How to Obtain a Connecticut Disability Permit

If you’ve just moved to Connecticut or have been a resident of the state for a while but have recently sustained a temporary injury, you may need to ability for a handicap parking permit. There are a few steps to keep in mind during the application process, and you’ll also need to know what you can and can’t do with the placard and license plate once you receive them. Since every state has different regulations when it comes to disability permits, you should also how to use your permit when you’re traveling so you can always take advantage of convenient park no matter where you are.

Steps for Applying for a Connecticut Handicap Placard

If you need to apply for a parking permit in Connecticut, you’ll have to fill out a permanent or temporary permit form depending on the nature of your disability. You can obtain the document from the local Connecticut DMV or by reaching out to the DMV Contact Center to have the form mailed to you. Be sure to fill out Part A of the form completely.

If you need a temporary permit, the application fee is $5, which means you can’t submit your application via fax.

Part B of the permit application form has to be filled out and signed by your doctor or physician’s assistant. You can also ask an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or your eye doctor to fill out the form for you. If you’ve been declared partially or legally blind have the document filled out by a Connecticut Board of Services and Education for the Blind member. In lieu of receiving certification, if you are a veteran, the Connecticut DMV will disability certificate from the VA on your behalf. If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and have suffered the loss of a limb or loss of use of a limb, blindness, hemiplegic and paraplegic disabilities or a traumatic brain injury.

If you’re filling out a disability permit on behalf or a minor child or family member, you can receive certification, but remember that the minor you’re applying for has to meet the same eligibility requirements for blindness or disability.

Once you’ve completed the application, you can use one of the following methods to return the form to the Connecticut DMV:

Mail:          

Department of Motor Vehicles

Disabled Parking Permit Unit

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT  06161

Fax:  860- 263-5556

E-mail:  [email protected]

You can also take the application to the nearest DMV office to turn the form in.

 

Which Disabilities Qualify For a Permit? 

Any individual living in Connecticut that has one or more of the following conditions or disability that affect or limit mobility that are either permanent or temporary:

-You have to use portable oxygen on a daily basis

-You’ve been medically declared legally blind

-You’re not able to use or are missing one or both legs

-You’re not able to use or are missing one or both arms

-You’re unable to walk more than 200 feet without having to rest

-You’re suffering from a neuro-muscular condition that limits your ability to move on your own

-You have a Class 3 or 4 cardiac condition that has been classified by the American Heart Association

-You have a nerve-related, arthritic, or bone-related conditions that limit your mobility and/or ability to operate a motor vehicle

-Your mobility is restricted due to lung disease and your forced respiratory volume for one second measures to less than one filter

-Your arterial oxygen tension is lower than 60 mm/hg or room air when you’re at rest

Connecticut Handicap Permits for Motorcycle Riders 

If you have a certified disability and qualify for a permanent parking permit, the motorcycle you wish to operate must be registered in your name. You an apply for a single plate for the motorcycle, and the plate will feature the International Symbol of Access.

To get a handicap plate for your motorcycle, fill out form H-13B, which is the vehicle registration application for motorcycles. You’ll also need to submit a permanent permit form, form B-225P, which provides proof of your disability.

 Mail your completed application to the following address: 

Department of Motor Vehicles

Customized Plates & Copy Records

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161

If already possess a up-to-date permanent parking placard, you don’t need to submit additional medical proof to the DMV. However, you do have to fill out section A of the permanent permit form in its entirety.

Don’t Misuse Your Permits or Plates

 If you don’t use your permit or plates properly or allow someone else to misuse these items, the DMV could deny renewal of your plates or permit or revoke them. Remember that no one else is allow to use your plates or permits to park in a handicap spot when you’re not in the vehicle. If you’re not driving the automobile or a passenger, the person using your car must park in a non-handicap space.

Using Your Connecticut Permits When Out of State 

Connecticut handicap permits and plates are only for use by individuals who are residents of the state. However, Connecticut will honor plates and permits from people who are traveling from out of state, and most other states will also honor permits and placards from Connecticut. If you’ll be traveling to another state soon, check with the law enforcement in that state before getting on the road to avoid receiving any fines or penalties for parking in a handicap space.

Using Your Connecticut Permit The Right Way

Parking spaces that are on the street are designated for individuals with disabilities that have been recognized by Connecticut ordinance or law. Parking off the street for disabled people is required by Connecticut law at any private establishment where there are 201 or more spaces for parking. If you’re not sure where you should park when you arrive at a venue, speak to the authorities of business owner to ensure you’re parking legally.

 Any car that has a permit or license plate that displays the International Symbol of Access can use parking spaces that are set aside for people with disabilities. Remember that you have to be in the vehicle any time your permit or placard is utilized.

