How to Qualify for a Permanent Disabled Parking Placard in Michigan

If you’re an individual who has a disability, finding handicap parking can be tough enough. However, applying for a parking permit shouldn’t be so difficult if you qualify and have all your paperwork ready. The rules vary depending on which state you live in and whether the disability is permanent or temporary. If you live in Michigan follow this guide to help you with applying for your disabled parking permit.

What Type of Placard Can I Get?

In Michigan there are three ways you can park in a disabled parking space. You can have a disabled license plate, a permanent placard, or a temporary placard. You can be a driver or passenger in the vehicle that uses a disabled parking placard. To qualify for the blue permanent disability placard your disability must not be expected to improve and a physician must certify your condition. A disability is defined as:

  • Blindness
  • Any condition that greatly limits a person’s ability to walk
  • Any condition that requires a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or other assistive device including prothetic legs

Obtaining the Placard

Individuals must fill out the Disability Parking Placard Application (form BFS-108) which is available online. You will fill out part I and include your basic information such as name, address, phone number, and driver’s license or ID card number.

Part II is filled out by a physician, chiropractor, optometrist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. Part III is filled out by the physician only if you qualify for free parking.

The form is then taken to any Secretary of State office or mailed to:

Michigan Department of State Secretary of State
Special Services Branch
PO Box 30764
Lansing, MI 48918

There is also no fee to apply for an original disabled parking placard. Photocopies of the filled out application will not be accepted so be sure to turn in the original form. It is perfectly fine if the blank form is photocopied.

Receiving and Using the Placard

Once you receive your placard remember there are rules when using and displaying it in your vehicle.

  • You have to be the driver or passenger in the vehicle that is using the disabled parking space. This means don’t lend your disabled parking placard to others who don’t need it.
  • Don’t park on the blue striped lines next to the disabled parking spot. This space is for those who need space for wheelchairs as well as vans and vehicles that need this space for wheelchair lifts. It can be incredibly frustrating for those who need that space to see a vehicle partially parked over the striped lines.
  • You can use this disabled parking placard anywhere in the United States and it is not limited to the state of Michigan. You can also use it another person’s vehicle if you are driving it or are the passenger.
  • Remember to hang the placard from your rear view mirror and take it down when you are driving.

What Not to Do With the Placard

There are actions you definitely do not want to do when you have a disability placard. Avoid these following actions:

  • Don’t lend your placard to someone else.
  • Do not use a placard that has been canceled or replaced.
  • Don’t use the placard if you don’t have a qualifying disability anymore.
  • Don’t use a deceased family member’s disability placard

Remember to follow these rules and you will avoid fines that can be as high as $500 and jail time up to 30 days.

A Lost or Stolen Placard

The original disability parking placard is free. However, if you lose your placard or it is stolen you must pay $10 to get a replacement. Along with the fee you must show your identification when applying for a replacement placard.

Renewing a Permanent Placard

Even though you have a permanent disability, the blue placard is only good for four years. Fortunately, you don’t need a physician’s statement to get your permanent placard removed. Some states require a doctor to sign off for the placard even if the disability is permanent. Placards will expire on the applicant’s birthday and can be renewed up to 45 days before it expires or up to six months before the expiration if you will be out of state or have another valid reason for needing to renew the permit early. Again there is no cost for the renewal. Renewal applications can be sent by mail, telephone, or email and the request should include the applicant’s name, address, phone number, and expiring permit number.

Free Parking with a Placard

The state of Michigan does allow certain individuals with disabilities to obtain free parking where they otherwise would have to pay fees, for example on public streets with parking meters. Having disabled parking placard does not automatically get you free parking. It needs to have a yellow free-parking sticker. In order to get one your physician fills in Part III of the disabled parking placard application. In order to qualify you need to have a Michigan driver’s license and one of the following has to apply:

  • You can’t insert coins or tokens into a parking meter.
  • You can’t grab a ticket from a parking meter.
  • You can’t reach above your head to a height of 42 inches from the ground.
  • Your wheelchair, walker, or other ambulatory device prevents you from getting close enough to a parking meter.
  • You have an orthopedic, heart, or lung condition that is so severe that you can’t walk more than 20 feet.

If you have the yellow sticker garages and parking lots that are privately owned can still charge you for parking so be prepared to pay in those situations.

