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The quickest and most straightforward method of applying for a disability placard is to do it entirely online from the comfort of your own home. It’s now easier than ever to have a telemedicine consultation with a doctor to have your disability certified. But what about submitting your application to the local disabled parking authorities? Can this be done online in any state? Read on for more information on disabled parking and online applications.

Each State Has Its Own Disabled Parking Program

Disabled parking is a federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulates most of the rules and regulations that each state’s disabled parking program must adhere to. While all states adhere to ADA guidelines, each state, and even each jurisdiction within a state, has its own local disabled parking program.

This means that disabled parking rules and protocols can vary depending on where you are in the country. The disability parking permit application process also differs between different jurisdictions. The possibilities for how to submit your application vary state-by-state.

person using tablet for online application — *Image by* *cuncon* on *Pixabay: Can I get a disability placard online?*

Can I Get A Disability Placard Online?

So, is it possible to apply for a disability placard online? The answer to this depends entirely on where in the country you will be making your application. Unfortunately, most US states do not yet allow online disabled parking permit applications.

In some of the most populous states in the nation – California, New York, Texas, Florida – applications can still only be submitted by mail or in person. But in a growing number of states (for example, Colorado and Connecticut), it is now possible to submit your disabled parking permit application online.

Who Issues Disability Placards Online?

In states that allow online disabled permit applications, you will be submitting your application to the local disabled parking authorities. This will usually be the local Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent (for example, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles).

What Types Of Handicap Permits Are Available Online?

You can apply for the following types of disabled parking permits in every state:

Permanent disabled parking placard or license plates
Temporary disabled parking placard
Organizational disabled parking permit (for organizations and institutions that transport disabled people)
Disabled Veterans license plate (for people who have a disability that is partly military service-related)

How To Apply For Disability Placards Online

So, how do I apply for a disability placard online? First, you will need to have a telemedicine consultation with a licensed medical professional. This can be arranged through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once your suitability for a disability placard has been verified, the medical professional will complete the relevant sections of a disabled parking application form and email it to you. You will then complete the application and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities, either through their website or by email.

What Medical Conditions Qualify You To Get A Disability Placard Online?

The following medical conditions will qualify you for a disability placard in the majority of states:

An inability to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
An inability to walk without the use of or assistance from an assistance device, including a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, another person, or a prosthetic device
Lung disease
A cardiac condition classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the American Heart Association
A severely limited ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
The use of portable oxygen
A foot disorder that limits or impairs your ability to walk
Another debilitating condition that, in the opinion of a qualifying physician, limits or impairs your ability to walk
Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses
Visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less

Who Can Certify An Online Application For A Disability Placard?

In the majority of states, any one of the following medical professionals can certify an online application for a disability placard:

Physician
Physician’s assistant
Advanced practice nurse
Podiatrist
Optometrist
Chiropractor

How Much Does A Disability Placard Cost Online?

The cost of a disability placard that you apply for online varies state by state. Some states provide certain types of disability placards, usually permanent placards, free of charge. In some states you must pay a fee for all types of disabled parking placards. The fee will usually range from $5 to $20.

person using laptop — *Image by* *fancycrave1* on *Pixabay: What types of handicap permits are available online?*

When Should You Renew Your Disabled Parking Permit Online?

When you will need to renew your permit will depend on which state you live in. In most states, temporary disability placards are valid for six months, then a new temporary permit needs to be obtained.

Permanent placards are typically valid for between three and six years. You will usually or receive an email notification a few months prior to your permanent permit’s expiration date. When renewing a permanent permit, you usually don’t need to get new medical certification.

Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations

Disabled parking permits entitle their holders to park in any designated disabled parking space in:

Any US state
Any US overseas territory
Canada
Mexico
UK
EU
Japan
Australia
New Zealand

In most jurisdictions, disabled permit holders are entitled to park in metered, time-restricted, on-street parking spaces for free and for extended or unlimited time. Disabled permit holders are not entitled to park in any places that are marked “No parking at any time” or reserved for commercial or emergency vehicles.

It’s always wise to find out the specific disabled parking rules and regulations in the area you live and in any area you plan to visit.

