Information for Disabled Drivers in Michigan
A Michigan disability parking placard may be obtained through the Secretary of State (SOS) of the Department of State after satisfying certain eligibility criteria. In other words, disabled drivers who want to apply for disability placards need to prove their disability as either a permanent or a temporary one before beginning an application process. A handicap parking permit may be used to park a motor vehicle in specific parking places that are marked for people with disabilities.
Disabled motorists may perform a handicap parking tag renewal procedure when approaching the expiration date of their placards. Moreover, drivers may also apply for replacement when facing a lost or stolen placard. For more information about how to qualify for handicapped parking in Michigan and about guidelines for the procedures, motorists need to continue reading the sections below.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Michigan
To apply for disability car tags in Michigan, drivers need to satisfy certain eligibility criteria prior to submitting an application to the MI SOS. Motorists who are wondering “Who is eligible for handicap placards?” first need to determine the type of disability they have in order to know whether to perform a procedure for temporary or permanent permits. In order to be eligible, drivers need to have at least one of the following conditions:
- Inability to walk 200 feet or more without rest.
- Inability to walk without a crutch, brace, walker, wheelchair or other ambulatory aid.
- Lung disease or the need to carry a portable oxygen tank.
- Cardiovascular condition between Class 3 or 4.
- Limited ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.
Drivers may begin an MI disabled placard application after satisfying at least one of the above-listed conditions. Note that the requirements for obtaining a placard may vary based on the type of disability that the applicant has. However, any disabled motorist who wants to apply for a placard will be required to complete an application form and submit it to the MI SOS with additional documents, regardless of disability.
Note: Obtaining a Michigan handicap placard will not enable drivers to get free parking. In order to do so, they will be required to a yellow free-parking sticker.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Michigan
Drivers who want to apply for a placard need to first establish whether they want a permanent or a temporary one. However, in order to perform a disabled placard application, drivers need to obtain and complete the correct form and to submit it to the MI SOS, which they can do either in person or by mail.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard by Mail
Drivers who are applying for placards by mail need to download or get a Disability Parking Placard Application (form BFS-108) from the MI SOS and complete it with the necessary information. After that, they need to give the MI disabled parking tag application to a licensed physician who can certify the applicant’s condition and disability. Once the form is completed with the necessary disabled parking tag information, drivers need to send it to the mailing address of the MI SOS.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Person
Drivers may also apply for a handicap placard in Michigan by visiting a local MI SOS branch in person. Once there, they need to complete an application and then give it to a licensed physician to fill in the necessary information about the driver’s disability. After that, the final step of the application procedure is to submit the completed form at the SOS location.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Michigan
Michigan disability placards come in two forms: permanent and temporary, depending on the disability of a driver. The temporary tags are valid for one to six months, after which they cannot be renewed, while the permanent ones have a validity period of four years, after which they must be renewed.
Those with permanent disability parking permits may renew them up to 45 days prior to the expiration date, or up to six months earlier due to travelling out of the state. Disabled drivers may submit a renewal request along with with their expiring permit numbers, names, addresses and phone numbers. The request for renewing a handicap placard in Michigan may be sent via email, by telephone or by mail to the MI SOS.
Note: When renewing a permanent disabled person car tag in Michigan, drivers do not need to present a licensed physician’s certification.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Michigan
When requesting a replacement document, drivers are recommended to visit a nearby MI SOS location and complete the procedure in person. Facing a lost or stolen handicap vehicle permit will require motorists to replace it with a new one. Moreover, when requesting a replacement, motorists will be required to present their proof of identification.
Michigan Disability Placard Fees
Disabled drivers are not required to pay fees when applying for new placards or renewing their existing ones in Michigan. However, replacing a lost or stolen MI disabled person placard will cost $10. Therefore, holders of MI disability placards are highly encouraged to contact the MI SOS prior to performing an initial, renewal or replacement procedure.