If you live with health issues or a disability, it might be difficult to navigate a parking lot. A disabled parking placard or license plate can help you access priority parking spaces.
In most cases, state governments issue appropriate parking permits through the department of motor vehicles (DMV).
Here’s what you should know about how to apply for handicap permits in your state and whether you can do so online.
Applications for handicap placards vary by state. But you generally need to follow these steps:
Visit a DMV office or your state’s DMV website to learn the eligibility requirements.
Obtain or download a disabled parking placard application.
Fill in the information requested.
You usually need a physician to sign off on the request.
Mail or email the completed application, with the medical form or letter from a licensed physician, to the appropriate address.
Pay attention to potential fees. Some states charge a fee for a temporary disabled parking placard, but some don’t. If your state charges a fee for vehicle registration, you still need to pay that. A personalized disability plate might come with an additional cost.
The following table illustrates the basic requirements a physically disabled person needs to meet in each state. You can also see how to apply for a disabled person parking permit based on state requirements.
Check for fees for temporary and permanent permits. You can also see whether you can apply online, in person, or by mail.
Rules vary by state, but you generally need to have some physical limitation that makes navigating parking areas on foot difficult. A medical condition, like a cardiac condition, lung disease, or neurological disorder, meets the criteria in some states. Blindness or other eye conditions can also qualify you for a disability placard.
In many states, disabled veterans qualify and may get extra perks like easier renewals and waived fees. Disabled veteran license plates are also usually available. Typically, a healthcare provider must attest to your condition.
Common conditions that might qualify someone for a disability license plate or placard include:1
Difficulty walking
Arthritis
Need for portable oxygen
Heart disease
Lung disease
Loss of limbs
Cancer
Vision impairment or blindness
Need for assistive devices
Neurological disorders
Check with your state to see if you or your passenger qualifies for a card, plate, or placard.
Disabled person plates and disabled person placards represent the most common types of permits. In some cases, you also receive an identification card.
Whether you get a disabled person placard or a disabled person plate depends on the nature of your disability and how often you ride in others’ vehicles.2 3
A placard can be hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the front dashboard. Applicants might like the ability to use the placard in various vehicles, especially if they have different guardians or carers drive them.
Many states offer temporary placards for short-term disabilities, such as surgery. A permanent disabled placard is for people with conditions that aren’t likely to abate.
Vehicle owners with a permanent disability or condition can benefit from a plate. If you usually drive the same car, a permanent license plate is more convenient than a placard. Renewing usually requires getting registration stickers with a new expiration date.
If you were part of a service unit of the armed forces, you might qualify for a disabled veteran plate. Depending on the state, you might need to show a certain percentage of service-connected disability to qualify for the plate. Check the requirements when you make your initial application.
A handicap placard can reduce the effort a qualified person needs to visit stores and events. Access to preferred parking and available spaces reduces the need to drive around looking for an open space close to your destination. Some states provide additional benefits to holders of placards or plates, such as waived parking fees.
These benefits come with the responsibility to use the placard or plate according to state laws. Misrepresenting your condition to obtain a plate or placard can result in fines. Using a disabled person’s plates or placard when you aren’t with them can also result in penalties. Fraud and duplication can result in jail time on top of fines.
Some states send a renewal notice when it’s time to get a new placard or renew your plates. Each state has its process, so pay attention since you might not get a grace period.
Often, you need to re-certify that you qualify. A medical professional like a nurse practitioner, doctor, physical therapist, or physician’s assistant might need to sign off. Depending on your situation, you might need to check with your healthcare professionals months in advance to get an appointment for your renewal exam.
If you lose your placard, check the requirements for receiving a replacement. Some states charge a fee for replacing a lost or damaged placard.2
Understanding the basics of handicap placards can help you navigate your new application or renewal. Review the answers to these common questions.
Car insurers can’t charge you more based on the presence of a placard. But an insurer might charge a higher premium if you have a condition that increases your risk while driving.
It depends on the state. Some states allow free parking at meters. Check with your DMV to learn the extent of your free parking access.
Each state has its criteria for a disability placard or plate. Usually, though, you need a disability that makes it difficult to move physically. Review your state’s program information to learn whether you qualify.
Your state’s DMV can provide you with information about fees. Some states don’t charge fees for placards. Others only charge for temporary disability placards.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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