How to Apply For Disabled Parking In Arkansas

Arkansas has an efficient and well-functioning disabled parking program. Residents of the state who have disabilities are well catered for by one of the country’s more efficient handicap parking systems. Here is how to apply for disabled parking in Arkansas.

Arkansas Disabled Parking Permit Application Form

The first step in applying for a disabled parking permit in Arkansas is to download a copy of the Licensed Physician’s or Organization’s Certification for Issuance of a Special License Plate or Certificate for a Person with a Disability form. This form will need to be filled in by both the applicant and a licensed physician.

Once the application form has been downloaded, the applicant will need to book an in-person appointment with their licensed physician (or an online appointment with Dr. Handicap!). The physician will examine the applicant to establish whether or not they have a disability that qualifies them to avail of disabled parking in Arkansas.

Qualifying Conditions For Disabled Parking In Arkansas

The list of medical conditions that qualify a person to use disabled parking in Arkansas is as follows:

• Cannot walk more than 100 feet without needing to stop to rest
• Cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, zimmer frame, or other assistive device
• Is restricted by a lung disease to such an extent that their forced respiratory 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
• Requires the use of a portable oxygen tank
• Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
• Has a spinal cord injury
• Has a genetic ambulatory disorder
• Has an amputated limb
• Has spina bifida
• Has multiple sclerosis
• Has a chronic heart disease

There is also scope for a physician to recommend disabled parking for a person who has none of the above disabilities, but who the physician still thinks requires a disabled parking placard in Arkansas.

Once the application form has been filled in by both the applicant (or a representative of the organization if the application is for an organization) and a licensed physician, it needs to be submitted to the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles (AR OMV). This can be done in person or by post.

Types Of Arkansas Disabled Parking Permit

Arkansas issues both permanent and temporary placards. The physician will need to stipulate on the application form whether the applicant requires a permanent or temporary handicap parking permit. Permanent disabled license plates are also available.

How To Apply For Disabled Parking In Arkansas

All types of placards and plates can be applied for in person or by mail at the AR OMV. The application package must contain:

• A fully filled-in application form
• Proof of identity (such as Social Security number)
• Arkansas driver’s license number
• Arkansas state ID card number
• Relevant payment (permanent and temporary placards are free, plates cost the standard registration fee)

Application can be made in person at any AR revenue office, or by mail to:

Department of Finance and Administration
Special License Unit
P.O. Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203

Renewing An Arkansas Handicap Parking Permit

Permanent placards need to be renewed after several years (the exact period of time will be stipulated on each specific placard). This can be done in person at an AR revenue office. A new physician’s certification is not necessary when renewing a permanent placard.

Temporary placards are valid for three months. They cannot be renewed; instead, a new temporary placard must be applied for. The new application form will need to be filled in by a physician again.

Permanent disabled license plates need to be renewed when it’s time to renew the vehicle’s registration.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Arkansas Disabled Parking Permit

To replace a damaged, lost, or stolen placard, call the Arkansas OMV at (501) 682-4692. Have your Social Security number, Arkansas driver’s license, or ID card to hand when you call.

Replacement permanent placards are issued with the same expiration date as the original damaged, lost, or stolen placard. Temporary placards cannot be replaced.

Disabled Parking In Arkansas For Out-of-State Placard Holders

Out-of-state disabled placard holders can use their placard from their home state to access disabled parking in Arkansas. If a person is moving to Arkansas permanently, they will need to apply for an Arkansas disabled parking permit or plate from the AR OMV.

Featured image by Oliver Graham on Unsplash