The Complete Guide To How You Can Get An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Mississippi

Welcome to our complete guide to how you can get an online disabled parking permit in Mississippi! In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mississippi disabled parking permits.

The Mississippi disabled parking program exists to help Mississippi residents and visitors to the Magnolia State access public and private amenities, buildings, businesses, and residences more easily. The program evens the playing field and improves the lives of people who struggle with a wide range of mobility issues.

Today we’re here to answer important questions about Mississippi disabled parking, such as… What types of disabled parking permits are available in Mississippi? How do you apply for a Mississippi Disabled Parking Permit? What are the Mississippi disabled parking permit qualifying conditions? When do Mississippi disabled parking permits expire? What is the Mississippi disabled parking permit renewal process? And what are the Mississippi disabled parking rules and regulations?

Read on to find out everything you need to know about how you can get an online disabled parking permit in Mississippi.

What Is A Mississippi Disabled Parking Permit?

A Mississippi disabled parking permit is a legal document that comes in the form of a placard or license tag. It entitles its holder to use handicap parking infrastructure in the state of Mississippi and also in certain other jurisdictions, both inside the USA and abroad.

Why Get An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Mississippi?

There are lots of reasons to get a Mississippi disabled parking permit. They give their holders the ability to:

  • Park for free in any designated disabled parking space in Mississippi and in various other jurisdictions in the US and abroad. (Disabled parking spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access.)
  • Park for free in metered, time-restricted spaces in certain municipalities.
  • Apply for residents’ disabled parking bays to be installed near their homes.

Applying for your Mississippi disabled parking permit online is the easiest method for a number of reasons:

  • It’s the most time-efficient option.
  • Downloading your application from the internet means you can complete it at home, in your own time.
  • It’s quicker and easier to have your essential medical consultation online using a telemedicine clinic than it is to visit a doctor’s surgery in person.
disabled parking signs
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Who Can Legally Issue An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Mississippi?

The Mississippi disabled parking program is run by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Like all US states, Mississippi has its own individual handicap parking rules and regulations. These rules and regulations cater to the specific needs and circumstances of Mississippi residents, and also adhere to federal disability laws as defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act. In the State of Mississippi, local county tax collector’s offices issue disabled parking permits.

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Mississippi?

The following different types of disabled parking permits are available in the State of Mississippi:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plates
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Disabled license tag
  • Disabled American Veterans license plates (issued to veterans or surviving spouses who have verification from the Veterans Affairs Board certifying that they have a 100% military service-related disability)

How Many Mississippi Disabled Parking Placards And Plates Can I Have?

Mississippi residents who qualify as permanently disabled may be issued two license plates and two placards.​ Temporarily disabled people are only entitled to two placards. Disabled parking license plates are not available to temporarily disabled people.

How You Can Get An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Mississippi

Most of the process of applying for your Mississippi disabled parking permit can be carried out online. You can get an online disabled parking permit in Mississippi by downloading your application form from your local county tax collector’s website, and having your medical consultation with a state-licensed physician or nurse practitioner via video call arranged through an online telemedicine clinic.

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking In Mississippi?

People in the following situations will qualify for a Mississippi disabled parking permit:

  • People who are residents of Mississippi and who have a qualifying medical condition that has been certified by a state-licensed medical professional.
  • People who are residents of Mississippi and who are the owner of a vehicle, and are a parent, spouse, or caregiver who lives with a person who has a qualifying disability.

How To Get A Mississippi Disabled Parking Permit

How do you apply for a Mississippi disabled parking permit? The process of getting a Mississippi disabled parking permit online is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

  • Have a medical consultation with a state-licensed physician or nurse practitioner. This is needed so that the medical professional can verify your suitability to use disabled parking and certify your Mississippi disability parking permit application form. You can have your medical consultation online via video call, which can be arranged through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.
  • Once your suitability for a Mississippi disabled parking permit has been verified, the medical professional will email you your certified application form within 24 hours.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the application form, either by mail or in person, to your local county tax collector’s office.
jackson mississippi street
Image by andrew welch on Unsplash: How do you apply for a Mississippi disabled parking permit?

