Illinois Form VSD 800 for Disabled Veteran Plates

Illinois Form VSD 800 for Disabled Veteran Plates – Illinois offers special Disabled Veteran license plates to qualifying U.S. military veterans with service-connected disabilities. These plates provide free registration for the first set and allow parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. The key document required is the Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 800, officially titled the Disabled Veteran Certification for Parking Placard/Plates.

This guide explains everything U.S. veterans in Illinois need to know about Form VSD 800, eligibility rules, required documentation, and the application process. All information is based on official Illinois Secretary of State resources and current Illinois Vehicle Code provisions.

What Is Form VSD 800?

Form VSD 800 is the official medical certification form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. It must be completed by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician’s assistant. The form certifies that a veteran’s service-connected disability qualifies them for Disabled Veteran license plates or a parking placard under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/3-616 and 625 ILCS 5/3-609).

The form has three main parts:

Part 1 – Completed by the applicant (veteran)
Part 2 – Medical eligibility standards and professional certification (required)
Part 3 – Optional certification for meter-exempt parking privileges

You can download the current official Form VSD 800 directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website:

Download Illinois Form VSD 800 (PDF)

Who Qualifies for Disabled Veteran License Plates in Illinois?

To qualify for Disabled Veteran plates that include the international symbol of access (and related parking privileges), a veteran must meet these requirements:

Hold proof of a service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Have at least a 10% service-connected walking disability that matches the diagnosis listed on Form VSD 800.
Obtain certification from a licensed medical professional on Form VSD 800 confirming the disability qualifies the veteran under Section 3-616 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Provide a DD-214 showing Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge.

Veterans with a 50% or higher service-connected disability rating who do not meet the walking disability criteria for accessible parking may still qualify for Service-Connected Disabled Veteran (ISERVE) plates without the access symbol. Those plates also waive registration fees for the first set.

Required Documents for Form VSD 800 and VA Plates

When applying for Disabled Veteran plates, submit the following complete package to the Illinois Secretary of State:

Completed and signed Form VSD 800 (both sides).
Full VA Notice of Decision / Rating Decision letter showing each diagnosis and percentage. The letter must document at least a 10% service-connected walking disability that matches the Form VSD 800 diagnosis.
A separate VA letter verifying military-service disability status.
DD-214 with Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge.
Current vehicle registration or title information (as required for the specific transaction).

Applicants may redact sensitive medical details on VA documents that are not needed to confirm the service-connected nature or degree of disability, per Illinois law.

How to Complete Form VSD 800?

Part 1 – Applicant Information: The veteran fills in personal details, certifies eligibility under 625 ILCS 5/1-159.1, and signs the form. The signature acknowledges that the placard or plates may only be used when the veteran is the driver or passenger.

Part 2 – Medical Professional Certification: A licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician’s assistant must list the service-connected diagnosis and check all applicable medical conditions (e.g., inability to walk without assistance, severe arthritic/neurological limitation, use of portable oxygen, Class III/IV cardiac condition, missing limb, etc.). The professional must also indicate whether the disability is permanent and sign with their Illinois license number.

Part 3 – Meter-Exempt Parking (Optional): Complete this section only if the veteran also qualifies for exemption from parking meter fees. Additional permanent conditions must be certified (e.g., inability to manage coins with both hands, inability to reach 42 inches, use of a wheelchair that prevents approaching a meter, or ability to walk no more than 20 feet).

False certification by a medical professional can result in suspension or revocation of the professional’s driver’s license and fines up to $1,000.

Where and How to Apply?

Applications for Disabled Veteran license plates and permanent placards are processed only through the Springfield office of the Illinois Secretary of State. Local DMV facilities generally cannot issue these plates or permanent placards.

Mail or deliver the complete package to:
Illinois Secretary of State
501 S. 2nd Street
Howlett Building
Springfield, IL 62756

For questions specifically about Persons with Disabilities plates and placards, contact:

Persons with Disabilities License Plates and Placard Unit
Phone: 800-252-8980, option 4

Plates may be displayed on passenger vehicles, trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less, and SUVs. Motorcycle plates are also available (additional fee may apply for autocycles).

Fees and Renewal

The first set of Disabled Veteran plates is issued at no registration fee (title fees may still apply for newly acquired vehicles). Additional sets or certain other plate types carry standard fees. Annual renewals for the first set remain free for qualifying veterans with permanent disabilities.

Renewals can be completed by mail or at a local Secretary of State facility. Documentation of continued eligibility may be required unless the disability is certified as permanent.

Parking Privileges and Important Rules

Vehicles displaying Disabled Veteran plates may park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. However, to be exempt from parking meter fees and most time limits, the veteran must also display a valid Meter-Exempt Permanent Placard (yellow and gray striped). The authorized holder must be present in the vehicle when using the privileges.

Misuse of plates or placards can result in revocation, driver’s license suspension, and significant fines.

Additional Resources

Always verify the most current version of Form VSD 800 and application requirements directly on the official Illinois Secretary of State website (ilsos.gov), as forms and procedures can be updated.

This information is provided for general guidance to U.S. veterans residing in or registering vehicles in Illinois. For personalized assistance, contact the Illinois Secretary of State or the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.