How Do You Renew Your Arkansas Handicap Parking Placard Online?

If you live in Arkansas and have a disability that affects your mobility and impacts your daily life behind the wheel, you could be eligible for an AR disabled parking permit. A disabled parking permit can be life-changing for those who struggle to find suitable parking for an adapted vehicle, or those who cannot walk substantial distances from their car.

When you apply for a disabled parking permit, you’ll need to undergo a medical consultation with a licensed state medical professional. During this short consultation (which can be done via telemedicine with the help of Dr. Handicap), a physician will assess the severity and nature of your medical condition.

According to the DFA, conditions that typically qualify for a disabled parking permit in Arkansas include (but are not limited to):

• Cannot walk one hundred (100) feet without stopping to rest
• Cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
• Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s 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
• Uses portable oxygen
• 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

Temporary vs permanent placards

Disabled drivers in the state of Arkansas have two options: temporary disabled parking permits and permanent disabled parking permits. The type of permit you receive initially depends on your medical condition. For example, if you have a qualifying condition that is lifelong and unlikely to improve, you will most likely qualify for a permanent placard. Short-term ailments that could improve in the future may lead your physician to suggest a temporary permit instead.

No matter which permit you qualify for, your rights as a disabled driver are the same. Both of these permit options grant you access to specially designed and reserved disabled parking spaces, which are clearly marked and conveniently located to make life easier for those with reduced mobility.

However, the important thing to remember is that both these permit types have different lengths of validity, and different renewal processes. Ensure you keep an eye on the expiration date of your permit to be sure you remain within the law while you occupy disabled parking spaces.

When should I do my AR disabled parking permit renewal?

According to the Arkansas DFA, validity periods are as follows:

• Permanent certificate (placard) for the permanently disabled (…) expires four (4) years from the last day of the month in which it is issued. A re-certification is not required to issue a new permanent certificate for the purposes of renewal.
• Temporary certificate (placard) (…) expires three (3) months from the last day of the month in which it is issued.

Now that we’ve established the different lengths of validity for both types of permit, we’re sure you have a few questions. What do I need to renew my handicap placard in AR? Can I renew my handicap placard online in Arkansas?

In the following section, we’ll go through the steps you need to take to ensure your permit remains valid.

How do I renew my handicap placard in Arkansas?

Arkansas has made the renewal process super streamlined and efficient, and there are numerous ways to renew your permit. However, it’s very important to note that only permanent placards are eligible for renewal. Due to their nature, temporary placards require a whole new application, including physician consultation and approval, to ensure that you still qualify for a permit with the same medical condition.

You can either apply for a renewal for your permanent placard by mail to the Department of Finance and Administration, by calling the toll-free number 1-800-941-2580, or online. You will need your renewal reminder, which has your renewal ID number and verification code. If you don’t have your renewal reminder, this can also be generated with your vehicle details, zip code etc.

How do you renew your Arkansas handicap parking placard online?

Arkansas is one of the US states which allows for online permit renewal (for permanent placards), so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to complete the process. The online STAR system enables you to renew your permit online, using the same information as with the other methods.

Now that we’ve covered the main points of AR disabled parking permit renewal, we hope you find the process a little easier to navigate. And remember, Dr. Handicap is always here to help you to apply for your Arkansas handicap parking placard online!

Featured image by Joshua J. Cotton on Unsplash