What Are The Mississippi Disabled Parking Permit Qualifying Conditions?

In order to qualify for a disabled parking permit and use disabled parking infrastructure in the state of Mississippi, you must have a qualifying disability. The list of disabled parking permit qualifying conditions in Mississippi is long and wide-ranging.

You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in Mississippi if you are disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of an assistive device, such as a cane, crutch, walking stick, wheelchair, brace, Zimmer frame, or another person.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one (1) second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty (60) mm/hg on room air at rest.
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • You are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Mississippi?

The only medical professionals that can certify an application for a Mississippi disabled parking permit are state-licensed physicians or nurse practitioners.

How Much Is A Disabled Parking Placard In Mississippi?

Mississippi disabled parking placards are free. There is no additional fee required to get a Disabled parking license plate, but all regular taxes and registration fees must be paid.

How Do I Get A Disabled License Plate In Mississippi?

Mississippi disabled parking license plates are available to people who have a permanent disability and who own their own vehicles. Disabled parking license plates do not cost any extra fee above the cost of regular vehicle registration. Regular vehicle registration fees are $14.00 for first-time registrations and $12.75 for renewals. All the other taxes are based on the type of vehicle you own and what city or county you live in.

You apply for a disabled parking license plate at your local county tax collector’s office. Disabled parking vehicle license plates must be renewed annually. However, you only need new medical certification every five years when your disabled parking permit expires.

Do All Types Of Mississippi Disabled Parking Permits Need To Be Renewed When They Expire?

Yes, all types of Mississippi disabled parking permits have an expiration date and must be renewed once they expire, if they are still needed.

When Do Mississippi Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

  • Mississippi temporary disabled parking placards expire after no more than six months.
  • Mississippi permanent disabled parking placards expire after five years.
  • Disabled parking license plates expire annually when your vehicle registration comes up for renewal.

What Is The Mississippi Disabled Parking Permit Renewal Process?

Mississippi Permanent disabled parking placards can be renewed when they expire after five years. Temporary placards can also be renewed if they are still needed after their expiration date.

When renewing any type of Mississippi disabled parking permit, you’ll need to acquire new medical certification proving that you still need to use disabled parking infrastructure.

To renew your Mississippi disabled parking permit, follow these simple steps:

  • Have a new medical consultation with a state-licensed physician or nurse practitioner. This can be arranged through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.
  • Once your suitability to continue using Mississippi disabled parking has been verified, the medical professional will email you your certified application form within 24 hours.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the application form, either by mail or in person, to your local county tax collector’s office.
person using laptop
Image by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash: Getting an online disabled parking permit in Mississippi is a super simple process!

How Do I Replace A Stolen, Lost, Or Damaged Mississippi Disabled Parking Permit?

If your Mississippi disabled parking permit is stolen, lost, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement by submitting an affidavit stating that your placard has been stolen, lost, or damaged. The affidavit form is available at your local tax collector’s office.

Where Are Mississippi Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Mississippi disabled parking permits are valid in the following jurisdictions:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Mexico
  • Canada
  • UK
  • EU
  • Switzerland
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

Are Out-Of-State Disabled Parking Permits Valid In Mississippi?

Disabled parking permits from all other US states are recognized in the state of Mississippi. So are disabled parking permits from foreign countries including Mexico, Canada, the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

What Are The Mississippi Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations?

Disabled parking permit holders in Mississippi must adhere to the following rules and regulations:

  • Disabled parking placards must be hung from the vehicle’s rearview mirror while the vehicle is parked in a disabled parking space. Placards must be safely stowed away when the vehicle is in motion.
  • Disabled permit holders may park in any designated disabled parking space for an unlimited time. These parking spaces are signposted with the International Symbol of Access.
  • Some jurisdictions allow permit holders to park in time-restricted spaces for an unlimited amount of time or for an extended amount of time. Be sure to check what the specific rules are in any jurisdiction you intend to visit.
  • Disabled parking permit holders are not entitled to park in any spaces that are signposted “No Parking”, or that are reserved for emergency vehicles or commercial loading vehicles.
  • Disabled parking placards can only be used by the official, legal permit holder. Permits cannot be lent to other people, even if they are also disabled. Lending your placard to another person is considered an abuse of your disabled parking privileges and can result in a fine.
  • It’s illegal to park in a disabled parking space if you aren’t in possession of a disabled parking permit belonging to either you or to a current passenger in the vehicle.

