Illinois Handicap Parking Placards

Illinois Handicap Parking Permits: What You Need to Know

If you're a disabled resident of Illinois, you may be eligible for a handicap parking placard in Illinois from the Office of the Secretary of State. Depending on the type and severity of your disability, you may be entitled to one of several different options, including a meter-exempt permanent pass, a non-meter-exempt permanent pass, a temporary pass, an organization pass, or a permanent disability license plate. Each type of pass has specific qualifications, which are determined by a medical certification from a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician’s assistant.

Pass Requirements

To qualify for a handicap permit in IL, you must meet certain requirements, such as being unable 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, or having limited mobility due to a neurological, oncological, orthopedic or arthritic condition. Disabled veterans may also apply for a disabled license plate by providing a letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to confirm their service-connected disability.

Law

IL law allows anyone with a disabled license to park in any marked disabled parking space, but only those with a meter-exempt permanent pass can park in metered spots for free and for an unlimited time. Misuse of handicap stickers can result in a large fine or other consequences. Violating disabled privileges can result in up to a $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension of the offender's driver’s license.

How to Apply for an Illinois Handicap Parking 

You can apply for any handicap parking permit by mail, but temporary passes must be applied for in person. The application process in IL is similar for either method. To apply, complete the Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking  card/License Plates (Form VSD 62) and have your medical professional fill out the appropriate sections regarding the medical certification. If you're applying for a disability license plate, you must include the $29 replacement fee and the $101 registration fee (passes are free).

Other Information

Temporary handicap licenses in IL are valid for up to six months, while permanent passes are valid for more than six months, depending on your disability. To renew your pass, you must do so prior to the specific expiration date. Both temporary and permanent pass 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.

If you believe you may qualify for one of the handicap options in IL , be sure to contact a licensed physician to help determine your eligibility. For more information about the IL Handicap Program, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.

What are handicap parking spaces in Illinois?

Handicap spaces in IL are designated spots that are reserved for individuals with disabilities who hold a valid disabled license. These spaces are typically located in areas that are close to building entrances, and they are marked with the international symbol of accessibility. IL law requires that these spaces be clearly marked and reserved for individuals with disabilities who have a valid disabled permit. Parking in a handicap space without a valid permit or misusing a disabled license can result in fines and other consequences.

How much is a handicap permit in Illinois?

The cost of a disabled permit varies depending on the type of permit you need. Permanent disabled passes are free of charge, while temporary passes require a fee of $10. Disabled license plates have a fee of $101 in addition to the regular registration fee. However, there is no fee for replacing a lost or stolen permanent pass. It is important to note that fees and costs associated with the license may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on fees and requirements for obtaining a disabled spot, you should contact the IL Secretary of State's office.

Can I use my Illinois handicap card in other states?

Yes, you can generally use your IL pass in other states, as most states in the U.S. recognize  licenses issued by other states. This means that if you are traveling outside of IL, you can still use your IL pass to park in designated handicap spaces in other states. However, it is important to note that the specific rules and regulations may vary by state, so it is always a good idea to check the local laws and regulations before you park. Additionally, some states may have different qualifications or requirements for obtaining a sign, so it is recommended that you check with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the equivalent agency in the state you are traveling to for specific information on their requirements.

Can you park free at a meter with a disability card in Illinois?

If you have a meter-exempt permanent pass in IL, you are entitled to park in metered spots for free and for an unlimited time. However, non-meter exempt permanent passes, temporary passes, and disability license plates do not entitle the holder to free metered. It is important to note that while you may park in a metered spot for free with a meter-exempt permanent pass, you are still required to follow all other rules and regulations, such as time limits, street cleaning schedules, and no-parking zones. Additionally, misusing a license can result in fines and other consequences, so it is important to use your license only for its intended purpose.

How much does a disability card cost in Illinois?

The cost of a disability pass in IL varies depending on the type of pass you need. Permanent disability placards are free of charge, while temporary cards require a fee of $10. Disability license plates have a fee of $101 in addition to the regular registration fee. However, there is no fee for replacing a lost or stolen permanent pass. It is important to note that fees and costs associated with disability passes may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on fees and requirements for obtaining a disability pass in IL, you should contact the IL Secretary of State's office.

How long are handicap cards valid for in Illinois?

The length of time that a card is valid for in IL depends on the type of card you have. Permanent disability passes are valid for four years and expire on the holder's birthday. Temporary disability passes are valid for up to six months. Disability license plates are valid for as long as the vehicle is registered, as long as the registered owner continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

It is important to note that in order to renew your disability pass, you must do so prior to the specific expiration date. Both temporary and permanent pass 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.

How do I renew my handicap placard in Illinois?

To renew your handicap card in IL, you must follow the same application process as you did when you first applied for the card. You must complete the "Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking tag/License Plates" form (VSD 62) and have your medical professional fill out the appropriate sections regarding the medical certification.

You must submit the completed form to the IL Secretary of State's office by mail or in person. If you are renewing a permanent disability pass, you must do so prior to the specific expiration date, which is generally four years after the date of issue. If you are renewing a temporary disability pass, you must submit a new application every six months.

It's important to note that both temporary and permanent tag renewals require 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. If you have any questions or concerns about renewing your handicap parking placard in IL, you should contact the IL Secretary of State's office for assistance.

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