Featured image by MarieXMartin on Pixabay

Filling out official government forms can be stressful for anyone, but even more so if you have a disability. Whether you have health conditions that impact your stress levels or mobility issues that limit your dexterity, it can be anxiety-inducing to fill out your disabled parking permit form. You may be wondering, “What if I do something wrong? What happens if I make a mistake on my disability parking permit application form? What if the DMV doesn’t approve my application?”

Try not to stress! The state DMVs know how important disabled parking is and want to make sure people in need have the correct permit, so they’re on your side. To help you out, below are some useful tips for the application process – plus, what to do if you happen to make a mistake on your forms.

Tips on how to fill out a disability parking permit application form

Each state controls its own disabled parking permits, but the process works the same almost everywhere. It’s fairly simple and shouldn’t take up too much of your time, but it still helps to be prepared.

Here are a few tips to help you tackle the process.

Take your time

You’ll feel calmer and more capable if you take your time when sitting down to complete your disability permit application. Read through everything first and then fill out the form slowly, ensuring you enter the correct information in the right place. That way, you’ll know what’s required and you’ll be prepared.

Enlist a friend or carer to help

Don’t feel like you need to complete all of the application yourself. It’s completely OK to ask for help from a friend, family member, or carer. They can sit with you and assist, ensuring you’re able to fill out all of the information as needed.

If you’re not able to fill out the form yourself, your helper can enter the information on your behalf.

two people working at desk — *Image by Kindel Media on Pexels: Sometimes, having a second set of eyes can help you avoid mistakes.*

Gather all the documents you need in advance

Completing your application will be easier if you have everything you need in one place. That way, you won’t be scrambling around to find your license or other necessary details.

First, you’ll need the right paperwork. Wondering where to get a disability parking permit application form? Because disabled parking is controlled by individual states, the easiest way is to look at the Department of Motor Vehicles website for the state you live in or give them a quick phone call.

In addition, you’ll generally need your driver’s license number; your completed medical certification from a medical professional, certifying your eligibility; and the make, model, and license plate number of your car. Don’t worry about the medical certification, though, since it’s easy to obtain for anyone with a qualifying medical condition.

Print out an extra copy

If you feel nervous that you’ll make a mistake with your paperwork, print out an extra form in advance, in case you need it. Or keep some white correction fluid or tape nearby so you can erase any mistakes and write over them.

Understand the next steps

After you’ve completed your application, be sure you know what happens next! Make sure you know the answers to each question:

Where do I submit my disability parking permit application form?

The answer will depend on your state, but you’ll usually need to submit via email or fax, or drop it off in person at your local DMV office.

Where do I mail my DMV application for a disabled person placard?

Usually, this will be sent to your state’s DMV head office. If you’re unsure of their address, check their website or give them a call to double-check.

What happens if I make a mistake on my disability parking permit application form?

So you’ve completed your application, but you look over it one more time and see that you’ve made a mistake. Or you realize that you’ve forgotten something or mailed your application to the wrong place. What can you do? It’s all going to be OK – here’s what to do if something has gone wrong.

Remain calm

First, try to relax! No matter what mistake you’ve made, it’s probably not as big of a deal as you think it is. Take a few deep breaths, try to remain calm, and work out how to fix the issue. A mistake isn’t going to jeopardize your disability permit application, so don’t worry. Small problems like this are easier to solve when you’re feeling calm and level-headed.

two people working on laptop — *Image by DocuSign on Unsplash: With the help of your doctor, it’ll be easy to complete your application accurately.*

Start over

If you’ve made a mistake with your application, it’s always OK to start over! Simply grab a new application and complete it one more time, discarding the previous one.

Call the DMV and explain the situation

When in doubt, always call or email the DMV for clarification or to explain what’s happened. Maybe you’ve entered your address wrong, forgot to include your application fee, or even sent through your application to the wrong address – whatever the issue, the DMV can give you the correct answers.

Explain to a staff member what mistake has been made and they’ll explain how it can be fixed. Everyone makes mistakes, and you’re probably not the first person to call them about the issue! This also applies if you’ve accidentally lost your disabled permit, since they can give you advice on how to replace it.

Once the problem is solved, your application will be processed and you’ll have your new disability permit before you know it!

Featured image by JESHOOTS-com on Pixabay

Can I Apply For A Disability Placard Online In Any State?