Featured image by Pieter van de Sande on Unsplash

How Do You Renew Your Iowa Handicap Parking Placard Online?

The Iowa disabled parking program exists to improve the lives of disabled Iowa residents and visitors to the Hawkeye State. For the Iowa disabled parking program to run smoothly, it’s important that all disabled permit holders understand and abide by the program’s rules. Knowing when and how to renew your Iowa handicap permit once it expires is crucial.

The IA disabled parking permit renewal process is straightforward and user-friendly. However, permit holders still tend to have a few questions, including… How do I renew my disabled parking permit in Iowa? Can you renew a handicap placard online in Iowa? How do you renew your Iowa handicap parking placard online? And what do I do with an expired handicap placard in Iowa?

Let’s cover everything you need to know about how to renew your Iowa handicap parking placard online.

Can You Renew A Handicap Placard Online In Iowa?

Most of the process of renewing your Iowa disabled parking permit can be completed online. You can carry out a medical consultation and complete an application form online – all you need to do in person or via mail is submit the application form.

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available In Iowa?

The following handicap parking permits are available in Iowa:

  • Permanent handicap parking placard
  • Temporary handicap parking placard
  • Permanent handicap parking license plates and stickers
  • Provider of Transportation Services placard (for organizations that transport disabled people)
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (for people whose disabilities are military service–related)
iowa bridge
Image by RJA1988 on Pixabay: How do I renew my disabled parking permit in Iowa?

Do All Types Of Iowa Handicap Parking Permits Need To Be Renewed?

Permanent disabled parking permits do not need to be renewed in Iowa – they have no expiration date. However, temporary permits expire after six months and must be renewed, and disabled license plates must be registered annually.

Who Can Certify An Application To Renew A Handicap Parking Permit Online In Iowa?

Applications to renew an Iowa disabled permit must be certified by a medical professional. The following medical professionals can certify an application for disabled parking in Iowa:

  • Physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Chiropractor

The medical professional must be licensed to practice in Iowa or a contiguous state. Qualifying contiguous states are:

  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • South Dakota

How Do You Renew Your Iowa Handicap Parking Placard Online?

How do I renew my disabled parking permit in Iowa? The process is simple. Just follow these steps:

  1. Have a consultation with a medical professional at the Dr. Handicap online clinic. The medical professional will write a medical statement for you and email it to you within 24 hours.
  2. Complete an application form for disabled parking in Iowa.
  3. Submit the application form and medical statement in person to your local Driver License Examining station, or by mail to:
    Office of Vehicle Services
    P.O. Box 9278
    Des Moines
    IA 50306-9278

How Much Does It Cost To Renew My Handicap Parking Permit In Iowa?

  • Handicap parking placards are free in Iowa.
  • Handicap parking license plates cost the standard vehicle registration fee depending on the type of vehicle being registered.
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Image by 2564368 on Pixabay: How do you renew your Iowa handicap parking placard online?

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For An Iowa Handicap Parking Permit?

To renew your Iowa handicap parking placard online, you will need to be certified as disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • You cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air at rest.
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as class III or class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • You are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

What Do I Do With An Expired Handicap Placard In Iowa?

When your Iowa disabled parking placard expires you should return it to a Driver License Examining station, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Office of Vehicle Services, P.O. Box 9278, Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9278), or any law enforcement office within 10 days of its expiration date.

When disabled license plates expire, they should be surrendered to the county treasurer’s office where the vehicle is registered.

Featured image by Austin Goode on Unsplash

How Do You Renew Your Indiana Handicap Parking Placard Online?

