Handicap Parking Permit Eligibility

Having a disabling condition(s) can make everyday life difficult and frustrating. If an individual’s impairment causes difficulty in mobility, they might be eligible for a handicapped-parking permit. This permit allows disabled Americans to park in the handicap parking zones generally located in front of most stores, helping decrease the travel distance between the store and the parked car. Whether one is going to the grocery store or to a doctor’s visit, having a handicap plate and disabled placard can save valuable time and energy.

Who is eligible?

There are over 15 million Americans who require mobility aids such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. These Americans and other individuals who have disabling conditions that severely harm their ability to move qualify for a handicap plate and disabled placard. Conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Cardiac deficiency
• Foot disorders
• Lung disease
• Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye
• Any condition that requires an individual to use mobile assistive devices

Know your options

Depending on the state you are applying in, there are different permits available. Most permits are either short-term or long-term. Generally short-term permits last around 6 months and long-term permits can last up to two years before needing renewal. The permits come in the form of either placards that are hung on the rear-view mirror or state license plates with the handicap symbol on them. Veterans who became disabled during service are eligible for disabled veterans permits that often come at no cost.

Get an application

You can get an application for a handicap parking permit by going to your local DMV office or website. Read about the rules, regulations and fees for your state and print out an application to bring to your doctor.

Talk to a doctor

If you plan to apply for a handicap-parking permit, it is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Inform your doctor that you want to apply for a handicap permit and how it will improve your daily life. If you meet the qualifications, your doctor will fill out part of your application describing why you need a permit.

Apply for a handicap-parking permit

You can submit your application for handicap parking by going to your local DMV office, local DMV website, or through the mail. Make sure you plan ahead because it takes about a month for the application to process and for you to receive your license or tag. If you have a scheduled surgery before you know you will receive your permit, you can apply for a temporary tag.

DMV Offices by State

The rules and regulations to be eligible for a handicap-parking permit vary depending on your city and state. Listed below are the 50 states. Select your state for DMV office locations and additional handicap parking information.

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming