How To Get A Handicap Sticker In Alaska

If you’re looking for information on Alaska disability parking application, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll be going through the application process for an Alaska handicap tag in detail, so you can understand the next steps you need to take.

All residents of the state of Alaska with a disability should consider the benefits of a disabled parking permit. With a disabled parking placard, you’re free to avail of disabled parking spaces. These are parking spaces specially designed to accommodate larger vehicles (for example, for those who require a wheelchair ramp, or for organizations dedicated to transporting individuals with disabilities) and are well-located, reducing the need to walk long distances. This is invaluable for those who suffer from compromised mobility, who may otherwise find trips to their favorite locations difficult or even impossible.

disabled parking universal access symbol
Image by AbsolutVision on Unsplash: We’re here to explain how to apply for a handicap sticker in Alaska.

What are the qualifying conditions for an Alaska handicap parking tag?

According to the Alaska DMV, the following medical conditions qualify for an AK disabled parking sticker:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping
  • Cannot walk safely without using a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
  • Are restricted by lung disease
  • Use portable oxygen
  • Have a cardiac condition classified by Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

These are the same qualifying conditions that apply in most US states. If you have one of the above conditions, or think you qualify based on a condition related to the above list, you should discuss your options with a licensed Alaska medical professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physical therapist. You can organize a consultation with a physician through Dr. Handicap – we have physicians available for virtual consultations in every US state.

How to apply for a handicap sticker in Alaska

The first step towards applying for your permit is to complete your physician’s consultation, as you will need proof of their certification to validate your application. It’s best to complete the application form with your details prior to your consultation. You can find this form online at the Alaska DMV website. Alternatively, you can call into your local DMV office in person to collect one. The form also contains additional information on applying for your permit, so you can consult the FAQ page on the form if you need further clarification.

Next, you need to organize your consultation. After this roughly ten-minute discussion, your physician will give details of your disability and certify your form with their signature.

alaska road with mountain
Image by Joris Beugels on Unsplash: Below, we summarize the Alaska disability parking application process.

Depending on the nature of your disability, you will be eligible for either a permanent or temporary placard. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, after which time you will need to complete an additional medical consultation to apply for another one. Permanent placards expire after five years, so make sure you are aware of your permit’s expiration date. You will not need to complete another medical consultation to renew. Permanently disabled drivers can also receive a set of disabled parking plates at no charge if they prefer – however, only the first set of these is free; future replacements will incur a fee. Your physician will indicate which of these types of permit you are eligible for.

To submit your application, go to your local Alaska DMV office with your application form, ID, and any required supporting documents (such as your driving license or car registration details).

How to get a handicap sticker in Alaska: a summary

To quickly summarize the above instructions on how to get a handicap sticker in Alaska, let’s take a look at a quick reminder of the process:

  1. Obtain the application form and complete your sections
  2. Organize your online consultation with an Alaska medical professional
  3. Receive your physician’s signature of certification on the application form
  4. Submit your application to your local DMV

We hope that this guide has made the process of applying for an AK disabled parking tag much simpler!

Featured image by Harry Nandakumar on Unsplash

How Do You Renew Your Alaska Handicap Parking Placard Online?

Alaska handicap parking permit renewal is a simple and quick process. Most of the necessary steps can be completed online. So how do you renew your Alaska handicap parking placard online?

Today, we’ll outline how to renew an AK disabled parking permit.

How Does Alaska Handicap Placard Renewal Online Work?

Most of the steps required to renew your Alaska handicap parking placard can be completed online. Any necessary medical consultation can be completed via video call using a telemedicine clinic such as Dr. Handicap. You can download the application form from the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles website.

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available In Alaska?

You can get the following types of handicap parking permits in Alaska:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plates
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Organization disabled parking permit
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (this requires certification from Veteran’s Affairs stating that your disability is at least 50% military service-related)
van on alaska road
Image by Pexels on Pixabay: How do you renew your Alaska handicap parking placard online?

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

Yes, all types of Alaska handicap parking permits expire and must then be renewed.

  • Temporary disabled placards are valid for up to six months.
  • Permanent disabled license plates and placards are valid for five years.

The month of expiry is printed on each permit. Permits expire on the last day of the month of expiration.

How Do You Renew Your Alaska Handicap Parking Placard Online?

So, how do I renew my handicap placard in Alaska? Unlike in most states, when you renew your Alaska handicap permit you must send a completely new application form that has been certified by a medical professional. The first step when renewing your permit is to have a video consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. This can be done at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once your disability has been recertified, the medical professional will complete the relevant sections of an application form and email it to you within one working day.

When you receive the application form, you should complete it and submit it to the Alaska DMV, either in person at your local DMV office or by mail to:

State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles

ATTN: Disability Permit

1300 W. Benson Blvd, Suite 200

Anchorage, AK 99503

How Much Does It Cost To Renew Your Alaska Handicap Parking Placard Online?

It is free to renew all types of Alaska handicap parking permits. Renewing your primary set of disabled parking license plates is free. Additional sets of plates, or plates for a commercial vehicle, cost a $100 registration fee.

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

The qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in Alaska are:

  • An inability to walk 200 feet without stopping
  • An inability to walk safely without using a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device.
  • Lung disease
  • Portable oxygen tank usage
  • A cardiac condition classified by Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • A severely limited in ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
alaska road and mountains
Image by Rush4 on Pixabay: How do I renew my handicap placard in Alaska?

Who Can Certify An Application For A Handicap Parking Permit In Alaska?

Applications for disabled parking in Alaska can be certified by any of the following state-licensed medical professionals:

  • Licensed Alaskan physician
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Physician assistant
  • Speech-language pathologist
  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Podiatrist

Where Are Alaska Handicap Parking Placards Valid?

Alaska handicap parking placards are recognized in:

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

Handicap parking permits from all of these jurisdictions are also recognized in Alaska.

Alaska Disabled Parking Rules

  • Disabled parking permit holders are entitled to park in any designated disabled parking space in Alaska. Spaces are signposted with blue signs showing the International Symbol of Access.
  • In some jurisdictions in Alaska, disabled permit holders can park in metered parking spaces for free for unlimited time.
  • Permit holders are not entitled to park in any areas that are signposted as “No Parking”, or reserved for emergency vehicles or commercial vehicles.
  • Alaska handicap parking placards should be hung from the rearview mirror of your vehicle when you are parked and stowed away while your vehicle is in motion.

Featured image by 12019 on Pixabay

Get Your Disabled Parking Permit Online In Alaska

Disabled parking permits are making the lives of millions of Americans easier and more stress-free. Disabled permits improve accessibility to public and private amenities for people who have a wide range of disabilities. Some states have simplified the process of applying for a permit by making it possible to apply online. So, can you get your disabled parking permit online in Alaska? Read on to learn all you need to know.

Can You Get Your Disabled Parking Permit Online In Alaska?

Unfortunately, there is no online application for an Alaska disability placard. However, you can download the Alaska disabled parking permit application form online and then submit it by mail. This allows you to avoid queuing at the local DMV office.

What Types Of Alaska Disabled Parking Permits Are Available?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Alaska:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard or license plates
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Organization disabled parking permit (if you transport individuals with disabilities)
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (requires certification from Veteran’s Affairs stating that your disability is at least 50% service-related)
person using computer
Image by fancycrave1 on Pixabay: Can you get your disabled parking permit online in Alaska?

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Alaska?

You can’t submit your application form for Alaska disabled parking entirely online, but most of the process can be done remotely.

The first step is to have a video consultation with a state-licensed medical professional at the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Once your disability has been verified, the physician will complete the relevant sections of Form 861: Application for Disabled Parking Identification and email it to you within one working day.

Once you receive the physician-signed application form, you should print it out, complete it, and submit it to the Alaska DMV. You can submit your application either in person at your local DMV office or by mail to:

State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Disability Permit
1300 W. Benson Blvd, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99503

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

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

  • Licensed Alaskan physician
  • Physician assistant
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Podiatrist
  • Speech-language pathologist
  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For An Alaska Disabled Parking Permit?

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

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping
  • You cannot walk safely without using a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device.
  • You are restricted by lung disease
  • You use portable oxygen
  • You have a cardiac condition classified by Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • You are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

How Much Does An Alaska Disabled Parking Permit Cost?

Alaska disabled parking placards of all types are free. Your first set of disabled parking license plates is free, but additional sets of plates, or plates for a commercial vehicle, cost a $100 registration fee.

How Long Are Alaska Disabled Parking Permits Valid For?

Temporary Alaska disabled license plates and placards are valid for up to six months, while permanent license plates and placards are valid for up to five years.

The expiration month is printed on your permit. Permits expire on the last day of the month.

How Do I Renew An Alaska Disabled Parking Permit?

All types of Alaska disabled parking permits are renewed by submitting a new application form along with new medical certification.

person using crutches to walk
Image by kaboompics on Pixabay: What are the qualifying conditions for an Alaska disabled parking permit?

Where Can I Use My Disability Placard In Alaska?