Violations With the Placard

As mentioned earlier there are rules when using the disabled parking placard. If you know of others that are abusing the use of the placard or are in violation it is recommended that you call your local police and report the violations. There are fines and possibly jail time for these violations.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in need of parking in disabled parking spaces and you reside in Michigan, the process is easy to follow. Be sure you have a qualifying condition and have your doctor or other qualifying medical professional fill out the correct part of the form. Submit the form and use the disabled parking placard properly. Be sure to renew the placard so you can continue to use it and have the ease of parking closer or having more space to enter and exit your vehicle.

Getting a Temporary Disabled Parking Permit in Michigan

If you find yourself with an illness or injury that impairs your mobility you may be wondering if you can get a disabled parking permit. Perhaps your condition will improve and won’t last long but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a disabled placard. If you live in Michigan and have a condition that is expected to improve but you still need to park in a disabled parking space qualifies you can follow this guide and find out how to apply for one.

Qualifying for Temporary Placard

In Michigan the temporary disabled placard is red and is given to those who have a qualifying condition but one that is expected to improve in the future. Qualifying conditions are:

  • Blindness
  • A medical condition that leaves you unable to walk
  • A medical condition that requires you to use a wheelchair, walker, crutches, or other assistive device.

If you qualify a physician must certify your condition and indicate that it is expected to improve.

If you have the necessary paperwork then applying for your disabled placard is a fairly straightforward process. The form you need is the Disability Parking Placard Application (BFS-108) and can be easily obtained online. As the applicant you would fill out the first portion of the application and have your physician fill out the second portion. A physician is also not the only medical professional that can certify your condition. An optometrist, physician’s assistant, chiropractor, or nurse practitioner can also fill out the second portion of the application. The application can then be taken to any Secretary of State Office in Michigan or mailed to:

Michigan Department of State Secretary of State
Special Services Branch
PO Box 30764
Lansing, MI 48918

Can You Renew a Temporary Placard?

A temporary disabled parking placard is only good for one to six months and cannot be renewed. If your condition still exists you must submit a new application with a physician that certifies your condition still impedes your ability to walk or you are blind. This is unlike a permanent placard which does not require a physician to certify your condition upon renewing a placard. This is done so that those with temporary conditions do not continue to use disabled parking spaces when they don’t qualify for them.

Does the Placard Cost Anything?

Fortunately, for an original placard there is no fee associated with obtaining a placard. There is also no fee for a permanent placard. If your name changes while you are in possession of your temporary placard this is no charge for changing the name that is on your placard.

Lost or Stolen Placard

If your temporary placard is lost or stolen you can always get a replacement placard. There is a $10 fee that you will be charged in order to receive your replacement. You are also required to show some form of identification when you are requesting a replacement.

Using Your Temporary Placard

Once you receive your placard you must follow the rules in displaying and using the placard. When you park in a disabled parking space you must hang the placard from the rear view mirror and make sure it is visible. When you do park in a disabled parking space don’t park in the striped lines, even partially. These are used for people who have wheelchairs or wheelchair lifts on their vehicles. It can be incredibly frustrating when vehicles are taking up space in the striped lines. For other disabled drivers or passengers they may find themselves in a parking spot where there is not enough room for them to enter or exit their vehicle with their wheelchair.

Rules to Follow

There are basic rules to follow when you use the placard. There are also actions that you need to avoid so that you don’t lose your placard or end up paying fines. These are the actions you should avoid:

  • Do not loan your placard out to anyone
  • Do not use a placard that is not valid. For example, one that has been canceled or replaced.
  • Do not use the placard if the disability no longer exists. This is especially important when you are using a temporary placard since those are intended for conditions that are expected to improve.
  • Do not use a family member’s placard if they have passed away. The condition applied to your family member and not to you.
  • Definitely don’t copy or forge a disability placard. Do not use one that has been altered either.

What to Do If a Placard is Misused

There are instances where placards have been misused. If you notice someone is misusing or abusing the privilege of having a temporary placard it is recommended that you call the local police and report the violations. The penalty for violations can be significant, up to $500, or even jail time. Fraud can also be reported to the Department of State Information Center.

Free Parking With a Placard

One benefit to having a disabled parking placard is that you may qualify for free parking. However, the placard alone is not enough to qualify for free parking. In addition to a doctor certifying your condition, on Part III of the application they must also certify that you qualify for free parking. Here are reasons that qualify you for free parking:

  • You can’t insert coins into a parking meter or pull a ticket out from one
  • You can’t reach above your head at a height of 42 inches above the ground because your fingers, hands, or arms lack the strength or mobility to do so
  • Your wheelchair or other ambulatory device prevents you from getting close enough to a parking meter
  • You have an orthopedic, heart, or lung condition that leads to the inability to walk any farther than 20 feet

With the certification you receive a yellow free parking sticker to place on your placard. Even if you have the sticker there are places that may still charge you for parking. For example, private parking garages or lots are not required by law to give you free parking.

