A Guide To Disabled Parking In Indiana

Dr Handicap - Indiana

Want more convenient access to the locations you frequent? If you have a disability, you could be eligible for disabled parking in Indiana. Getting a handicap placard or license plate can allow you to get around more easily, which can help you keep your independence even if you have a disability that limits your mobility. The process is actually pretty easy, too! So, read on to learn all you need to know about how to get a disabled parking permit in Indiana.

What are the qualifying conditions?

The first thing you need to determine is if you have a qualifying condition that will allow you to receive a handicap placard. The state of Indiana recognizes the following conditions as disabilities:

  • A permanent physical disability that requires you to use a wheelchair, a walker, braces, or crutches
  • A permanent loss of the use of one or both of your legs
  • A permanent and severe restriction in mobility (due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, an arthritic condition, or an orthopedic or neurological impairment)
  • Permanent blindness or vision impairment

In order to qualify, you will need a medical professional to verify that you have one of these conditions. This person needs to be one of the following:

  • A physician
  • A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of the Armed Forces of the U.S. or the U.S. Public Health Service
  • A physician who is a medical officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • A chiropractor
  • A podiatrist
  • An advanced practice registered nurse
  • A physician assistant
  • An optometrist or ophthalmologist

Each of these professionals must have a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine. They’ll need to fill out the Healthcare Provider’s Certification section of your application (which includes providing their license number, address, etc.). They’ll also be required to indicate whether your disability is permanent or what date it’s expected to end if it’s just temporary. If you don’t have a medical professional that you have access to, you can always head to Dr. Handicap – they can connect you virtually to a licensed health care provider who can help you out with your medical certification.

How to get a disabled parking permit in Indiana: the application process

To get started on your application for an Indiana handicap parking permit, you’ll need to download or print the application form from the IN.gov website. You’ll need to fill out the applicant information sections (with your social security number, date of birth, and address) and check whether you want a permanent or temporary placard. There is a separate section on the same form to fill out if you want a disabled license plate. Permanent placards are free of charge, but a temporary placard will cost you $5 and a license plate is $9. A payment of check or money order can be included if you’re mailing your application in.

Once you have completed the application (including the medical certification and your signature), you can mail it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at:

Winchester Mail Processing Center
PO Box 100
Winchester, IN 47394

You also have the option of bringing your completed application to turn in at any Indiana license branch as well.

Do you need to renew your Indiana disabled parking permit?

Once you have received your handicap placard, you’ll need to pay attention to when it expires. For a permanent placard, it only expires if your health care provider deems your disability to no longer be permanent. A temporary placard expires on the date indicated by your medical professional or one year after the date of issuance (whichever happens first). If your placard gets lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you are required to go through the entire application process (with medical certification) all over again.

Dr Handicap - Indianapolis

How do you use your placard appropriately?

To make sure you’re following all the regulations of disabled parking in Indiana, you’ll want to clearly display your placard on your rearview mirror when your vehicle is parked. Your placard cannot be hanging up while your car is in motion. You’re also prohibited from sharing your disabled parking permit with anyone – you can only use the placard if you’re the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. You can park in any designated handicap parking spots but are not allowed to park in any No Parking or No Standing Zones. It’s also important to note that the state of Indiana takes handicap parking offenses extremely seriously. Anyone abusing or misusing their handicap placard is considered to be committing a Class C misdemeanor in Indiana, which can come with a punishment of up to 60 days in jail (!) or a fine of up to $500. If you’re not sure about the specific handicap parking rules in your area, you can always contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (888) 692-6841 or talk to your local law enforcement officers.

There are tons of advantages to owning a disabled parking permit in Indiana. You’ll come to find that it’s much easier to get around when you’re assured a close, convenient parking place with better access. With your placard for disabled parking in Indiana, you’ll be able to save your energy and stamina for other more important parts of your demanding life!