee and the $101 registration fee (placards are free)

Click here to obtain certification for your disability from a qualified doctor in the state of Illinois.

 

Other Information

Any temporary handicap parking permit in Illinois is valid for up to six months. Permanent placards are valid for more than six months, depending on your disability.

In order to renew your placard, you must do so prior to the specific expiration date. Both temporary and permanent placard renewals require the applicant to fill out a new application, including re-certifying your disability with a medical professional. The only exception is for disabled veterans, who don’t need to re-certify their medical condition if it was deemed permanent originally.

Our licensed physicians are available in every state and ready to help you determine your eligibility for a disabled parking badge. If you believe you may qualify for one of the handicap parking in Illinois options, be sure to contact us.

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