Connecticut Handicap Parking Placards and Plates – How Do You Get Them?

If you’ve been injured and won’t have full use of your limbs or other body parts that are necessary for driving, you may you can apply for a handicap parking permit or placard as a Connecticut citizen. These permits and placards are also available to you if you’re a Connecticut resident and have a permanent disability. Dealing with a disability has its challenges, even if you’ll only have the condition for a short time. Being able to find places to park that will make it easier to get to work or other important locations can make your day go a little smoother. You can even apply for handicap permits for your children to ensure you can park as close as you can need to when your little ones are in the vehicle with you.

If you’re not sure if your disability is eligible, here are some helpful tips that will assist you in the application process.

Qualifying Conditions

In order to receive your placard or permit, a licensed medical professional has to provide verification that you have a condition that impairs your mobility. This has to be done in writing, but there are some specifics that will help to determine your eligibility. For instance, if you:

-Can’t walk for more than 200 feet without taking a break

-You’ve visited with a certified optometrist and have been declared legally blind

-You have no use of one or both legs or limited use of your limbs

-Your ability to walk is significantly limited due to arthritis, an orthopedic condition or a neurological disorder

-You have a disability of the neuromuscular system that drastically limits your ability to move on your own or causes you to move slowly

The Connecticut Application Process

You can obtain the Special Permit Application and Impairment Certificate, also known as Form B225 by visiting the Connecticut DMV office closest to you or print out the application online.

You and your licensed physician, who must also be based in the state of Connecticut, have to complete your respective sections of the application will all applicable information. When the document is complete, you can submit it to the DMV by mailing, faxing or emailing the form at the addresses below:

Mail:

State of Connecticut

Department of Motor Vehicles

Handicapped Unit

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161-5056

Fax:

860-263-5556

Email:

[email protected]

You can also submit the form to the local DMV office in person. If you’re submitting a form for a handicap license plate, make sure you submit a copy of your vehicle title or registration with your application.

Application Fees

There is no charge for permanent permits. The fees for a temporary permit is $5. You can bring the temporary form to the DMV or mail it in. However, you can’t fax temporary permit applications because you’ll have to send your payment in with the document.

Keeping Your Permit Current

In Connecticut, the length of time your parking placards or plates are valid depend on the type of items you possess. A permanent permit is valid in the state for 6 years and a temporary permit is in effect for at most 6 months, sometimes less depending on the nature of your condition. 

Your Connecticut Handicap License Plates only need to be renewed by the expiration date displayed on your plate or disability placard, and you can complete this process by mail, which saves you the time of having to visit the DMV office in person.

Plates for Disabled Veterans In Connecticut

If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and are a Connecticut resident, you can apply to receive Disabled Veteran Handicap Plates. This is a service that many states offer as a token of appreciation for the men and women who have served our country and sustained serious injuries while on the job or in combat. To qualify, you should be a member of the Disabled American Veterans Organization. To get an application for license plates, contact the liaison for Connecticut residents here:

Richard H Pescatore: 860-529-1759

Be sure to renew your disabled veteran plates on the expiration date displayed in the corner of your license plate. You’ll follow a similar process as when you apply for a non-handicap license plate. After you file a claim, you can also take advantage of Social Security benefits due to your veteran status.

Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse

Unfortunately, there are times when people who don’t need handicaps permits or plates misuse these items, along with handicap parking spaces.

If you see that a person who has parked in a handicap space is able to move and walk freely when getting out of a vehicle, it’s likely that this individual shortly be parking there.

It’s also important to note that your family members and friends aren’t allowed to use your placard or plates unless you are driving the car or a passenger in the vehicle. If you’re not in the car, this is considered handicap parking abuse.

There is a fine for abusing handicap parking spaces and the first violation is $50 in the state of Connecticut. The second violation carries a fine of $250. Individuals who violate this law three or more times will likely have their vehicles towed or impounded until all applicable fees are paid.

If you witness handicap parking abuse, you can report by filing an official police report and informing your local Connecticut DMV office right away.

Where to Find a Connecticut DMV Office

There are Connecticut Motor Vehicle locations through the state that provide several services, such as issues drivers licenses, handicap parking permits title and registration transactions, road tests and license plate renewals. You may have to undergo one or more of these procedures to determine how safe it is for you to be on the road. Be sure to bring all necessary documents with you, and ensure that parts A and B are filled out and signed by yourself and your doctor so you can expedite the process of receiving your permits.

Connecticut Laws Regarding Handicap Placards

If you’ve been temporarily or permanently disabled and want to know if you can receive a handicap license plate or placard for your vehicle, there are specific guidelines you should be aware of if you live in Connecticut. Each state has its own rules when it comes to handicap parking permits, so knowing what is required when you live in Connecticut can expedite the process and make it easier to park at a variety of Connecticut retail and professional locations.

