If you suffer from a disability that impairs your mobility, you probably find it difficult to perform mundane tasks such as grocery shopping. In order to make your life easier, you can apply for a Persons with Disabilities parking permit, also known as a disabled parking permit or a handicap parking permit.

Each state in the US has its own set of rules and regulations governing the issuance of disabled parking permits. If you require a disabled parking permit from the state of Arkansas, follow this simple guide to learn the specifics of obtaining your permit.

Types of Disabled Parking Permits in Arkansas

Arkansas offers a few different types of parking permits for persons with disabilities. They come in two styles (placards and license plates) with two kinds of expiration dates (temporary and permanent).

Temporary placards are valid for three months, and you may receive up to two temporary placards bearing the same expiration date.

Permanent placards and permanent license plates are valid for four years. If you are qualified for a permanent disabled parking permit, you may receive either a license plate by itself, a license plate and a permanent placard, a license plate and two permanent placards, or up to two permanent placards.

The final kind of permit belongs to the license plate category: the disabled veteran plate. This is also a permanent permit and is available to veterans who have become disabled through their service.

Check Your Eligibility

Arkansas has a number of specific guidelines for determining eligibility, in addition to the general eligibility guidelines followed by most states for receiving disabled parking permits. You are considered eligible for a disabled parking permit in Arkansas if any of the following prerequisites applies to you:

  • You have a disability or mobility impairment certified by a qualified medical professional
  • You must use a wheelchair, cane, crutches, Zimmer frame, or other walking aid
  • You cannot walk 100 feet without rest
  • You are restricted by lung disease, specifically with a forced expiratory volume (FEV) for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter or your arterial oxygen tension is less than 60mm/hg at rest
  • You have a spinal cord injury, genetic ambulatory disorder, amputation, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis that impairs mobile ability

This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other conditions which impair your mobility and for which you may receive a parking permit (such as recovering from surgery, etc.) but your impairment of mobility must be certified by your doctor.

Obtain the Form and Get Certified

Once you have determined that according to Arkansas guidelines you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit, you will need the application, Form 10-336: Licensed Physician’s or Organization’s Certification for Issuance of a Special License Plate or Certificate for a Person with a Disability. This form can be obtained in person at the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Office of Driver Services, or any Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) revenue office location. You can also go online to download the form and print it out.

Once you have the application form, bring it with you to visit the doctor. The doctor must be properly licensed and recognized by the state of Arkansas for his or certification to be deemed valid. Your licensed physician will examine you, and if he or she determines that you are eligible for a disabled parking permit, he or she will fill out Form 10-336. This will serve as your physician’s certification.

Submit the Necessary Documentation

In addition to the filled out copy of Form 10-336, you will need the following documentation for your application:

  • Proof of your identity (such as a copy of your Arkansas driver’s license number, your Arkansas state ID number, or your Social Security Number (SSN))
  • Payment for any fees necessary (applying for a placard is free, but applying for disability license plates involves the usual registration fee)

If you are applying for a Disabled Veteran Specialty Plate, you must include with your application a Veteran’s Administration (VA) rating certification showing that your impairment is a result of service.

Bring your application and requisite documentation with you to submit it in person at any Arkansas DFA revenue office. Or, mail the documentation and payment if needed to the following address (but do not mail your original proof of identity; mail a copy instead):

Department of Finance and Administration

Special License Unit

P.O. Box 1272

Little Rock, AR 72203

How to Use Your Permit

Once you receive your permit, you can use it to park in handicapped spaces. If you have received a disability license plate, affix the license plate securely to the back bumper of your car. Arkansas does not require a license plate to be displayed on the front of the vehicle, only on the back of the vehicle.

If you have obtained a placard, you can use it by keeping it with you in your vehicle while driving. Once you have parked your car in a handicapped parking space, hang the placard on the rearview mirror of your car. If your car doesn’t have a rearview mirror, you can display the placard on your dashboard in a highly visible location.

Before you start driving again, remove the placard and stow it safely out of sight in your vehicle. If you forget to remove the placard, it may become a hazard to you while you drive, since it can block your field of vision.

Renewing and/or Replacing Your Permit

Once your disabled parking permit expires, you may renew it in one of several ways:

  • ●      By processing your renewal online through the STAR System
  • By calling the toll-free number: 1-800-941-2580
  • By mailing your renewal to the following address:

Department of Finance and Administration

Office of Motor Vehicle

PO Box 3153

Little Rock, AR 72203-3153

Please note that only permanent disabled parking permits may be renewed. Temporary parking permits are not eligible for renewal.

You do not need to be recertified by a licensed physician in order to renew your permit.

Relevant Laws and Fines

Once you have received your permit, do not forget to display it when you are parked in a handicapped space. The fines for parking in a handicapped space without displaying a valid permit are between $100 and $500 for a first offense and between $250 and $1000 for repeat offenders.

Conclusion

By closely following the instructions in this guide, you should be able to obtain a disabled parking permit in the state of Arkansas, if you need one. If you believe you are eligible, please do not hesitate to apply right away in order to improve your quality of life.