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Grand Rapids, Michigan

See What Our Happy Customers Are Saying!

  • Michael Graves – Nevada

    5out of 5 stars

    The Transformative Impact of My Handicap Parking Permit.

    Living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) has been a constant challenge since my diagnosis five years ago. This heart rhythm disorder causes irregular beats, leading to debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath, and occasional dizziness. Simple tasks like walking across a parking lot could trigger episodes, leaving me exhausted or anxious about potential flare-ups. In the scorching heat of Las Vegas, where I reside, even short distances felt insurmountable. That all changed when I obtained my handicap parking permit—a small blue placard that has profoundly reshaped my daily life.

    Michael Graves – Nevada with their disability parking placard

  • Peter W. – California

    5out of 5 stars

    It helps me with getting in and out of stores without having to suffer with more pain

    Peter W. – California with their disability parking placard

  • Fern H. – Texas

    5out of 5 stars

    Having a parking permit has significantly reduced the amount of walking I need to do each day, which has greatly increased my comfort. For someone who suffers from painful feet, this change brings both comfort and delight.

    Fern H. – Texas with their disability parking placard
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    Skip the wait at the doctor's office and schedule your DMV disability parking permit evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home.

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    Connect with the right doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video.

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    Get Approved And Receive Your Certification Form (BFS-108)

    Once your evaluation is complete and approved, you'll receive a medical certification form (Form BFS-108) signed by our licensed doctors.

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Disability Parking in Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Everything You Need to Know

  • Grand Rapids, MI Disability Parking Laws

    • Qualifying conditions include blindness; inability to walk 200+ feet without rest; use of an assistive device; lung disease; cardiovascular condition; arthritic/neurological/orthopedic conditions that severely limit walking; or persistent oxygen dependence.
    • A licensed physician, PA, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or optometrist must certify your condition on Form BFS-108.
    • Permanent placards are valid for 4 years and expire on the holder's birthday.
    • Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months and require new medical certification for renewal.
    • Using someone else's placard is a misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail, plus immediate confiscation by law enforcement.
    • Grand Rapids offers free metered parking eligibility for those who cannot operate meters due to lack of fine motor control, cannot reach 42 inches high, use wheelchairs, or cannot walk more than 20 feet.

  • Documents You'll Need

    To apply for, replace, or renew a Grand Rapids disability parking placard, the required documents vary depending on your situation. Here's a breakdown:

    New Permanent or Temporary Placard

    To apply for a new disability parking placard in Grand Rapids, MI, you'll need:

    • Form BFS-108, completed and signed by you in Part 1 and by a licensed medical professional in Part 2
    • A valid Michigan driver's license or state ID card number

    Veteran Information

    Veterans with disabilities must follow the same process as other applicants:

    • 100% disabled veterans can obtain special "DV" (Disabled Veteran) license plates with tax exemption, but still require medical certification on Form BFS-108 to park in handicapped spaces

    Online Doctor's Certification

    If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You can skip the DMV wait in Michigan by completing the medical certification step from home.

    • You'll receive a signed and dated Form BFS-108 by email within 24-48 hours.
    • You can print and submit it to a Grand Rapids, Michigan Secretary of State office or mail it to the following address:

    Grand Rapids Secretary of State Office (Plainfield)

    3472 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, United States

    Grand Rapids Secretary of State Office (28th St)

    3601 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, United States

    ParkingMD provides the medical evaluation and certification only. A Michigan Secretary of State office in Grand Rapids reviews the application and issues the physical permit in Grand Rapids.

    Organization Placards

    Organizations providing disability transportation must complete:

    • Part 4 of Form BFS-108 with FEIN and service description
    • Limited to one placard per transport vehicle

    Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement

    If your placard is lost or stolen, you'll need to provide:

    • Placard number and expiration date
    • Email address
    • Replacement mailed to address on your driver's license or ID

  • Permanent Placards

    • Expire every 4 years on the holder's birthday.
    • Renewal does not require new medical certification.
    • Can be renewed up to 45 days before expiration, or up to 6 months early if out of state.
    • Renew online via Quick Renewal/Replace, by mail with written request (include name, address, phone, placard number), or in person at any Secretary of State office.

    Permanent placard holders may also qualify for the America the Beautiful Access Pass — a free lifetime pass for entry to over 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites.

    Temporary Placards

    • Valid for up to 6 months as determined by a medical professional.
    • Cannot be renewed; if disability persists after expiration, apply for a new placard with updated medical certification.

    Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard

    • Use online Quick Renewal/Replace system.
    • Enter placard number, expiration date, and email.

    Turnaround Time

    Applications at Secretary of State offices are processed immediately; mail-in applications are processed upon receipt, with delivery taking several days to 4 weeks depending on volume. Online replacements are mailed to your address on file.

