Illinois Form VSD 816: Disability Plates & Placards Guide – Organizations in Illinois that transport individuals with qualifying disabilities can apply for special parking privileges using Form VSD 816, the official Affirmation for Persons with Disabilities License Plates or Placards issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. This form enables eligible entities to obtain organizational parking placards (green) or related license plates, supporting accessible transportation across the state.
This guide provides current, accurate information drawn exclusively from the Illinois Secretary of State’s official resources to help U.S.-based organizations, particularly those operating in Illinois, understand eligibility, complete the form correctly, and submit it properly.
What Is Illinois Form VSD 816?
Form VSD 816 is an affirmation document required exclusively for organizations that transport persons with disabilities free of charge. It is not for individual applicants. Eligible organizations include:
- Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- School Districts
- Special Education Cooperatives
- Nursing Homes
- Convalescent Homes
The form allows these entities to request organizational parking placards or disability-related license plates. Unlike individual applications (which use Form VSD 62 and require medical certification), VSD 816 does not require a physician’s signature. Instead, an authorized agent of the organization certifies that the individuals transported meet the statutory definition of a person with disabilities under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/1-159.1).
Official download link: Download Illinois Form VSD 816 (PDF) from the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Who Qualifies as a Person with Disabilities Under Illinois Law?
The form incorporates the legal definition from 625 ILCS 5/1-159.1. A “person with disabilities” is a natural person determined by a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or licensed physical therapist to have one or more of the following conditions:
- Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
- Restricted by lung disease (forced expiratory volume less than one liter or arterial oxygen tension less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest)
- Uses portable oxygen
- Has a cardiac condition classified as Class III or Class IV by American Heart Association standards
- Severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest because of one of the above conditions
- Is missing a hand or arm or has permanently lost the use of a hand or arm
For organizational placards, the disability must be permanent and conform to these criteria.
Organizational Parking Placards vs. Individual Placards and Plates
The Illinois Secretary of State issues four types of parking placards. Organizational placards (green) are specifically for entities using Form VSD 816:
- Organizational Placard (green) — Issued to qualifying organizations. Allows parking in designated accessible spaces only when transporting a person with disabilities. Does not exempt the vehicle from parking meter fees or time limits.
- Meter-Exempt Permanent Placard (yellow and gray striped)
- Permanent Placard (blue)
- Temporary Placard (red)
Organizational placards offer the same basic parking privileges as disability license plates but must only be displayed when a disabled person is being transported. Control and proper use of the placards remain the responsibility of the organization.
For full program details, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State Guide to the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities.
How to Complete and Submit Form VSD 816?
Both sides of the form must be fully read, completed, and signed. Key sections include:
- Organization Information — Provide the legal name, Illinois Charter Number (for corporations and LLCs), address, authorized agent’s name and title, and telephone number. Corporations and LLCs must be in good standing and attach a copy of their charter.
- School Districts and Special Education Cooperatives — Include school district code, number of schools, and a statement describing the intended use of the placards.
- Usage Questions — Indicate how many times vehicles are used for transporting persons with disabilities (weekly, monthly, yearly), the number of vehicles involved, and the number of parking placards requested (no fee for placards).
- Certification and Signature — The authorized agent must sign and date the affirmation, certifying that the persons transported meet the disability definition and that privileges will be used only when a disabled person is present in the vehicle.
Submit the completed form and any required supporting documents by mail to:
Secretary of State
Non-Standard Plates Section
501 S. Second St., Rm. 532
Springfield, IL 62756
Parking placards are free to qualifying organizations. For related recertification or renewal of existing organizational placards, use Form VSD 698, available on the same official publications page.
Important Warnings and Penalties
The Illinois Secretary of State strictly enforces proper use. Misuse of a parking placard or plates, or making a false application, may result in:
- Revocation of the placard or plates
- 12-month suspension or revocation of the driver’s license
- A fine of up to $1,000
Organizations are responsible for ensuring placards are used only when transporting eligible individuals and for maintaining control over issued credentials.
Where to Find Official Forms and Additional Resources?
All disability-related forms and guides are available free of charge on the Illinois Secretary of State website:
- Form VSD 816 — Affirmation for Persons with Disabilities License Plates or Placards
- Persons with Disabilities Publications and Forms (complete list including VSD 62, VSD 415, VSD 698, and VSD 957)
- Guide to the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities
For questions, contact the Persons with Disabilities License Plates and Placard Unit at 800-252-8980, option 4, or write to the Springfield office address listed above. Note that local DMV facilities cannot issue permanent placards or disability license plates; these are processed only through the Springfield office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for organizational placards obtained with Form VSD 816?
No. Parking placards are free to qualifying organizations.
Do I need a doctor’s signature on VSD 816?
No. Medical certification is not required for organizational applications. The authorized agent provides the affirmation.
Can the organizational placard be used when no person with a disability is in the vehicle?
No. The placard may be displayed only when a disabled person is being transported.
How often must organizational placards be renewed?
Organizations should use Form VSD 698 for recertification or renewal when required. Check the official publications page for the current version.
By following the official instructions and using Form VSD 816 correctly, Illinois organizations can help ensure accessible transportation for the individuals they serve while remaining fully compliant with state law.