Indiana handicap parking permits entitle their holders to use disabled parking infrastructure in Indiana and in all other US states. These permits are an invaluable way to improve the quality of life of thousands of disabled Indiana residents.

There are several types of Indiana disabled parking permits available, and some of these types have expiration dates and need to be renewed. Today we’re here to answer the important question: how do you renew your Indiana handicap parking placard online?

We’ll also cover some other key topics and questions, like… Can you renew a handicap placard online in Indiana? What types of handicap parking permits are available in Indiana? Do all types of Indiana handicap parking permits need to be renewed? How do I renew my disabled parking permit in Indiana? What do I do with an expired handicap placard in Indiana?

Read on for all you need to know.

Can You Renew A Handicap Placard Online In Indiana?

Most of the process of renewing an Indiana disabled parking placard can be carried out online using the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and a telemedicine clinic such as Dr. Handicap.

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available In Indiana?

The following different types of handicap parking permits are available in Indiana:

  • Permanent Disabled Parking Placard
  • Company Disabled Parking Placard (for organizations that are authorized to operate programs, including the provision of transportation, or facilities for people with disabilities)
  • Temporary Disabled Parking Placard
  • Disability license plate
  • Disabled Veterans license plate (available to people whose disabilities are military service–related)
indiana capitol building
Image by kshelton on Pixabay: Can you renew a handicap placard online in Indiana?

Do All Types Of Indiana Handicap Parking Permits Need To Be Renewed?

No, not all types of Indiana handicap parking permits need to be renewed. Permanent disabled parking placards do not expire, unless a medical professional certifies that the permit holder is no longer disabled.

Both company and temporary disabled parking permits have an expiration date and will need to be renewed.

  • Company disabled parking permits expire on January 1 of the fourth year after the year in which the placard was issued.
  • Temporary disabled parking placards expire after one year or on the date indicated by the certifying medical professional on the application.

Do I Need Medical Certification To Renew My Indiana Handicap Parking Placard Online?

Yes, you need new medical certification each time you renew an Indiana disabled parking permit. The easiest way to have a consultation with a medical professional is through an online telemedicine clinic.

Who Can Certify An Application To Renew A Handicap Parking Permit Online In Indiana?

The following medical professionals can certify an application to renew your Indiana handicap parking placard online:

  • Licensed physician
  • Chiropractor
  • Podiatrist
  • Advanced practice registered nurse
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Optometrist

How Do You Renew Your Indiana Handicap Parking Placard Online?

How do I renew my disabled parking permit in Indiana? The IN disabled parking permit renewal process is straightforward. To renew your Indiana handicap parking placard online, follow these steps:

  • Have a video consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. This is best arranged through an online telemedicine clinic. Once the examining medical professional verifies your disability, they will email you a certified copy of an application form within 24 hours.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the application form to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, either in person at any Indiana license branch, or by mail to:
    Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    Winchester Mail Processing Center
    PO Box 100
    Winchester, IN 47394

Disability license plates can be renewed online at myBMV.com.

indianapolis indiana square
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How Much Does It Cost To Renew My Indiana Handicap Parking Permit?

  • Renewing your temporary disabled parking placard in Indiana costs $5.00.
  • Renewing a permanent company disabled parking placard is free.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Indiana?

If you need to renew your temporary Indiana disabled parking permit online, or you need to apply for a new permanent permit, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:

  • A permanent or temporary physical disability requiring the use of a wheelchair, a walker, braces, or crutches.
  • A permanent or temporary loss of the use of one or both legs.
  • A permanent or temporary severe restriction in mobility due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, arthritic condition, or orthopedic or neurological impairment.
  • A permanent or temporary blindness or visual impairment.

What Do I Do With An Expired Handicap Placard In Indiana?

You can recycle your expired Indiana disabled parking permit, or dispose of it in another secure way.

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Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In North Carolina

Today we’re here to talk about the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in North Carolina.

As well as discussing the qualifying conditions, we’ll also answer some important questions such as… Who qualifies for disabled parking in North Carolina? What medical professionals can certify a disabled parking application in North Carolina? How do I get a handicap placard in North Carolina? What are the North Carolina disabled parking laws?

