To obtain a permanent handicap placard in Illinois, you must complete the official Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard form, have it certified by a licensed medical professional, and submit it to the Illinois Secretary of State's office.
Understanding Permanent Handicap Placards
A permanent handicap placard, also known as a Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard, is issued by the Illinois Secretary of State's office to individuals with a qualifying long-term or permanent disability that impairs their mobility. This placard allows the holder to park in designated accessible parking spaces.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a permanent handicap placard, you must have a disability that meets specific criteria as defined by Illinois law. Generally, this includes conditions such as:
- Inability to walk without the aid of a brace, crutch, prosthetic device, another person, or a wheelchair.
- Restriction by lung disease to such an extent that the person's forced expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.
- Use of portable oxygen.
- Cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
- Severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
Crucially, a licensed medical professional must certify your disability on the official application form.
The Application Process
The process for obtaining your permanent handicap placard involves several straightforward steps:
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
You will need to download and print the official "Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard" form. This form is essential as it requires sections to be completed by both you and your medical professional.
- Download the form here: Illinois Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard
Step 2: Complete Your Section
Fill out the applicant's portion of the form accurately with your personal information, including your name, address, and signature.
Step 3: Medical Professional Certification
Have a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or podiatric physician complete and sign the medical certification section of the form. This professional must verify your permanent disability and its impact on your mobility. Ensure they include their license number and contact information.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once both sections of the form are fully completed and signed, you can submit your application. Illinois offers two primary methods for submission:
Submission Methods and Locations
| Method | Location/Address |
|---|---|
| Secretary of State, Persons with Disabilities Placard Unit, 501 S. 2nd St., Room 532, Springfield, IL 62756 | |
| Walk-in | Springfield Wabash DMV, 1650 Wabash Ave., Unit D, Springfield, IL 62704 |
Choosing the walk-in option at the Springfield Wabash DMV can allow for immediate processing of your application.
Important Considerations
- No Fee: There is no fee required to obtain a permanent handicap placard in Illinois.
- Proper Display: Once you receive your placard, it must be properly displayed from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in an accessible space. It should be removed when the vehicle is in motion.
- Permanence: Permanent placards are generally issued for a long duration or do not expire, however, they can be revoked if the individual's eligibility status changes or if the placard is misused.