Conclusion

Every state has different rules for disabled parking permits and in Michigan it is pretty simple if you have the correct form. This guide should have given you the right information to go out and get your application filled out and approved. Use the placard properly and be mindful of those who also need disabled parking space. Since you have a temporary placard don’t use it for longer than is actually needed.

How to Get Disabled License Plates in Michigan

Finding a parking spot can be a challenge in any parking situation. Trying to find a disabled parking spot can be even more challenging. Usually there aren’t enough disabled parking spaces. Sometimes drivers park in disabled parking spots when they don’t qualify as needing the space. If you have a condition where you need to park in disabled parking spaces then you should apply for a disabled parking license plate or placard. Every state has different requirements for applying. In Michigan it is a fairly simple process.

Qualifying For a Disabled License Plate

Disabled license plates can be issued for drivers with a disability or for a vehicle in which the driver has to transport an individual in their household who is disabled. The condition must be permanent and not expected to improve. A medical professional must certify your condition and provide information which explains why an individual has a limited ability to walk. For purposes of the license plate a disability is defined as:

  • Blindness
  • Any condition that greatly limits a person’s ability to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and rest. Your doctor has to provide the diagnosis which causes this limitation.
  • Any condition that requires a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or other assistive device such as prosthetic legs
  • A lung disease that causes the volume of the air you breathe out to be less than one liter
  • A heart condition that rates as a 3 or 4 on the New York Heart Classification Scale
  • A heart condition that shows the individual does not meet the minimum standards of cardiovascular health. This is determined by the American Heart Association and approved by the Michigan Department of Health
  • A neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic condition that greatly reduces your ability to walk
  • A continual reliance on an oxygen tank

Getting the Plate

Individuals have to fill out the Application for a Disability License Plate (form MV-110) which can easily be found online and printed out. Applicants will fill out the first part and include basic personal and vehicle information. Part II is filled out by a medical professional professional to certify your disability. It doesn’t matter which city or county you live in, the application can be taken to any Secretary of State’s office or mailed to:

Michigan Department of State
Renewal by Mail Unit
Lansing, MI 48918

It can take up to four weeks to receive your license plate so be on the look out.

Fees For the License Plate

Unlike disability parking placards, which are provided at no cost, a disabled license plate comes with standard registration fees. If you have a vehicle with a regular license plate but are now in need of disabled license plates then there will be no charge. Also, if you’re a wheelchair user and you use your van to drive for someone in your household you are eligible for a 50% discount off the standard fee for disability license plates.

Renewing Disabled License Plates

You can renew your license plate because they do expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday. You do not need to resubmit an application with a doctor’s certification to renew your plates. All you have to do is pay the required renewal fee.

Using Your Disabled License Plates

Once you receive your plates and attach them to your vehicle you are able to park in designated disabled parking spaces. Be sure not to park in the striped lines since those are used by vehicles with wheelchair lifts or for those who need the space to enter and exit their vehicle with a wheelchair.

Free Parking With Disabled Plates

Unfortunately just having disabled license plates does not qualify you for free parking. A disabled parking placard with a yellow free parking stickers must be displayed on the rear view mirror. A doctor must sign off on your condition on part three of the disabled parking placard application to receive the sticker. Garages or parking lots that are privately owned are not required to give you free parking even if you have the placard with the yellow free sticker. One of the following has to apply to qualify for free parking:

  • You’re unable to insert coins or grab a parking ticket in a parking meter because both hands do not work properly.
  • You don’t have the strength or mobility in your upper extremities to reach above your head at least 42 inches from the ground.
  • Your use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device prevents you from coming up to a parking meter.
  • You have an orthopedic, heart, or lung condition that is so severe that you are unable to walk for any distance that is farther than 20 feet.

Types of Disabled License Plates

There are two versions of disabled license plates available. The standard version looks like all other Michigan plates but with handicap symbol on the left side. The Spectacular Peninsula version has a bridge with a yellow sky background and the handicap symbol on the left side. Plates can also be personalized for additional fees and do not qualify for any discounts.

Vehicles That Can Use Disabled License Plates

Most vehicles qualify to use disabled license plates. All passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and motor homes qualify as long as they are not being used commercially. Pickups and vans, both full size and minivan types, qualify for the license plates as well. Vans don’t need to have a wheelchair lift in order to be eligible.