Read on for all you need to know.

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking In North Carolina?

You will qualify for a North Carolina disabled parking permit if you have a qualifying disability and you are a resident of the state.

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In North Carolina

So, what disabilities qualify for disabled parking in North Carolina? You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in North Carolina if you are disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume of one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest Uses portable oxygen.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association. You are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You are totally blind or your vision with glasses is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activity for which eyesight is essential, as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or the Division of Services for the Blind.
north carolina at night
Image by MarkThomas on Pixabay: Who qualifies for disabled parking in North Carolina?

What Medical Professionals Can Certify A Disabled Parking Application In North Carolina?

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in North Carolina:

  • Licensed physician
  • Licensed physician assistant
  • Licensed nurse practitioner
  • Licensed ophthalmologist
  • Licensed optometrist or the Division of Services for the Blind
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs

For temporary placards only, medical certification can be made by a licensed certified nurse midwife.

What Types Of North Carolina Disability Placards Are Available?

The following different types of disabled parking permits are available in North Carolina:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plates
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (available to people whose disability is military service–related)

Any organization that is certified by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency that regularly transports disabled persons may apply for a permanent disabled parking permit.

How Do I Get A Handicap Placard In North Carolina?

You can get a handicap parking placard in North Carolina by following these steps:

  • Have an online medical consultation at Dr. Handicap online clinic. The examining medical professional will certify an application form and email it to you within 48 hours.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the application form to:
    North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
    3148 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh
    NC 27697-3148

How Much Does A North Carolina Disabled Parking Permit Cost?

In North Carolina, both permanent disabled parking placards and temporary disabled parking placards cost $5 each (each permit holder can own up to two placards). Disabled parking license plates cost $36.

When Do North Carolina Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

  • North Carolina permanent disabled parking placards expire after five years.
  • North Carolina temporary disabled parking placards expire after one to six months (stipulated by the certifying medical professional).
north carolina road
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Do I Need Recertification When Renewing My North Carolina Disabled Parking Permit?

Yes, you need new medical certification when renewing all types of North Carolina disabled parking permits. (Medical recertification is not required for persons 80 years of age or older at the time of renewal.)

You may renew your Permanent disabled parking placard up to 90 days prior to the placard’s expiration date. Permit holders are mailed a renewal application.

What Are The North Carolina Disabled Parking Laws?

  • Permit holders may park in any designated disabled parking space and for unlimited periods in time-restricted parking spaces.
  • Permit holders may not park in areas that are designated no stopping, parking, or standing, or which are reserved for special types of vehicles.
  • Placards must be hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the driver’s side dash if there is no rearview mirror.
  • The placard registration card must remain with each placard while in use.

Featured image by mam5032 on Pixabay

The Complete Guide To How You Can Get An Online Disabled Parking Permit In Texas

Having a temporary or permanent disability can make getting around challenging. People with functional disabilities often have to put in much more effort to complete a task than those without. Because of this, even day-to-day activities such as commuting to the office or going to the grocery store can become a hassle. But for many with disabilities, that hassle can be lessened by using a handicap placard.

Handicap placards help people with disabilities navigate public places in a way that’s more accessible. They aren’t about giving special treatment, but about making certain areas and activities accessible to people with disabilities in an equitable manner.

In the US, each state has its own rules and regulations surrounding handicap placards that determine who can get one, how it can be used, and if it can be used over state lines. These regulations are designed to keep people from abusing the system so that those who genuinely need a handicap parking placard can obtain one and use it effectively. But how do you go about getting a disabled parking permit in the state of Texas? Read on for a complete and comprehensive guide.

Who can legally issue a Texas parking permit for the disabled?

To get a parking placard in Texas, you first need to know where to go – unfortunately, there aren’t stores on every corner that provide legally issued parking passes to people in need! To get a parking permit in Texas, you must go through your local county tax office. They deal with all things vehicle- and license-related in the state.

