Chicago City Clerk's Office announces permanent free city sticker option for veterans
CHICAGO (CBS) – Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia announced residents with a veteran's designation on their Illinois State ID or driver's license can permanently obtain a city sticker at no cost.
"Our goal at the Office of the City Clerk is to serve as the link between communities and government," Valencia said in a news release. "We are here to create policies that are inclusive for all our residents – especially our nation's heroes. As leaders, we should always be looking for small and big ways to honor our veterans."
Veterans with ex-Prisoner of War, Purple-Heart Recipient, I-Served, and Disabled Veteran license plates have historically qualified for a free city sticker.
In 2018, the Office of the City Clerk expanded the program so that veterans with a veteran designation on their state ID or driver's license could also receive a city sticker at no cost.
The City Council recently approved an ordinance that now includes eligible small trucks, and makes this a permanent city sticker option.
"This expansion represents one less barrier for those that deserve it the most, our veterans," said Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), who co-sponsored the ordinance and chairs the City Council's Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, in a statement. "Veterans can at times face financial difficulties and employment barriers. I applaud Clerk Valencia's work to help our nation's heroes access the services they need, all while honoring them."
"I am proud to be a long-time supporter of this ordinance and to finally see the No Fee Veterans City Sticker option formally implemented," said Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), a Marine veteran. "It's policies like these that provide some relief to our residents in these unprecedented times, especially for our brave men and women that have sacrificed so much for our city and country."
Residents can purchase a no-fee veterans city sticker by visiting one of the city clerk's office locations or at any mobile city hall. While the no-fee veterans city sticker is free of cost, adding zone parking to the city sticker would cost an additional $25 per year.
The legislation will take effect immediately.