Alaska disability parking permits can be used all across the state of Alaska, in every other US state and US overseas territory, and in the following foreign countries:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • UK
  • EU

Disability parking placards from all US states are valid in Alaska.

Alaska Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations

Alaska disabled parking permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space in the state. These spaces are marked with blue signs containing the International Symbol of Access.

Disabled parking placards must be hung from the rearview mirror when your vehicle is parked and safely stowed while your vehicle is in motion.

Featured image by 12019 on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Alaska

For drivers with disabilities, having a disability placard can make life much easier. This is particularly important for disabled drivers in Alaska, since the state’s frigid climate means snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures can make mobility and accessibility even more challenging.

If you live in Alaska and have a disability, you may qualify for a disabled parking permit. Alaska handicap parking laws allow drivers with a permanent or temporary disability permit or license plate to legally park in any disabled parking space, as long as their permits are valid and haven’t expired.

If you or someone you love lives in “The Last Frontier,” here are the qualifying conditions for a handicap parking permit in Alaska, plus all you need to know about how to apply.

What qualifies for a handicap placard in Alaska?

Alaska’s Division of Motor Vehicles outlines the qualifying conditions for a disability permit, and to qualify, you must meet at least one of their requirements. However, some of them can apply to a range of different health conditions.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, book a telehealth consultation with a health professional to discuss your situation, or visit your family doctor. Because medical approval is required for disabled parking permits in Alaska, a doctor is best placed to examine your medical history and determine which of the requirements you would be eligible for.

car driving on road in alaska
Image by Roman on Unsplash: Driving and parking in Alaska will be much safer with the help of a disability placard.

Here are the requirements within Alaska:

  • You’re unable to walk more than 200 feet without needing to stop or rest
  • Health issues due to lung disease
  • You require the use of a portable oxygen machine or tank
  • You’re unable to walk safely without the help of an aid, such as a cane, crutches, a wheelchair, the help of a carer, or you require the use of a prosthetic device
  • You have a Class III or Class IV heart condition, as set out by the American Heart Association
  • You have a medical condition that makes it challenging or impossible to walk. This could be related to arthritis, orthopedic issues, or neurological conditions.

You don’t need to have a permanent health condition to qualify for a permit, as Alaska offers temporary placards with a validity of six months. This is to assist drivers who have a short-term mobility limitation, due to conditions such as surgery or illness. For temporary disabled drivers, your medical professional will give set start and end dates, which lets the DMV know how long you’ll need access to a disability placard.

Temporary disabled drivers will be given a placard to display on their rearview mirror, while those with permanent disabilities will have either a placard or a special disability license plate.

If you’re a carer for someone with a disability, who is unable to drive themselves, you can apply for a permit on their behalf. A carer can drive and park in any disabled parking space, but only when they’re with the person they’re caring for. Organizations and medical facilities can also qualify for a permit to use when transporting disabled clients or members.

Note that veterans are also able to qualify for a special disability placard within Alaska. To qualify, you’ll need a letter from Veterans Affairs affirming that you have a disability that relates to your time in the service. Veterans are also eligible for disabled veterans’ license plates.

How do I get a handicap parking permit in Alaska?

Don’t worry – Alaska makes its application system straightforward and simple to understand! First, obtain a copy of the Alaska DMV handicap form, known as Form 861. You can find it online or at your local DMV office.

Complete Part I of the form yourself, outlining your personal contact details. Part II needs to be completed by an authorized medical professional – this is simply to prove you have a genuine need and to prevent people from taking advantage of the disability permit system.

Part II can be completed by one of the following medical professionals:

  • Physician or physician assistant
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Podiatrist

They’ll sign off on your form, indicate which requirement you meet, and provide their occupational license number.

person submitting application online
Image by John Schnobrich on Unsplash: You can download the forms you need for your Alaska disability permit online and a caregiver can help you, if necessary.

Part III of the form is for DMV use only, so leave that blank. Then, submit the completed form at your local DMV office or by mail:

Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Special Disability Parking Permit
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503

There is no charge for either a disabled placard or license plate. However, if you need a second set, you’re required to pay a $100 application fee.

And what about handicap placard renewal? Permanent placards need to be renewed every five years. Temporary placards are usually valid for six months, but you can easily reapply if you have a genuine need.

With your Alaska disability placard, you can enjoy the rugged, dramatic beauty of the state safely. Download your application form and get started – once you submit your forms, your placard will arrive quickly and you’ll be good to go!

Featured image by Jacob Vizek on Unsplash

A Guide To Disabled Parking In Alaska