Parking in handicapped spaces in Illinois
requires that drivers display handicap placards or license plates
that feature the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Driving can be particularly challenging for persons with a disability, even if that disability is only temporary. To help alleviate some of the stress of living with a disability, all states provide temporary and permanent placards or license plates that allow persons with disabilities to use accessible parking spots. While this is great news, the rules for using these placards vary from state to state, so drivers need to know the regulations to avoid costly parking tickets.
If you’re living with a disability in Illinois, you could be eligible for a disabled parking placard or license plate. In this guide, we've compiled all the information you need to know about handicapped placards and plates.
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Start earning nowHow to get a disabled parking placard or plate in Illinois
To park in a disabled space anywhere in Illinois, you’ll need one of five things:
A person with a disability license plate, which is issued to drivers with permanent disabilities.
A yellow and gray striped meter-exempt permanent placard, which is issued to persons with permanent disabilities that prohibit accessing or operating parking meters. This is the only placard that exempts the holder from parking meter fees and limits.
Blue permanent placards, which are issued to persons with permanent disabilities to allow the use of disabled parking.
Red temporary placards, which are issued to people with temporary disabilities and women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Expires in six months or less.
Green organization placards, which are issued to organizations that transport persons with disabilities free of charge.
The type of placard you’re eligible for will depend on a number of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions, both temporary or permanent, that could qualify you for a handicap placard or license plate in Illinois.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
In Illinois, you are considered legally disabled if:
Your walking or mobility requires the assistance of another person, a prosthetic device, a wheelchair, or another assistive device.
Your movement is restricted by lung disease.
You’re required to use portable oxygen.
You have a Class II or IV cardiac condition according to American Heart Association (AHA) standards.
Your mobility is severely limited by arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic conditions, or pregnancy.
You have permanently lost the use of or are missing a hand or an arm.
A person with a permanent disability can opt for either a placard or a license plate, but many opt for the placard. Placards are issued to you, not your vehicle, so they can travel with you from car to car. A disabled license plate must stay with the car to which it’s assigned.
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Start earning nowHow to apply
Whether you’re applying for a placard or a license plate, the process is fairly simple in Illinois. You can access the Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates
either online or by visiting your nearest Illinois Secretary of State Office
. The application for disabled placards and plates is broken into two parts. For the first, you’ll need to ensure you have your identifying information (name, address, and driver’s license or ID card number) or that of the person for whom you’re completing the form. After you enter this information, you’ll select whether you’re applying for a placard or a plate. If you’re applying for a plate, you’ll need your vehicle's VIN.
The second section of the form is the Disability Statement, and it must be completed by your physician.
Placard applications can be mailed in or taken to any Secretary of State facility. There are no fees associated with placard applications.
License plate applications must be mailed to:
Secretary of State, Persons with Disabilities Placard Unit, 501 S. 2nd Street, Room 541, Springfield, IL 62756
License plates have an initial issuance fee of $196, which includes title and registration. Renewal costs $101. All fees can be paid online, in person, or by mail via personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
Renewing a disabled parking placard
If your temporary disability extends longer than six months, you’ll need to renew your temporary placard, but Illinois makes this process easy. You can renew your placard online, in person, or through the mail, and no additional information from your doctor is required for renewal.
Key Takeaway To apply for a disabled parking placard or plate in Illinois, you’ll need to have your doctor fill out portions of your application certifying your disability.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
Illinois offers Disabled Veterans Plates to any resident veteran with a service-related disability. To get your plates, you must submit a letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs certifying that your disability is related to military service either in person or via mail at the Springfield Secretary of State’s Office, 501 S. 2nd St. Howlett Building, Room 541 Springfield, Illinois 62756
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FAQs
Yes. Illinois handicap placards can be renewed online, in person, or via mail.
Handicap placards are free of charge in Illinois.
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