Handicap Permit Fees

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles in Connecticut will issue parking placards if you can verify that you have a qualifying disability. You’ll either receive a permanent or temporary permit. To obtain a permit, you’ll need to speak with your medical professional.

If you need a temporary disability placard, you’ll pay a $5 application fee; the permit is valid for up to six months. There is no fee for a permanent disability permit.

Your permanent disability placard will remain valid as long as your driver’s license or state-issued ID card is current. You’ll need to renew the placard when you renew your license. The Connecticut DMV will send you a notice for renewal about 45 days before your license, ID card or handicap placard expire.

 If you ride a motorcycle, you can apply to receive a license plate that features the International Symbol of Access. The plates are only available for motorcycles that are registered in the name of an individual who has a disability.

Applying For Your Permit

To apply for your Connecticut parking permit, fill out Part A of your Permanent Permit application or Temporary Permit form. You can obtain the document from any state DMV office or by getting in touch with the DMV Contact Center. Since you’ll have to pay a $5 application fee for a temporary permit, these forms can’t be faxed to the DMV.

Part B of both the permanent and temporary permit forms must be fill out by a medical professional such as a licensed doctor, physician’s assistant or psychiatrist who is contracted or employed by the U.S. Veterans Association. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, optometrist, ophthalmologist or member of the Connecticut Board of Services and Education for the Blind can also fill out Part B of the form for you. The Connecticut DMV will also accept a VA disability certificate for blindness or a certificate for amputation of arms and les or use of use of limbs. These certificates are also valid for hemiplegic or paraplegic handicaps, as well as traumatic brain injury. The VA disability certificate is usually acceptable in lieu of completion of Part B of the permit form.

For minors, guardians can certify the minor’s blindness or disability. However, the criteria for these conditions must meet the same criteria as those for adults.

When you’re ready to return the form, you can mail it to:

 Department of Motor Vehicles

Disabled Parking Permit Unit

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT  06161

 Or fax the form (for permanent disability forms) to:

 860- 263-5556

 You can also email your disability form to:

 [email protected]

 You can also turn the permit form in at your local Connecticut DMV office.

Lost or Stolen Handicap Permits

If your disability permit is stolen, lost or damage, you can apply at the DMV for a replacement. To be eligible for a replacement, you need a valid driver’s license that was issued in Connecticut or a state ID card.

Fill out the permanent permit form; if your permit will expire at any time, you just need to fill out Part A of the document. You don’t have to pay a fee for a permanent display replacement. If you need to replace a temporary permit, the fee is $5. 

Mail your application to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed above or use the above email address or fax number to send in your document. You can also visit a local DMV to submit the replacement application in person.

What Disabilities Qualify for a Permit In Connecticut?

While you may have a general idea of the handicaps that will make you eligible for a handicap permit, it’s important to have as many details on this subject as possible so you’ll know what to expect when you visit the DMV.

If you have a condition that impairs or restricts your mobility, whether they are temporary or permanent, you can apply for a permit. If you use portable oxygen, are legally blind, can’t use one or both arms or legs or aren’t able to walk more than 200 feet without stopping, the Connecticut DMV will likely issue a permit to you. You can also receive a placard if you have a neuro-muscular disorder that affects your mobility or a Class III or IV heart condition that is recognized by the American Heart Association. If you’re not able to walk long distances or without discomfort because or arthritis or conditions that affect your bones or nervous system, you’re likely eligible for a permit.

If you’ve been advised by a doctor to restrict your movement due to a lung disease in which your forced expiratory volume is less than one filter a second, you can apply for a disability placard.

Using Your Permit Properly

Once you receive your handicap permit, you’ll be able to park in spaces that display the handicap symbol. According to Connecticut law, off-street parking areas for handicapped persons are required at all private building that have 201 or more parking spaces. If you’re not sure about disability parking when you visit a business or retail establishment, talk to the security guard on duty or the business owner.

If your vehicle has a disabled license plate that clearly displays the International Symbol of Access, you can use handicap parking spaces. You, as the permit holder, must be present in the vehicle in order to access the parking space.  Keep in mind that you still have to adhere to all state and regional parking regulations.

 Now that you see how easy it is to receive your handicap permit in Connecticut, you can visit your city’s DMV to start the process today.

Do You Qualify For a Handicap Parking Permit In Connecticut?

If you live in Connecticut and need to handicap parking permit or placard, there are specific steps in the application process. While regulations vary from state to state, you can usually use your Connecticut permit in other states if you’re traveling. Here is some information to keep in mind when you apply, and what to expect once you have your permit.

