FEBRUARY 11, 2004

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is protecting Michigan’s disabled community from identity theft by changing the way that personal information is displayed on vehicle placards.

Motorists who are permanently or temporarily disabled can apply for the placards, which are displayed in windshields so they can be easily viewed by law enforcement. The placards assist disabled drivers with their parking needs.

Until now, a disabled motorist’s complete driver’s license number was recorded on the placard. Land’s directive changes Department of State policy so that only the first letter and last three digits of a driver’s license number are recorded.

"Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes, and identity thieves routinely prey on the vulnerable," Land said. "This pre-emptive action protects the personal privacy of our disabled residents, while still satisfying the needs of law enforcement."

Tom Masseau, Director of Public Policy for the Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. says, "Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. supports and endorses each person's right to privacy. We commend Secretary Land for working to ensure that persons with disabilities who are issued a handicapped placard are guaranteed this right."

All new disability placards issued by the department will display the one-letter, three-number designation. It is important to note that the placards currently in circulation remain valid. However, individuals with placards who would like the new designation can bring them to any Secretary of State office for modification. Alteration of the placards by private individuals is illegal and can result in a parking citation.

Disability parking placards may be obtained at any Secretary of State branch office. A statement by a physician is required as part of the application process. There is no fee for an original placard or when renewing a permanent placard.

Permanent disability placards are blue and are issued for four years. They are issued when there is no medical expectation that the disability will improve. Temporary disability placards are red and are valid for up to six months. They are issued when there is a medical expectation that the disability will improve. There were 568,000 permanent and 26,000 temporary placards in circulation at the end of 2003.

Both disability placards and disability license plates allow parking in handicapped parking spaces. Placards can be transferred between vehicles.

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