Handicap Parking Information

Individuals who have a disability that restricts their ability to walk may qualify for a disability placard or license plate. There are a variety of qualifying disabilities such as: Inability to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and rest; use of wheelchair, walker, crutch; lung disease, etc. The disability placard and license plate display the international wheelchair access symbol and allow you to park in any designated disability parking space.

Permanent disability placards are blue and are issued for a qualifying disability that is permanent. This means there is no medical expectation the condition will improve. Permanent placards are valid for four years from the holder's next birthday. Temporary disability placards are red and are issued for a qualifying disability that is medically expected to improve over the next six months. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months. If a medical condition has not improved within that time, a new application must be completed.

Permanent disability placards and disability license plates may be renewed up to 45 days before the expiration date. Renewals may be processed at any Secretary of State branch office. Disability placards may also be renewed by mailing an application to the:

Department of State
Office of Customer Service
Distributed Services Unit
P.O. Box 30764
Lansing, MI 48909-8264

by calling 888-767-6424; or faxing an application to 517-322-1063. Disability license plates may be renewed through the mail, by telephone, Internet, or fax. For complete instructions, refer to your license plate renewal notice or visit the State of Michigan website.

Michigan law allows only one disability placard to be issued to a person. The law does not limit the number of placards per family if other members also have a qualifying disability. Additionally, if you have a qualifying disability, you may obtain a disability license plate for each of your registered personal vehicles.  Disability license plates can also be obtained for personal vehicles used to transport a disabled family member residing in the same household.

Disability parking laws enable people with severe mobility disabilities to utilize services and employment opportunities by providing accessible parking. The disability placard or license plate is intended for use only by the person with a disability or someone transporting the person with a disability. Under Michigan law, it is illegal to:

• Drive with a disability placard hanging from the rear view mirror.
• Use a disability placard or license plate when the person with a disability is not being transported.
• Lend a disability placard to another person.
• Alter or make a copy of a disability placard.
• Continue using the disability placard issued to a family member who has since passed away. Such disability placards should be immediately surrendered to the Michigan Secretary of State.

Van accessible parking spaces are wider than standard parking spaces to provide room for the van’s wheelchair lift and ramp. It is illegal to park on the painted stripes next to a disability parking space or block any ramps or curb cuts. Violators may be ticketed and their vehicles towed.

If you suspect someone is illegally parking in a disability parking space, you should notify the local authority responsible for parking enforcement - in most communities that would be either the police or parking enforcement bureau. They can investigate the situation and determine whether a violation has occurred. The Secretary of State does not have the authority to enforce disability parking laws and ordinances.

The Secretary of State will investigate if there is reason to believe a disability placard or license plate was issued improperly. If you have evidence to suggest a fraudulent application was made, please contact the Driver Assessment Support Section at 888-767-6424. You must supply the placard or license plate number, along with your reasons for believing that fraud was involved.

A disability license plate registered to the family member of an individual with disabilities who has since passed away remains valid until the expiration date of the plate. However, it is illegal to use the license plate to park in disability spaces since the disabled person is not being transported. When it is time to renew the license plate, the disability plate should be returned to the Secretary of State and a regular license plate will be issued. Improper use may result in the immediate confiscation and cancellation of the disability placard or license plate. Furthermore, improper use, altering, forging, or copying a disability placard may result in fines up to $500, jail time of up to 30 days, or both. Local fines may be higher and could include court costs. The Secretary of State may cancel the disability placard or license plate.