Rules For Using Your License Plate

You don’t want to park in the striped lines because that space is needed for wheelchairs. It can get frustrating for other disabled individuals to find vehicles parked or partially parked in the striped lines because they end up not having space for their wheelchair lift. Even if a lift is not used, there ends up being limited space to enter and exit the vehicle with a wheelchair. Your disabled license plate allows you to use disabled parking spaces anywhere in the United States. You are not limited to parking only in Michigan. Also be mindful if other drivers use your vehicle. Remind them not to park in a disabled space if they are not disabled and prevent the abuse of using your license plate.

Conclusion

If you are in need of a disabled license plate in Michigan getting the application is simple. It might be a hassle to have a doctor sign off on the application but it is a necessary step so that those who need disabled parking spaces actually qualify. Hopefully this guide has outlined the process and given you useful tips when using your new license plates.

What do I Need to Know About Disabled Parking in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, Disabled parking permits are issued on a temporary basis for up to six months, or on a permanent basis. Once you establish eligibility, you must obtain a physician signed certificate and file with the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles. You can file through the mail or in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Disabled parking permit placards are free, and disabled parking permit license plates come with the same fees associated with any license plate renewal. Your permanent placard must be renewed every four years.

The disabled parking permit program is intended for persons with chronic or lifelong disabilities, as well as persons experiencing a temporary injury or illness lasting more than three weeks. The disabled parking permit enables you to park in blue and white designated disabled parking spaces around your community.

Before you obtain your disabled parking permit, make sure you understand the rules, regulations, and responsibilities that come with the disabled parking permit program.

Who Qualifies for Disabled Parking in Michigan?

Disabled parking permits are issued to persons with a chronic condition, disability or handicap that limits their mobility or poses a risk to them while walking. There is no official list of conditions that qualify a person for disabled parking permits. There are, however, some common guidelines used by medical providers to make this decision.

  • Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
  • A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
  • Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
  • Severe obesity which limits mobility
  • Total or partial blindness or severe vision impairment such as cataracts
  • Dizziness, seizures, muscle spasms or sudden and uncontrollable loss of muscle tone

These are just a few of the conditions which may grant you eligibility to the disabled parking permit program. Talk with your doctor or other medical providers about your needs.

There are many temporary illness and injuries which can present with these symptoms but are not necessarily permanent conditions. If you are experiencing a mobility altering illness or injury such as a broken leg, pulled tendon, or an extended recovery time from surgery, you may be eligible for a temporary placard.

Your primary care doctor and other members of their team including registered nurses and physicians assistants can also sign this paperwork for you. If you are receiving specialist care relating to your disability or injury, that provider may also sign this document. Podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, and physical therapists are a few of the most common kinds of specialists who sign these documents.

If you are not currently being treated by a specialist, or wish to skip the cost and hassle of a regular appointment, don’t worry! You can be seen by a qualified Michigan provider from the comfort of your home through a virtual visit.

What are the Rules of Michigan Disabled Parking?

Once you receive your disabled parking permit placard, be sure you have reviewed closely the rules and regulations of your new placard.

  1. Placards must always be displayed when parking. Failure to do so may result in a fine or revocation of your placard.
  2. Placards may not be hung from the rearview mirror while driving, as it is an obstruction of view.
  3. All other parking and driving regulations must be obeyed.
  4. Placards must be renewed every four years.
  5. Placards can be used in any car you travel in, even if you are not driving.
  6. Placards are valid in all 50 states
  7. Placards may not be lent to another person at any time for any reason. This is a crime.

If you witness misuse or abuse of a disabled parking space, report it to your local police force immediately. Not only is it illegal to park in a disabled parking space without a disabled parking permit, but it poses a real danger to those who genuinely need access to those spaces.

If you encounter a vehicle parked in a disabled space, be sure to note the time, location and license plate number of the offense. Then contact the local parking authority to report the crime.

Remember, reports are not just intended to punish the driver, but to maintain the safety of the community. Disabled persons in need of these spaces are at risk of falling when they are denied the use of the space by inconsiderate drivers.

Remember, not all disabled persons look disabled. Also, placards may be used when picking up a disabled person who is not yet in the car but will be entering the car. Do not ever accuse someone of falsely using a disabled parking permit placard. If you see a placard displayed, it is most likely being used correctly. If you do not see a placard displayed, report it immediately, because it is a violation.

Michigan Disabled Parking Overview

The state of Michigan’s disabled parking permit program is for persons with a temporary or chronic condition limiting their ability to walk more than 200 feet safely and comfortably. Disabled parking spaces are available throughout all of Michigan for the comfort and safety of residents and travelers alike.

