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Disability Parking in Michigan:
Everything You Need to Know

• Michigan Disability Parking Laws

  • Qualifying conditions include blindness, inability to walk 200+ feet without rest, use of assistive device, lung disease, cardiovascular condition, arthritic/neurological/orthopedic conditions severely limiting 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.
  • Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan, 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

  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 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 processed upon receipt with delivery taking several days to 4 weeks depending on volume. Online replacements are mailed to your address on file.