Many millions of Americans face serious challenges when it comes to dealing with disabilities, but thankfully the government has programs in place to help ease the stress of having to manage their mobility while dealing with their condition. If you’re one of the many individuals in the US who is disabled and looking for a way to make commuting easier, you may be interested in acquiring a disability parking permit that lets you park closer to government, commercial and residential buildings. This guide will help inform you about the important steps to take to acquire a disability parking permit in Alaska and the fastest way to get your hands on one.

Who Qualifies for a Disability Parking Permit in Alaska

There are many different rules and regulations related to who is eligible for a disability parking permit in different states across America. Alaska has its own set of rules as well, and they differ from other states. The qualifying conditions for individuals looking to obtain a disability parking permit are as follows:

  • You must use portable oxygen through your day
  • You are unable to use one or both legs to walk
  • You are unable to walk at least 200 feet with or without an assisted device without stopping
  • You are unable to walk without using a device to assist you such as braces, crutches, prosthetic device, wheelchair, canes, a walker, another person, etc.
  • You suffer from an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely limits your ability to walk
  • You have a cardiac condition that is classified as a Class III or Class IV as defined by the standards set by the American Heart Association.

If any of these conditions apply to you or you have other special circumstances falling into similar categories, then you may be eligible to receive a parking permit. It is important that individuals who plan to use transportation either by an organization, themselves, or a loved one apply for a disability parking permit in the state of Alaska to help them receive the benefits that are associated with this permit.

Speak with Your Doctor: Important Steps to Apply for a Disability Parking Permit

If you are an individual who is eligible for a disability parking permit in the state of Alaska, then there are specific steps that must be taken to help you obtain your permit efficiently. Every individual who wishes to obtain this permit must meet with a licensed physician in the state of Alaska to have their doctor fill out the proper portion of the application to state that they are legally disabled and that their condition falls under the qualifications for this permit.

How to File Your Application for a Disability Parking Permit in Alaska

Applicants must complete and sign the Application for Disabled Parking Identification (Form 861). This form is obtainable online or directly from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Any and all applicants are able to submit this form in person at the DMV or via postal mail.

Applicants are required to fill out part one of the form, and their physician is to fill out part two of the form. The form must be completed in full before submission or the request for the disability parking permit will be denied.

There is no fee associated with the application for a disability perking permit. This allows any individuals who are unable to pay a fee but need to have a disability permit to help them with their daily mobility to be able to apply for a permit without any problems.

Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Alaska

In the state of Alaska there are two different lengths of validity for disability parking permits. The temporary parking permit is valid for a length of 6 months. A permanent disability parking permit is valid for a period of 5 years. If you have been issued a temporary disability parking permit and believe this length of time is in error, then you must contact your DMV to help resolve this issue.

What to Do With Your Disability Parking Permit

Once you have received your disability parking permit, it is important that you place it in a visible area within your vehicle so that you may legally park in a disabled parking space within the state of Alaska. Failure to do so may result in a parking violation which will have to be attended to within the court system in the state of Alaska.

The ideal location for your parking permit would be to hang it from your rearview mirror inside your vehicle. This will allow traffic officers the visibility necessary to identify your vehicle as legally eligible to park in a handicap space. The alternative to placing this placard on your rearview mirror would be to place it on your dashboard where it can be visible from your windshield.

The parking permit must be displayed during the time that your vehicle is parked, but the placard must be removed when the car is in motion or you may receive a violation for having an obstruction in your view as you drive.

How to Renew Your Disability Parking Permit in Alaska

If your permit is about to expire, you can request a renewal for your permit by submitting a new application for a disability parking permit. Alternatively, individuals can print a copy of their ALVIN record to show that the applicant has previously received a parking permit and brought to the DMV to request a renewal. Individuals with a temporary permit must resubmit their application. Applicants must renew their permit before the last day of the month written on the expiration date that is on the placard.

What to Do if You Have Lost Your Placard

A replacement permit can be issued when a permit has been lost, destroyed, or stolen. The applicant must print out a copy of the permit record from the ALVIN files and then state the reason that a new permit is being requested. This should be written directly on the print-out. After this, the applicant must sign the statement and immediately enter a message on the ALVIN record using the “U” (update) function to let others know what happened to the previously issued permit.

Conclusion

If you are interested in applying for a disability parking permit in the state of Alaska, you must set up an appointment with your doctor to get through the process as fast as possible. Once you have been cleared by your physician, you can submit your application and you will receive your placard in a short time after your application has been processed.