County tax offices are located across the state. Specific locations include:

  • Anderson County Tax Office: 703 N. Mallard Ste. 104 Palestine, TX.
  • Travis County Tax Office: 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, Austin, TX 78754
  • El Paso County Tax Office: 301 Manny Martinez Drive #1, El Paso, TX 79905
  • Tarrant County Tax Office: 100 E Weatherford St Fort Worth, TX 76196-0301
  • Bexar County Tax Office: 223 N Pecos La Trinidad San Antonio, TX 78207
  • Harris County Tax Office: 1001 Preston St. Houston TX, 77002
  • Dallas County Tax Office: 500 Elm Street Suite 1200 Dallas TX, 75202
  • Mclennan County Tax Office: 215 N 5th St. Waco, TX 76701
  • Montgomery County Tax Office: 400 N San Jacinto St. Conroe, TX 77301
  • Collin County Tax Office: 2300 Bloomdale Rd. Ste 2303 McKinney, TX 75071
  • Denton County Tax Office: 1505 E. McKinney Denton, TX 76209-4525
  • Hidalgo County Tax Office: 2804 S. Business Hwy 281 Edinburg, TX 78540
  • Fort Bend County Tax Office: 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, TX 77469-3623

This list is not exhaustive – if you don’t see your area on the list above, there are many more counties with tax offices close to you. To help you figure out where you need to go to get your handicap placard in Texas, you can search your county for your local office on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles County Tax Offices page.

texas city view and river
Image by Carlos Alfonso on Unsplash: A complete guide to your handicap parking permit in Texas.

What types of disabled parking permits are available?

There are several types of permits you can explore if you need a handicap parking placard. There is a temporary red permit that caters to people who have a temporary disability (i.e. one that they are expected to heal from within six months). People who opt for this type of permit may have a broken leg or arm or any other temporary restriction that makes it difficult for them to get around.

There is also the standard blue permanent card, which is designed to provide disabled parking access to people with disabilities that will not go away anytime within the foreseeable future. Blue placards are provided to people with permanent conditions and can be renewed every four years.

A license plate with the International Symbol of Access is another option for someone with a permanent disability. The license plate lets people know that the person driving the car has a permanent disability and can access accessible parking spots legally.

The fourth kind of parking placard is strictly reserved for disabled veterans. This type of permit comes with license plates that can be adhered to a person’s car, signifying their right to use disabled spots. As of January 2022, all license plates must have the International Symbol of Access to be considered valid.

When a person has one of the placards or plates above, they can:

  • Park in any permit-only spot dedicated for use by people with disabilities
  • Park in front of any state or government parking meters for free (the caveat being that you must only stay within the allotted time limit – if you require more time, certain cities may extend the meter time through new ordinances)

Who qualifies for handicap parking in TX?

Having a qualifying condition is the only way to receive a handicap placard in Texas. These conditions are a group of health disorders that hinder a person’s mobility or ease of getting around. Each condition must meet the requirements to be termed a disability, which according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, means:

  • Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses
  • Visual acuity of more than 20/200 alongside a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less
  • Mobility issues that make it challenging to move around

Several health disorders fall under the category of a disability that affects mobility, including:

  • Paralysis
  • Lung disease
  • Cardiac deficiency
  • Confinement to a wheelchair
  • Arthritis
  • Disorders that affect gait
  • Any condition that requires the use of a cane, crutch, brace, or any other type of assistive device

The vision issues that are considered a disability can develop as a result of a plethora of different conditions, so the vision symptoms themselves are regarded as the qualifying factor instead of the specific disease. Some disorders that could affect visual acuity include:

  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Amblyopia
  • Strabismus

You can speak to your health care provider to determine if your specific disorder qualifies based on the mobility or vision issues mentioned above.

texas river
Image by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash: How do you get handicap parking permits in Texas?

How much is a handicap placard in TX?

To make things easier for people with disabilities, the state of Texas takes finances into account when it comes to issuing handicap parking placards. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, people who require the use of permanent placards or plates do not have to pay any fee to receive them. There is also no fee to apply. That said, those with temporary disabilities do have to pay an upfront fee of five dollars for their placard. If a person requires more than one placard, they will have to pay the same five-dollar fee for each placard they request.

