How to Obtain a Disabled Veteran License Plate in Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide
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As of 2023, the U.S. veteran population included 17.9 million men and women. Of those people, 5.3 million, or 30%, had a diagnosed service disability. Illinois has a veteran population of 537,552, 18% of whom have a service-connected disability.
Disabled veterans of the Prairie State are entitled to a special license plate. The disabled veteran license plate of Illinois is one way the state shows gratitude and recognition for a military member's sacrifice and service.
Overview of Disabled Veteran License Plates
An Illinois disabled veteran license plate is a special registration plate for veterans with a permanent disability. The disability or injury must be service connected, meaning active military service caused or worsened it. Examples include depression, anxiety, hearing loss, back pain, arthritis, ulcers, and range-of-motion issues.
Persons with a disability hoping to get a disabled veteran license plate from the Illinois DMV must prove their service and provide a service-connected disability rating. Other eligibility requirements apply. The first set of plates is free for qualified individuals.
Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Veteran License Plates
To be eligible for a disabled veteran license plate in Illinois, a veteran must be a resident of Illinois and own a motor vehicle. Additionally, they must have a service-connected disability and provide proof from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA must assign a disability rating of 50% or higher for the veteran to qualify for the plate. The rating is a percentage that represents the level of impact a disability has on an individual's ability to earn a living.
Illinois disabled veteran license plates are only granted to those who can prove disability and provide a record of an honorable discharge from active duty in any branch of service, including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and National Guard.
Required Documentation
To secure a disabled veteran license plate in Illinois, a veteran must complete the proper application and provide the required documentation. Every application for this specialty plate must include a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs and a copy of the Notice of Decision or Rating Decision letter verifying a service-connected disability.
Veterans must also provide a copy of their issued DD214 form. The form is a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty document issued by the U.S. Department of Defense to service members who are discharged, retired, or separated from the military. A service member must prove honorable discharge status to qualify for the specialty plate.
If a veteran wants the disabled veteran plate with a wheelchair on it, they also need to provide a letter from their physician describing a qualifying disability.
Beyond the documentation from the veteran service office and a physician, a service-connected disability veteran must provide typical documents for vehicle registration. For example, they must show proof of car insurance in Illinois and proof of residency.
Application Process for Disabled Veteran License Plates
Learning how to get disabled veteran license plates in Illinois is straightforward, as is the application process. Unfortunately, the only secretary of state office that can process disabled veterans' Illinois license plates is in Springfield. If you live nearby, you can request the plates in person by bringing in all the required paperwork and a completed application. If you don't live nearby, mail the required documents and application to:
Secretary of State
501 S. 2nd St.
Howlett Building, Room 541
Springfield, Illinois 62756
There is no required plate fee for the first set of plates on currently titled vehicles and motorcycles. However, a $165 registration fee is required for the first set of plates on newly acquired vehicles.
Benefits of Disabled Veteran License Plates
A disabled veteran license plate in Illinois grants disabled parking for military service veterans with disabilities. The plates are also eligible for the state's benefit access program, which assists income-eligible individuals with disabilities. The program's benefits include license plate discounts and a Ride Free transit card.
Find the Best Car Insurance Rates for Veteran Drivers
A disabled veteran license plate in Illinois is only one way the state shows appreciation for military service, but it matters. If you are a disabled veteran or know someone who qualifies, encourage them to apply for the plate. Also, remember that proof of auto insurance in Illinois is necessary for any plate application. If you don't yet have insurance or are looking for a new provider, check out EverQuote to compare numerous quotes and options from top-rated suppliers.