In Illinois, disabled parking placards are managed by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office—not a traditional DMV. This distinction matters because the application process, submission addresses, and contact points all run through the Secretary of State. Illinois offers several types of placards, including a unique meter-exempt option, and the application is completely free for all eligible residents. Here is exactly how to navigate the process.
Illinois Handicap Placard Eligibility: Who Qualifies Under 625 ILCS 5/1-159.1?
Under Illinois law, you are considered a person with a disability and qualify for a parking placard if you:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without assistance from a wheelchair, walker, crutch, brace, prosthetic device, or another person.
- Are restricted by lung disease to the point that your forced expiratory volume (FEV) for 1 second is less than 1 liter.
- Have a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition per American Heart Association standards.
- Are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition.
Important: You must have a valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID card to qualify. Applicants without one cannot receive a placard.
Types of Illinois Disabled Parking Placards (Including the Meter-Exempt Option)
| Placard Type | Color | Eligibility | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Blue | Permanent disability | 4 years | Free |
| Temporary | Bright Red | Temporary disability | Up to 6 months | Free |
| Meter-Exempt | Yellow/Gray Striped | Permanent disability + inability to handle coins/tokens | 4 years | Free |
| Organization | Green/Blue | Nonprofits transporting disabled people | 4 years | Free |
The Meter-Exempt Placard: This is a unique Illinois option that exempts holders from paying at standard parking meters. It requires additional medical certification verifying that the applicant cannot handle coins or tokens due to limited motor control in both hands, or cannot reach a height of 42 inches.
Illinois Handicap Placard Application Form VSD 62: A Section-by-Section Guide
All Illinois handicap placard applications use Form VSD 62 (Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates). The form has four parts:
- Part 1 (Applicant): Your personal info, driver’s license/ID information, and signature.
- Part 2 (Minor applicants only): Parent or guardian signature if the applicant is a minor.
- Part 3 (Medical Professional): Certification of your disability, completed and signed by your healthcare provider.
- Part 4 (Meter-exempt applicants only): Additional certification that the applicant cannot handle coins or tokens (only required if applying for the yellow/gray meter-exempt placard).
Authorized certifiers in Illinois include licensed physicians, advanced practice nurses (APRN), physician assistants (PA), optometrists, and chiropractors.
How to Apply for an Illinois Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Download or Obtain Form VSD 62
Form VSD 62 is available on the Illinois Secretary of State website (ilsos.gov). Download it and complete it before printing, or pick up a physical copy at a local facility.
Step 2: Complete All Required Sections
Fill out Part 1 with your full name, address, and Illinois driver’s license or ID card number. Sign and date the form. If applicable, have a parent or guardian complete Part 2. Bring the partially completed form to your medical provider for Part 3 (and Part 4, if applicable).
Step 3: Have Your Medical Provider Certify Your Condition
Your medical provider must complete and sign Part 3. They will specify whether the disability is permanent or temporary. Do not delay submission: For permanent placards, the form is only valid for 6 months from the date of the physician’s signature. For temporary placards, the form is only valid for 3 months from the signature date.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Illinois strictly distinguishes the submission method by placard type:
- Temporary placard applications: Can be taken in person to any Secretary of State Driver Services facility, or mailed.
- Permanent placard applications: MUST be mailed directly to: Secretary of State, Persons with Disabilities Placard Unit, 501 S. 2nd St., Room 541, Springfield, IL 62756. Walk-ins for permanent placards are generally not accepted at local facilities (except for the Flagship Center in Springfield).
While placards are free, opting for disability license plates instead carries standard vehicle registration fees (currently $151 for passenger vehicles, though fee waivers may apply for those in the state’s Benefit Access Program).
How to Renew an Illinois Handicap Placard (Online, by Mail, or In Person)
Illinois disability placards must be renewed before the expiration date printed on the placard.
- Permanent placard renewal follows the exact same process as the original application. You must submit a new Form VSD 62 with an updated medical certification by mail.
- Disability license plate renewals can be completed online at the Illinois Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person, and carry the standard annual registration renewal fee.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Illinois Handicap Placard
To replace a lost, damaged, or stolen Illinois disabled parking placard, complete Form VSD 415 (Application for Replacement Disability Parking Placard) and mail it to the Secretary of State’s office along with a $10.00 replacement fee. Medical recertification is usually not required for replacements if your current credential is still within its validity period.
Illinois Handicap Placard Rules: Proper Use and Penalties for Misuse
The placard may only be used when the person it was issued to is physically present in the vehicle as the driver or a passenger.
- Misuse: Allowing someone else to use the placard when the permit holder is not present is a Class A misdemeanor. It can result in a fine of up to $2,500, a 12-month suspension of your driver’s license, and revocation of the placard.
- Reporting: If you witness the misuse of a disabled parking space, you can report it online using the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities Abuse Complaint form on the Secretary of State’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Disability parking placards in Illinois are completely free. Disability license plates, however, require standard annual registration renewal fees (currently $151) unless you qualify for a state discount.
The form is called the Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates, or Form VSD 62. It is available on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
No, the placard itself cannot be renewed online. You must submit a renewal application (Form VSD 62) with a fresh medical certification by mail. However, renewals for disability license plates can be completed online at the Secretary of State’s website.
Contact the Secretary of State’s Persons with Disabilities Placard Unit directly at 800-252-8980 (toll-free). The office typically processes applications within 60 days. Online status tracking is not available, so a phone call is the most reliable option.
Conclusion:
Illinois’s system is straightforward once you know where to submit: Form VSD 62 completed with your doctor, then mailed or submitted to the Secretary of State — not the DMV. Permanent placard applications go directly to Springfield; temporary ones can be handled at any SOS facility. Keep track of your 4-year expiration date, and renew early to avoid any gap in access.
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