While there is no fee for permanent disabled parking permits, there is a limit to how many people can get. For example, if a person with a disability would prefer license plates to a placard, they are only allowed one pair alongside their single placard. People without disabled license plates can access two placards: one they can keep in their vehicle and one to take with them when being escorted in someone else’s vehicle.

How do I get a handicap parking permit in TX?

There are several steps you must take before getting a handicap parking permit in the state of Texas. First, you must determine if you qualify. To do this, you can visit your primary health care provider with the VTR-214 form. This form acts as your application, and a dedicated portion must be filled out by your doctor.

The disability section asks your doctor to declare that you have a disability as outlined by the state, and to disclose whether it is permanent or temporary. Your doctor must provide the following:

  • Your name (the patient)
  • Their name
  • Professional License Number
  • The date
  • Their signature
  • Mailing address

After they have filled out the form, you must fill out your portion. The application page will request the following:

  • The type of application: You will have to determine whether you are applying for one or two placards, disabled person license plates, or disabled license plates and one placard
  • Personal details: Your name, mailing address, contact information, and ID or driver’s license number will be included
  • Identification statement: The identification statement requires you to confirm whether you are applying for yourself or someone else
  • License plates: If you’re applying for disabled plates, you will complete the section required with your vehicle information, such as the make, model, license plate number, and VIN

This form must be filled out to the best of your ability and with accurate information only.

Once your forms are ready, you will need to decide how you want to submit the information to your local county tax office. You have two options to choose from: in person or through the mail. There’s not a great deal of difference between the two – it all depends on what method you prefer. If you want to save time while applying in person, you can call the local county office ahead of time to inquire about making an appointment so you don’t have to wait. 

How long does it take to get a handicap placard in TX?

After submitting your application, you will have to wait a period of time before receiving your placard – it takes a while for forms to be processed and approved. The wait times may vary depending on how quickly the application is processed. Typically, it takes about two to four weeks to receive your placard in the mail, but it can take as long as eight weeks.

Your placard will be mailed out to the mailing address you provided. However, if you opted for disabled parking plates, you may have to take your car to the county tax office to pick them up and place them on your vehicle. There is little difference between getting a placard or plates in terms of wait times.

bridge over river into texas city
Image by Carlos Alfonso on Unsplash: What should I know about handicap parking in Texas?

Can I use my TX handicap placard in another state?

Most states have an agreement regarding handicap placards to allow people with disabilities to move freely throughout the country while still having the same parking access. Most states will allow you to use your handicap placard even if you acquired it in Texas. That means parking spaces, meters, and other designated areas in most U.S. states are open to you if you have your plates or placards on display.

How should I display my parking placard?

Once fitted, your license plates remain on display without you having to think about it. But a parking placard is a different story, and to ensure you don’t get a ticket or fine for illegally parking in a space designated for disabled drivers, you must display your permit correctly. Typically, people hang their disabled parking permits from the rearview mirror because it’s a highly visible area in all vehicles.

You should never move your permit from its spot unless you travel with another person. In Texas, people with disabilities being driven around by others can still use their parking placards for accessibility. The person escorting you must have the permit clearly displayed at all times.

Let’s sum up

Getting a disabled parking pass in Texas isn’t hard when you know what to do! To recap, the steps involved in getting your placard or license plates in the Lone Star State include:

  • Getting diagnosed with a qualifying condition
  • Obtaining the proper forms online so you can fill them out
  • Bringing the forms to your health care provider to declare that you have a disability, and that it would be beneficial for you to have a parking placard
  • Looking up your local county tax office to find out where to go to submit your forms
  • Choosing between mailing in the form or bringing it in person
  • Once you have submitted the form, waiting for processing and for the placard to be delivered, or for word on when you can go into the county tax office and collect it

Getting around with a disability isn’t always easy, but when you have the right tools available to you, it can be a lot less challenging and a much more pleasant experience.

Featured image by Michael Brennan on Unsplash