Top Accessible Places in Grand Rapids, MI

Discover the top attractions in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Wheelchair-accessible pathway at John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids

John Ball Zoo

1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Wide, wheelchair-friendly paths throughout
  • Wheelchair rentals available on-site
  • Fun animal exhibits for the whole family
Wheelchair-accessible pathway at Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
  • Paved, wheelchair-friendly garden paths
  • Free accessible parking and tram tours
  • Sculpture park, gardens, and Children's Garden
Accessible entrance at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids

Van Andel Arena

130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Accessible seating, elevators, and restrooms
  • Companion and transfer seating available
  • Hosts hockey, basketball, and concerts

Helpful Hotlines & Services for Accessibility in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Accessibility Support

Michigan Secretary of State – Disability Parking Program:

For disability parking placard applications, Form BFS-108, renewals, replacements, and disability license plates. 📞 Call (888) 767-6424 or visit michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/disability-parking

Disability Advocates of Kent County:

For help accessing disability advocacy, independent-living support, peer services, housing assistance, benefits counseling, assistive-technology referrals, and connections to community resources. 📞 Call (616) 949-1100 or visit dakc.us

The Rapid GO!Bus:

Provides transportation services for Grand Rapids residents who are seniors or individuals with disabilities, helping eligible residents access appointments, shopping, and essential services. 📞 Call (616) 456-6141 or visit ridetherapid.org

The Arc Kent County:

Provides disability advocacy, independent-living support, benefits assistance, special education advocacy, community referrals, and connections to community resources. 📞 Call (616) 459-3339 or visit arckent.org

Support Groups & Therapy Resources

Network180:

Connects Grand Rapids residents with mental health treatment, crisis services, developmental-disability support, substance-use services, and community-based providers. 📞 Call (616) 336-3909 or visit network180.org

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services:

Provides behavioral health services, disability support, autism services, counseling, case management, and community resources for children, adults, and families. 📞 Call (616) 455-5000 or visit pinerest.org

Cherry Health – Behavioral Health:

Provides behavioral health services, counseling, psychiatric care, and mental health support resources for individuals and families. 📞 Call (616) 965-8200 or visit cherryhealth.org

Health Care Facilities

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital:

Full-service hospital providing emergency care, surgery, cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, neurosciences, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and other specialized medical services. 📞 Call (616) 391-1774 or visit corewellhealth.org

Trinity Health Medical Group – Primary Care Grand Rapids:

Provides primary care, preventive medicine, chronic-condition management, laboratory services, and outpatient healthcare services for Grand Rapids residents. 📞 Call (616) 685-8150 or visit trinityhealthmichigan.org

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services:

Provides behavioral health services, psychiatric care, and mental health treatment programs for individuals in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities. 📞 Call (616) 455-5000 or visit pinerest.org

Benefits of Choosing ParkingMD

Handicap ID exemption

Driver's License Exemption for In-Person Submission

Individuals with severe mobility limitations may qualify for an ID exemption, so a caregiver can submit forms on their behalf.

Extended Parking Time Limit with a handicap placard

Extended Time Limits

In certain areas, you may be allowed to park beyond posted time limits without penalties (depending on local ordinances).

ParkingMD physician holding a disability parking permit
Secure handicap placard application process

Convenience and Safety

Reduces the distance and difficulty of walking in public spaces, especially important for individuals with limited mobility, chronic illness, or assistive devices.

Free Handicap Parking in Selected Cities

No Meter Payment in Some Cities

Some municipalities waive metered parking fees for permit holders. Always check posted signs and local rules.

Grand Rapids Handicap Placard FAQs

Frequently asked questions about disability parking permits
  • How do I apply for a disability parking permit in Grand Rapids, MI?

    Have an authorized medical professional complete the medical certification section of Michigan's Disability Parking Placard Application (Form BFS-108). Complete the applicant section and submit the form according to the Michigan Secretary of State's current instructions. The City of Grand Rapids does not independently issue the statewide disability parking placard.

  • Where can I submit my handicap placard form in Grand Rapids?

    A completed Form BFS-108 may be mailed to the address on the form or submitted through any Michigan Secretary of State branch office. Confirm that your chosen office provides disability-parking placard services before visiting.

  • Does ParkingMD issue the placard directly?

    No. ParkingMD provides the medical evaluation and signed certification needed for the application. The Michigan Secretary of State reviews the completed application and issues the actual placard or disability license plate.

  • Can out-of-state visitors use their disability placards in Grand Rapids, MI?

    Visitors should properly display their valid out-of-state placard or disability license plate and follow all posted Michigan parking restrictions. An out-of-state placard should not be assumed to provide free metered parking in Grand Rapids. Meter exemptions depend on Michigan's own free-parking requirements and the type of permit displayed.

  • Where am I allowed to park with a Grand Rapids, MI disability placard?

    A valid disability placard or qualifying disability license plate allows the permit holder to use spaces marked with the International Symbol of Access. It does not authorize parking in fire lanes, loading zones, bus stops, tow zones, no-parking areas, or spaces reserved for another specific use. Drivers with a standard blue permanent or red temporary placard must pay applicable meter fees unless the placard also displays Michigan's yellow Free Parking sticker, which is issued only alongside a permanent blue placard.

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Expert Review Behind Our Articles

Health advice can feel overwhelming, but at ParkingMD, we keep it simple, accurate, and reliable. Each article is shaped by trusted medical sources and then reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals who bring real-world experience to every detail. Their insight ensures what you read isn't just medically correct, but it is also meaningful, practical, and designed to help you make smarter choices for your well-being.

Reviewed by

Rebecca Owens, MSW, LCS

Rebecca Owens is a licensed clinical social worker who assists clients navigating the process of obtaining disability services and mobility-related accommodations. She is passionate about empowering people to advocate for themselves and ensuring that care and accommodations are both practical and compassionate.

Rebecca Owens — medical reviewer

Last reviewed:

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