Arkansas Archives

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

person using laptop with stethescope — *Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash: What do I need to renew my handicap placard in AR?*

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.

disabled parking signpost — *Image by Tungsten Rising on Unsplash: How do I renew my handicap placard in Arkansas?*

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

The Arkansas disability placard application process is simple to navigate and user-friendly. But can you get your disabled parking permit online in Arkansas? Let’s find out…

How To Get Your Disabled Parking Permit Online In Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration is the organization responsible for providing disabled parking permits to residents of Arkansas. You can complete most of the Arkansas disabled parking permit application process online. You can download the application form instead of picking it up in-person, and you can also have your medical consultation online at a telemedicine clinic such as Dr. Handicap.

What Types Of Disability Parking Permits Are Available in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers the following types of disabled parking permits:

Permanent disabled parking placard
Permanent disabled parking license plate
Temporary disabled parking placard
Disabled parking motorcycle license plate
Organization disabled parking permit (for organizations that transport disabled people)
Disabled Veterans license plate (for people who have disabilities that are military service-related)

person using computer — *Image by* *VisionPics* on *Pixabay: Can you get your disabled parking permit online in Arkansas?*

What Are the Qualifying Conditions For An Arkansas Disabled Parking Permit?

A person will qualify for an Arkansas disabled parking permit if they have any of the following disabilities:

They cannot walk one hundred (100) feet without stopping to rest
They cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
They are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that their 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
They use portable oxygen
They have a cardiac condition to the extent that their functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
They have a spinal cord injury
They have a genetic ambulatory disorder
They have an amputation
They have spina bifida
They have multiple sclerosis
They have chronic heart disease
They have any other permanent medical condition that substantially impacts their mobility

What Medical Professionals Can Certify An Application For Disabled Parking In Arkansas?

Only a state-licensed physician can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Arkansas.

How Do I Apply For Disabled Parking In Arkansas?

So, how do I get a disabled placard in Arkansas? The first step is to have a video consultation with a licensed physician using a telemedicine clinic such as Dr. Handicap. Once the examining physician certifies your disability, they will sign an application form and email it to you.

You will then need to complete the application form and submit it along with proof of identity (Social Security number, Arkansas driver’s license number, Arkansas state ID card number) and any necessary payment 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

How Much Does An Arkansas Disabled Parking Permit Cost?

Permanent and temporary disabled parking placards in Arkansas are free. Disabled parking license plates cost the standard registration fee.

When Does An Arkansas Disability Placard Expire?

A permanent Arkansas disabled parking placard expires four years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. A temporary placard expires three months from the last day of the month in which it was issued.

street in little rock arkansas — *Image by* *Brandon Johnson* *on Unsplash: How do I apply for disabled parking in Arkansas?*

How Do I Renew My Arkansas Disabled Parking Permit?

You renew an Arkansas disabled parking permit by submitting a new application form to the Department of Finance and Administration. Permanent disabled permit-holders do not need to provide new medical certification to renew. Temporary permits cannot be renewed. This means a new temporary permit must be applied for and new medical certification is required.

Arkansas Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations

Arkansas disabled permits are valid in all US states and several foreign countries
Holders of disabled permits from all US states can use Arkansas disabled parking infrastructure
Disabled permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space in Arkansas
Disabled placards must be clearly visible hung from the rearview mirror when a vehicle is parked
A vehicle can only park in a disabled space when the disabled parking permit-holder is traveling in the vehicle
It is illegal for permit holders to park in any spaces that are reserved for commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, or areas signposted “No Parking”

Featured image by TheShiv76 on Pixabay

If you’re living in Arkansas, you know that this beautiful midwestern state is famous for its hot springs, agriculture, and lakes. But to best enjoy all the state has to offer as a disabled driver, it helps if you can use accessible parking.

How do you get a disabled parking permit in Arkansas? As with most states, the process is luckily very straightforward, whether you need a disabled parking placard on a permanent or temporary basis.

The first step is working out if you’re eligible for a disability permit, which will allow you to legally park in any handicapped parking space throughout the state. Here’s a guide to help you understand which conditions qualify, plus how you can apply.

waterfall in arkansas — *Image by Claud Richmond on Unsplash: Arkansas drivers can better access the state’s parks and attractions with an accessible parking pass.*

What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Arkansas?

To qualify for a disabled permit, drivers must either have a disability or be a carer or driver for someone with a disability. In most cases, a caregiver can drive a car and park in a disabled space, as long as they have the disabled passenger in the vehicle and clearly display their placard.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration sets out the qualifying conditions for drivers in the state. To be eligible for a permit, you (or your passenger) must meet at least one of the following conditions:

Unable to walk more than 100 feet without needing to stop and rest
Unable to walk without a walking aid, such as crutches, a cane, a brace, a wheelchair, a prosthetic device, or the help of another person
Require use of a portable oxygen device
A Class III or Class IV cardiac condition, as categorized by the American Heart Association, or another chronic heart condition
Limited lung capacity due to lung disease
Amputation
A genetic condition that impacts your ability to walk
Multiple sclerosis
A spinal cord injury
Spina bifida
Any other health condition that causes impaired mobility, as specified by a medical professional

Note that military veterans are also able to qualify for Disabled Veteran Specialty Plates, which allows drivers who are disabled as a result of their service to park in disabled spaces. Your local Veterans Administration can help you apply.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

Unsure if your disability is eligible? In that case, the best thing you can do is talk to a health professional, such as your family doctor or specialist, or arrange a telehealth consultation.

Because the state of Arkansas requires medical approval for all disability permits, you’ll need to have a chat with a doctor anyway as part of the application process.

What if my health condition is only temporary?

The state of Arkansas offers both permanent and temporary parking placards. For those with a permanent disability, a permanent placard is valid for up to four years before it needs to be renewed.

However, drivers who are temporarily disabled or injured, such as someone recovering from surgery or an accident, can apply for a temporary placard, which is valid for up to three months.

If you still need assistance after three months, you can reapply for a new placard. Both permanent and temporary placards are free, so you won’t need to pay an application fee.

person in wheelchair using phone — *Image by SHVETS production on Pexels: You can find a copy of the Arkansas disabled parking permit application online.*

How do I apply for my Arkansas disabled parking permit?

Once you’re ready to get started, download a copy of the Arkansas disability placard form. This is officially called the Application for Persons with a Disability License Plates (Form 10-366).

As the driver, you’ll need to make an appointment with a medical professional to complete part of the form on your behalf. This is required to ensure all applicants have a genuine need for a disability permit. Don’t worry though, as this process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Essentially, the doctor has to specify which medical condition you have, then they’ll have to sign and date the form.

After your application is complete, you can send it in by mail or in person at any Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles. You’ll also need to show proof of identification, which can include your Social Security number or your Arkansas license or state ID card.

You can learn more about the Arkansas handicap placard application process here.

Where can I park with my new disabled parking placard?

After you’ve obtained your new placard, you’re ready to go! All you need to do is ensure you display your placard on your rear-view mirror when parked. Arkansas disabled parking laws state that you can park in any disabled space as long as your placard is displayed. The placard is only for yourself, so you can’t loan it out to friends or family – fines apply for improper use.

If you or a loved one have any questions about the application process, we are here to help! Get in touch today.

Featured image by Brandon Johnson on Unsplash

How Do You Renew Your Arkansas Handicap Parking Placard Online?