How to Apply for a Handicapped Parking Placard in the State of Illinois

The State of Illinois Secretary of State Office issues temporary and permanent handicap placards and license plates to disabled individuals and to persons who regularly transport disabled persons. Vehicles displaying a handicapped placard or license plate may park in disabled person's parking spots and in metered spots without obeying the marked time limitations or paying stated meter fees, except when the meter designates a 30-minute or less allotted parking time.

Things You'll Need

  • Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard form
  • Obtain a copy of the "Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard" form from the State of Illinois Secretary of State website (see link in the Resource section) or by calling 800-252-8980.

  • Have your physician fill out and sign "Side A" of the form.

  • Enter your personal information on "Side B" of the form and sign your name on the "Applicant's Signature" line.

  • Find out the parking placard or license application fee by visiting the State of Illinois Secretary of State office website (see link in the Resource section) or by calling 800-252-8980. There is no fee for handicap placards as of March 2010. The handicap license application fee is $99 for currently titled vehicles and $194 for newly acquired vehicles, as of March 2010.

  • Apply in person at the State of Illinois Secretary of State office's Springfield branch. Bring the "Persons with Disabilities Certification Parking Placard" form, along with a money order, check or cash to cover the application fee, if applicable. The Secretary of State office is located at:

    Secretary of State
    Vehicle Services Department
    501 S. Second St.
    Howlett Building, Room 541
    Springfield, Illinois 62756

    Alternatively, apply through the mail. Mail the form, along with a money order or check made out to the "State of Illinois Secretary of State" in the amount of the application fee, if applicable, to the following address:

    Secretary of State
    Persons with Disabilities License Plates/Placard Unit
    501 S. Second St., Rm. 541
    Springfield, IL 62756