Navigating the requirements for a disability parking placard in Illinois can seem complex, but understanding the process is key to accessing the parking accommodations you need. The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) offers a structured program for individuals with qualifying disabilities, providing different types of placards based on the nature and severity of the condition. This guide clarifies the types of placards available, outlines the application process, and answers common questions to help you secure the correct permit.
What Is an Illinois Disability Parking Placard?
Illinois provides four distinct types of parking placards, each designed for specific circumstances. It is crucial to identify which one aligns with your needs, as they offer different privileges, particularly concerning metered parking.
| Placard Type | Color | Key Feature | Meter Exempt? |
| Meter-Exempt Permanent | Yellow & Gray | For permanent disabilities impacting meter use | Yes |
| Non-Meter-Exempt Permanent | Blue | For permanent disabilities, no meter exemption | No |
| Temporary | Red | For temporary conditions (up to 6 months) | No |
| Organization | Blue | For organizations transporting disabled persons | No |
A Meter-Exempt Permanent placard is issued only to individuals with permanent disabilities so significant that they cannot manage parking meters. This requires a physician to certify that the applicant cannot perform specific tasks, such as inserting coins, reaching the meter, or walking more than 20 feet . All other placards require the user to pay standard meter fees.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Illinois Disability Placard
Applying for a disability placard involves a mandatory medical certification to verify eligibility. The process differs slightly depending on whether your disability is permanent or temporary.
Step 1: Get Form VSD 62 (Disability Certification Form)
The first step for any applicant is to get the Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates (Form VSD 62). This form is the cornerstone of the application and must be completed by both the applicant and a licensed physician. You can download this form directly from the Illinois SOS website.
Step 2: Physician Certification Requirements in Illinois
Your doctor must fill out the medical section of Form VSD 62, certifying that you have a qualifying disability under Illinois law. For a meter-exempt placard, the physician must confirm that your condition meets the stricter criteria related to meter accessibility.
Important: The application cannot be processed without a physician’s signature. Ensure this section is completed accurately to avoid delays.
Step 3: How to Submit Your Illinois Disability Placard Application
How you submit your completed form depends on the type of placard you need:
For Permanent Placards (Meter-Exempt and Non-Meter-Exempt): The completed Form VSD 62 must be mailed directly to the Secretary of State’s central office in Springfield. Local DMV facilities are not authorized to issue permanent placards.
Mailing Address:
Illinois Secretary of State
Persons with Disabilities License Plates/Placard Unit
501 S. Second St., Rm. 541
Springfield, IL 62756
For Temporary Placards: If you have a temporary disability, you can take the completed form to your local Secretary of State facility (check facility hours and appointment rules).. Staff at the facility can issue a temporary red placard on the same day, which is valid for the duration specified by your doctor (up to six months).
Illinois Disability Parking Placard Fees Explained
- Placard Fees: Original disability parking placards (permanent, temporary, and meter-exempt) are provided free of charge to eligible Illinois residents.
- Replacement Fees: If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must submit an Application for Replacement Disability Parking Placard (Form VSD 415). The fee for a replacement is $10.
- One Placard Per Person: The state limits individuals to one placard, as it is intended to be moved between vehicles that the placard holder is using.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the initial application for a disability placard cannot be completed online because it requires a physician’s physical signature on Form VSD 62. However, some renewals for existing placard holders may be available through an electronic process.
Disability license plates are permanently affixed to one vehicle, whereas a placard can be moved between vehicles. To get disability plates, the vehicle must be titled in the name of the person with the disability (or their parent/guardian). A person with disability plates will also be issued a placard to use when riding in other vehicles.
Illinois enforces strict penalties for placard misuse. Using someone else’s placard, a deceased person’s placard, or a fraudulent one can result in a Class A misdemeanor, a fine of up to $2,500, and a one-year driver’s license suspension for a first offense.
No. A disability placard allows you to use designated accessible spots and, in some cases, park in metered zones without paying (only with the Yellow/Gray placard). It does not grant permission to park in fire lanes, loading zones, or areas where parking is prohibited for all vehicles.
Conclusion
Obtaining a disability parking placard in Illinois is a process designed to ensure that parking accommodations are reserved for those who genuinely need them. By completing the required physician certification and submitting the correct forms, you can secure a placard that provides essential access.
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