August 9, 2026 -Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a new pilot program to make disability parking placards easier to obtain while expanding eligibility for caregivers who transport people with disabilities.
Under a new state law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, legal guardians and caregivers can now receive meter-exempt disability parking placards when transporting individuals with disabilities who are unable to drive.
The law took effect immediately and is designed to make it easier for families to access parking when traveling to medical appointments, therapy, school and other essential services.
To support the change, the Secretary of State’s office is expanding in-person disability parking placard services to 14 additional Driver Services facilities across Illinois. Previously, applications and renewals for permanent and meter-exempt placards were handled primarily by mail through the Springfield office.
“Families caring for children and individuals with disabilities already face enough challenges,” Giannoulias said. “Accessing parking while transporting a loved one should not be an added burden.”
Meter-exempt placards allow eligible users to park in designated accessible parking spaces and waive parking meter fees and time limits, except in areas with 30-minute parking restrictions.
The new law is part of a broader effort to modernize the Illinois Vehicle Code and improve accessibility for residents.