If you experience difficulty walking more than 200 feet safely and without pain, talk to a health care provider to see if you qualify for a disabled parking permit under Michigan state guidelines.

If you qualify, your healthcare provider can sign a document for you which verifies your disability. You must then file this document by mail, or in person at any local Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Temporary placards are valid for six months, and permanent placards must be renewed every four years.

This program was designed for the safety and happiness of all residents. If you feel that you are unsafe walking more than 200 feet, be sure to talk to your provider about a disabled parking permit.

What is the Easiest Way to Get Disabled Parking in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles issues disabled parking permits on a temporary and permanent basis. If you qualify for the Michigan state disabled parking permit program, you must obtain a physician signed certificate verifying your disability. Once obtained, this paperwork must be filed with the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles.

Temporary placards are valid for six months, and permanent placards must be renewed every four years. Disabled parking permit license plates must be renewed every year.

These permits grant the holder the right to park in designated disabled parking spaces around the community. When parking, be sure to display your disabled parking permit placard. Failure to do so could land you with a fine, and result in a loss of your parking permit placard.

Be sure that you do not hang your disabled parking permit placard from your rearview mirror while driving, as it creates a dangerous obstruction of view.

How do I Qualify for Disabled Parking?

In the state of Michigan, disabled parking permits, both temporary and permanent, are issued based on the following guidelines.

  • Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
  • A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
  • Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis

This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Your Michigan provider will partner with you to determine if you are unsafe or in undue pain when walking more than 200 feet. The program was designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

If you suffer from a chronic condition or have been recently injured and expect your healing time to take more than three weeks, you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit in the state of Michigan.

Broken bones, tendon damage, pneumonia, and pregnancy are just a few examples of conditions that may make you eligible for a temporary placard. Remember that all people are different and have different needs while healing. Be sure to talk with your provider openly and honestly about everything you are feeling and experiencing while you heal. This will help to determine if you might benefit from a disabled parking permit.

How do I Get My Physician Signed Certificate?

Once you have determined eligibility, it’s time to get your physician signed certificate. This certificate is a bit of a misnomer. In addition to your primary care doctor, other members of your care team can sign this certificate for you. Registered nurses and Physicians assistants are most common, but most specialists can also sign this document.

If you receive care from a specialist relating to an injury or condition, they will also be able to provide this verification of disability. Examples include optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors or physical therapists. These specialists are recognized as medical experts in the field in which they practice. Naturally, if your injury relates to their specific field, they can verify your condition and satisfy the requirements of the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you do not have a primary care team and are not seeing a specialist, don’t worry. There are many qualified Michigan providers that can verify your condition through a virtual visit. These visits can be done from the comfort of your home and take out some of the hassles and wait of making an appointment with your regular doctor.

Where do I File the Paperwork?

In the Water Wonderland that is the great state of Michigan, paperwork is filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Forms may be filed in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, or by U.S mail. For temporary or permanent placards, form BFS-108 must be filed for a disabled parking permit placard. These placards are provided for free.

If you wish for the disabled parking permit license plate, you will need to complete form MV-110 and pay the same fees associated with license plate renewal. If your placard is lost or stolen, you will need to apply in person for a replacement at a Michigan Secretary of State office. You will be asked to provide identification in the form of a driver’s license or passport. You will also be charged a ten dollar replacement fee.

Be aware that selling, lending or giving away your disabled parking placard is a crime, and you could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $500 or be put in jail for the offense. Your disabled parking permit is issued for a genuine need and is not to be taken lightly.

Michigan Disabled Parking Permits: The Essentials

The state of Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles issues disabled parking permits on a temporary or permanent basis to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet. These permits may be in the form of a free disabled parking permit placard or a disabled parking permit license plate which is priced according to current license plate renewal costs.

Your disabled parking permit placard may not be hung from the rearview while driving, as it is a dangerous obstruction of view. Your placard must be hung whenever you are parking in a handicap reserved space. Failure to do so could result in a fine, and the revocation of your disabled parking permit placard.

Disabled parking permits are intended to keep Michigan residents safe and comfortable. Snow, ice, water, and long distances can all be dangerous for disabled persons. This is why there are disabled parking spaces provided in every Michigan community.

If you feel that you are in pain or at risk when walking more than 200 feet, talk to a Michigan provider about your eligibility. If you are injured, ill, or permanently disabled, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be safe and comfortable this Michigan winter.