Michigan Disabled Parking Guide

Handicap Parking Permit In Michigan State

Driving is difficult enough for someone with a disability without dealing with a parking lot. Each state attempts to make driving easier for disabled people by providing a parking placard or license plate that allows the holder to park in a handicap-accessible spot. However, just because each state provides this service does not imply that the rules are uniform across the country. You'll need to understand the laws in your home state. Michigan has a sizable disabled population, estimated at 26.7 percent. You may be eligible for special parking privileges if you are one of those people.

Michigan Parking Permit For Persons With Disabilities

The Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles issues temporary or permanent disabled parking permits to people with difficulty walking more than 200 feet. These permits can take the form of a free disabled parking permit placard or a disabled parking permit license plate priced based on current license plate renewal costs. Because it is a dangerous obstruction of vision, your disabled parking permit placard may not be hung from the rearview mirror while driving. When parking in a handicapped space, you must display your placard. Failure to do so may result in a fine and the loss of your disabled parking permit placard. The purpose of disabled parking permits is to keep Michigan residents safe and comfortable. Snow, ice, water, and long distances can all be dangerous for people with disabilities. This is why accessible parking spaces are available in every Michigan community.

The Disabled Parking Permit

For people with disabilities, the Michigan Secretary of State provides several options. When you complete and submit a handicap parking permit application in Michigan, you may be eligible for the following benefits:
  • A permanent disability placard (valid for up to four years)
  • A temporary disability placard (valid for up to six months)
  • A permanent disability license plate (expires every year on your birthday)
  • A yellow sticker to use for parking meter fee exemptions
A handicap sign on a car entitles disabled people to various benefits, but some laws must be followed.

Eligibility

Disabled parking permits, both temporary and permanent, are issued in Michigan based on the guidelines outlined below.
  • Total or partial limb or limb functionality loss
  • A severe cardiovascular condition (class III or IV), such as a heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk for more than 200 feet without stopping or falling
  • Requirement for supplemental oxygen or severe breathing difficulties while moving or at rest
  • Use or reliance on an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace, or wheelchair
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) includes emphysema and bronchitis.

Application Process

The Michigan Secretary of State allows residents to apply in person or by mail for a handicap sign for their vehicle. To complete the handicap application form, you must do the following: Fill out the Disability Parking Placard Application (Form BFS-108) or the Application for a Disability License Plate (Form MV-110), depending on the type of permit you require. Medical certification specifies the severity and duration of your disability from a licensed physician, chiropractor, optometrist, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant. Appropriate charges (license plates require standard vehicle registration fees; placards are free)

Renewal And Replacement

A new medical certification is not required to renew a permanent handicap placard in Michigan, and you can renew it in various ways. Temporary handicap placards must be renewed by completing a new handicap application form and providing new medical certification from your doctor. Residents must go to a Michigan Secretary of State office with their ID and a $10 replacement fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged handicap placard.

Michigan Disability License Plate

You can apply for an accessible parking placard or license plate if you live in Michigan and have a disability. You may also be eligible for a parking meter fee exemption. Below is information about disability parking license plates, such as how to apply for a disability placard or plate, disabled permit renewals, and plate replacements.

The Disability License Plate

According to state law, a disability parking spot must only be used when the person with a disability is driving or being transported in the vehicle. A disability license plate bears an insignia indicating that the vehicle owner is legally permitted to park in spaces reserved for disabled residents. The plate itself is permanent, but as with all standard plates, vehicle owners must renew the license plate tab yearly.

Eligibility

If you or a household member has a qualifying disability, you may apply for a disability license plate.
  • Blindness
  • Any condition that is not expected to improve and severely restricts one's ability to walk
  • Any condition unlikely to improve necessitates using a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or other assistive devices.

Application

To apply, fill out the Application for a Disability License Plate and have it signed by your licensed medical professional. Once signed by your licensed medical professional, mail it to the following address: Michigan Department of State Internal Services Section 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918-8264 You can also deliver it to a Secretary of State's office.

Disability Placard

You may have both a disability parking placard and a disability license plate. The disability placard allows you to drive or travel in vehicles that do not have a disability license plate while still being able to access disability parking spaces. If you don't have a disability license plate, you can use your placard in your vehicle, but most people prefer to apply for one for convenience.

Payment Fees And Discounts

Any valid, unexpired license plate can be converted to a standard disability plate for free. Fundraising and personalized disability plates incur additional charges. A passenger vehicle, pickup, or van equipped with either permanently installed wheelchair lift equipment or permanently installed hand controls owned by a person who uses a wheelchair or transports a wheelchair user in their household is eligible for a 50% discount on the standard annual registration fee. Additional service fees, such as those for personalizing the plate or purchasing and renewing a fundraising version, will continue to be charged.

How To Renew Michigan Disability License Plate

You can renew your disability license plate thru:
  • Online
  • By Mail
  • In Person
  • Self-service Station

Online

You will need the following items to renew online:
  • The number on your license plate
  • The Vehicle Identification Number's last four digits (VIN)
  • Payment must be made with a valid debit, credit card, or bank account number.

By Mail

You will need your: to renew by mail.
  • Notice of Renewal
  • Your renewal notice includes a return envelope.
  • Make your check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
Aside from renewing your registration by mail, you can also:
  • Change your registration address
  • Request that the registration is sent to a different mailing address.
You can also renew your disability plate by mail even if you haven't received your renewal notice. To do so, submit the following information in writing to our department before your credential expires:
  • Your given names (first, middle, and last)
  • Your Michigan driver's license or identification number
  • The number on your license plate
  • Your permanent address and, if applicable, an alternate mailing address
  • Your contact information
  • Send a money order or check payable to the State of Michigan for your renewal fee.
Send your information and payment to the address below: Michigan Department of State Internal Services Section P.O. Box 30764 Lansing, MI 48918-8264

In Person

You do not need to visit a Secretary of State office to renew your disability plate; you can do so online, by mail, or at a self-service station. If you want to renew your license plate while doing another transaction at an office, you'll need:
  • Your license plate number or notice of renewal
  • Valid Michigan driver's license
  • Payment can be made with a valid debit/credit card, cash, money order, or check payable to the State of Michigan.

Self-service Station

You will need the following items to renew at a self-service station:
  • The number on your license plate
  • The Vehicle Identification Number's last four digits (VIN)
  • Payment must be made with a valid debit/credit card (additional fees apply) or cash (at specific locations).
A $3.95 service fee will be charged for each item transacted at a station.