Disability plate

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• What is a disability license plate?
  • Allows you to park the vehicle in approved spots reserved for people with disabilities.  
• Who qualifies for a disability license plate or parking placard?

  Michigan law says:  
  
  A person with a disability who is determined by a physician, a physician assistant, or an optometrist to have 1 or more of the following physical characteristics: 
  
  (a) Blindness as determined by an optometrist, a physician, or a physician assistant. 
  
  (b) Inability to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and rest. 
  
  (c) Inability to do both of the following: 

  (i) Use 1 or both legs or feet. 
  
  (ii) Walk without the use of a wheelchair, walker, crutch, brace, prosthetic, or other device, or without the 
  
  assistance of another person. 

  (d) A lung disease from which the person's forced expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by 
  
  spirometry, is less than 1 liter, or from which the person's arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg of 
  
  room air at rest. 

  (e) A cardiovascular condition that causes the person to measure between 3 and 4 on the New York heart 

  classification scale, or that renders the person incapable of meeting a minimum standard for cardiovascular 

  health that is established by the American heart association and approved by the department of public health. 

  (f) An arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely limits the person's ability to walk. 

  (g) The persistent reliance upon an oxygen source other than ordinary air. 

• How much does it cost for a disability plate or placard?

  Disability Placards:  

  • First placard is free 
  • Renewal is free
  • $10 to replace lost placard  

  Disability license plate:  

  • Regular plate fee for your vehicle. 
  • Passenger vehicle, pickup, or van with permanent wheelchair lift or permanent hand controls and owned by a person who uses a wheelchair or transports a member of their household who uses a wheelchair is eligible for a 50 percent reduction in registration fee. Additional fees for personalized and the plate or for purchasing and renewing a fundraising version, are excluded from the discount). 
• Can I have both a disability license plate and parking placard?

  Yes, you can have both as the same time. Use your placard when you are traveling in a vehicle without a disability plate.  
• How much does it cost for a disability plate or placard?

  Disability Placards:  

  • First placard is free 
  • Renewal is free
  • $10 to replace lost placard  

  Disability license plate:  

  • Regular plate fee for your vehicle. 
  • Passenger vehicle, pickup, or van with permanent wheelchair lift or permanent hand controls and owned by a person who uses a wheelchair or transports a member of their household who uses a wheelchair is eligible for a 50 percent reduction in registration fee. Additional fees for personalized and the plate or for purchasing and renewing a fundraising version, are excluded from the discount). 
• I lost my renewal notice or envelope. How can renew my disability plate?

  Before your disability plate expires, you can renew it by mail. Submit the following in writing: 

  • Your first, middle, and last name 
  • Michigan driver’s license or ID number 
  • Plate number 
  • Permanent address and alternative mailing address, if applicable 
  • Phone number 
  • Money order or check made out to the State of Michigan for your renewal fee 
    
    To determine what you owe for your renewal, use our renewal fee calculator. Mail your information and payment to the following address: 
     
    Michigan Department of State 
    Internal Services Section 
    P.O. Box 30764 
    Lansing, MI 48918-8264