How To Get a Disabled Parking Permit

Disabled parking permits enable individuals with mobility issues to access businesses and public spaces more easily. These permits come in various forms, each intended to meet different needs. Understanding the types, the process for obtaining them, and where they can be used is necessary for those who require these accommodations.

The process for obtaining and the rules for using disabled parking permits may vary from place to place. Be sure to check with your local authorities before acquiring and using a disabled parking permit.

Types of Disabled Parking Permits

A variety of license plates and parking placards are accessible for people with qualifying disabilities. Eligibility requirements for disabled placards or plates may include the use of an oxygen tank, wheelchair, or cane; legal blindness; or certain cardiac or other health conditions that limit an individual from walking more than 200 feet at a time.

Permanent Parking Placards

Permanent parking placards are typically blue and are issued to individuals with permanent disabilities. They allow the qualified individual to park in designated disabled parking spaces. The duration of this type of parking permit varies by state, but generally must be renewed every few years.

Temporary Parking Placards

Temporary parking placards are issued to individuals with temporary disabilities, such as those recovering from surgery or injury. These parking permits are generally valid for anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the nature of the disability.

License Plates

Special license plates with the international symbol of access (a stylized image of a person using a wheelchair) are available for individuals with permanent disabilities who own or lease a vehicle. These plates allow parking in designated spaces without needing a separate placard. These plates are issued on a permanent basis but require regular vehicle registration renewal.

Disabled Veteran License Plates

Disabled veteran license plates are available to veterans who have disabilities related to their military service. These plates often have additional benefits, such as exemptions from certain parking fees. These plates are issued on a permanent basis but require regular vehicle registration renewal.

Organizational Placards

Organizational parking placards are issued to companies and organizations that transport individuals with disabilities, such as nursing homes or care facilities. These placards allow the vehicle to park in accessible spaces when transporting eligible individuals. The duration of these placards varies, but they are usually good for a few years.

Documentation Needed for Disabled Parking Permits

Check with your municipality regarding the documentation you will need to qualify for a disabled parking permit. The documentation you will need usually includes the following:

• Medical Certification: A signed statement or form from a licensed physician or health care provider (nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant) certifying the nature of the disability. The health care provider must verify that the applicant meets the state's criteria for a disability parking permit.
• Application Form: Each state has a specific application form for disabled parking permits, available through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. This form must be completed with personal details and signed by the applicant and the certifying medical professional.
• Proof of Identity and Residency: A valid driver’s license or ID card is usually required, along with proof of residency, such as a lease agreement or utility bill, to ensure the applicant is a resident of the state where they are applying.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Documentation (for disabled veteran plates): Veterans may need to provide documentation from the VA indicating their service-related disability.

How to Obtain a Disabled Parking Permit

The four basic steps for obtaining a disabled parking permit are as follows:

1. Consult a Health Care Provider: Your health care provider can help you determine your eligibility and can fill out the necessary sections of your application.
    
2. Complete the Application: Finish filling out the application by providing all the required details, including your health care provider’s certification.
    
3. Submit the Application: Submit your completed application to your local DMV or equivalent agency. Some states allow applications to be submitted by mail or online. Other states require the application to be submitted in person.
   
   There may be a fee for processing the application, especially for temporary placards or special license plates.
    
4. Receive the Permit: Once your application is approved, your permit will be issued. Permanent and temporary placards are usually mailed. Special license plates are usually included as part of vehicle registration.

Where You Can Use Disabled Parking Permits

As with other aspects of the disabled parking permit process, the areas and ways in which you can park may vary from place to place. Here are the basics of where you can park with a disabled parking permit:

• Designated Disabled Parking Spaces: Your parking permit should allow you to park in spaces that are marked with the international symbol of access, which are usually the closest spaces to the entrances of buildings.
• Metered Parking: Some states and municipalities offer exemptions from metered parking fees or offer extended time limits for vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit.
• State-Specific Rules: Some states allow permit holders to park in spaces that are otherwise restricted, such as residential zones or loading zones. Check state and local regulations before parking in such spaces.
• Interstate Use: Disabled parking permits issued in one state are generally recognized in all other states under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, specific parking privileges may vary, so it's important to check local rules when traveling.

Learn More About Rights for People With Disabilities

If you believe your rights as a person with a disability have been violated, or you have questions about disability benefits or want to know more about how best to plan for your financial future, connect with an experienced special needs planning attorney near you. They can discuss your specific situation with you.

For additional reading on various aspects of disability rights, check out the following articles:

• Do People With Disabilities Get Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption?
• Voting Rights for People With Disabilities
• Disability Rights and Service Animals
• Uber, Lyft Sued Over Wheelchair Access