Are You Eligible?

To be considered a candidate for a handicap parking permit in Connecticut, you must have one or more of the conditions or disease that affect your ability to move or to maintain normal mobility. Your disability could be permanent, or you could have a handicap due to a serious injury or surgical procedure. Some of the qualifying conditions include:

-The use of a portable oxygen tank

-Being legally blind

-Having limited use or not being able to use one or both legs or arms

-Not being able to walk 200 feet without having to stop and rest

-Having a condition of the nerves or muscles that significantly limits your mobility

-Having a Class 3 or Class 4 heart condition that has been recognized by the American Heart Association

-Being severely limited in walking because of nerve pain or damage, an orthopedic condition or arthritis,

-Restricted movement due to lung disease. The lung condition must be to an extent that your forced expiratory volume for a second, measured by spirometry, is under 1 liter, or the tension rate of oxygen in your arteries is below 60 mm/hg of room air when you’re in a resting position.

How to Get a Connecticut Permit

If you qualify due to any of the conditions listed above, you can obtain a handicap permit in Connecticut. There are other illnesses and conditions that may qualify as well. However, you’ll have to ensure that your doctor thoroughly explains your condition on the proper application.

You’ll need to fill out a Special Permit Application and Impairment Certificate, which is also known as Form B-225. You have to complete Part A of the form and your doctor must complete Part B. Part B can also be completed by your eye doctor, a physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. When both sections of the form are complete, you can email the document to [email protected] or fax it to the DMV at  (860) 263-5556. You can also mail your completed form to :

Department of Motor Vehicles

Handicapped Permit Unit

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161

Will You Have to Pay a Fee?

If you’re applying for a permanent permit, no fee is required. If you need a temporary parking permit, the fee is $5. Since you’ll have to submit payment with your completed form for temporary permits, you can’t fax the application to the DMV.

Expiration and Validity of Permits and Placards

Your permanent handicap parking permit is valid for the same amount of time as your state ID card or drivers license. This time span is usually between 4 and 6 years in Connecticut. All permits are no longer valid the last day of the month they expire.

How to Renew Your Handicap Permit or Placard

Make sure you have the correct form (Form B-225) and that the document is completed and signed by you and your health care professional. Mark the appropriate check box to specify your renewal requirement. In Connecticut, all residents who have a vehicle registration, state ID or diver’s license are required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles within 48 if there is a change of address.

You can also register to vote or change your organ/tissue preferences when you fill out a change of address form.

If you need to change your address, simply print and fill out a change of address form. Be sure to sign the form, since the DMV will not accept it without a signature.

When you’ve filled out all necessary details, mail your document to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161-5070

Attn: Data Entry Change of Address Unit

On your vehicle registration, cross out your previous address and write your new one is the provided space. You can get an address label from any Connecticut Police Department, or you can call the Customer Contact Center for the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. The new address label should be placed on the back of your state ID or driver’s license.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Permit

If you lose your handicap permit or placard or the item is stolen, you can obtain a new one by following a few easy steps. It may be necessary to complete this process as soon as possible, especially if you’re efficiency at work or school depends on your being able to take advantage of certain handicap services, such as parking.

If your permit is stolen, damage or lost, you can fill out Form B-225 for a replacement. Make sure that your doctor’s certification, which is Part B of the form, is filled out completely and signed.

If you have a permit that has an expiration date, you’ll only need to fill out Part A of the application.

Where to Place Your Permit or Placard

In Connecticut, you have to place your handicap placard on your rearview mirror when your vehicle is parked. However, the placard must be removed when the vehicle is moving, since it can obstruct your vision while driving. This rule is in place for most other states as well, so keep this in mind when you’re traveling.

Reviewing Your Checklist

To make sure you’re prepared for your DMV visit or to mail or fax your documents, here is a list of the things you’ll need:

-Your $5 fee if you’re applying for a temporary permit

-A computer with internet access if you’re emailing your application

-A certificate from your doctor which is usually Part B of your application. Instead of certification, you can also submit a disability certificate for amputation of arms or legs, paraplegic or hemiplegic disability, traumatic brain injuries or blindness from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

You can also contact the Connecticut DMV with any questions or concerns before sending in your documents to make sure the process is quick and easy.

Connecticut Handicap Parking Permits and How to Get Them

The state of Connecticut made headlines a few years ago when it announced that it would no longer provide disability parking permits valid for the duration of the applicant’s life, with no expiration date. These “lifetime” permanent handicap parking permits allow the bearers to take advantage of the plentiful and convenient designated handicapped parking spaces throughout the state of Connecticut.

The 310,000 “lifetime” permits still in existence at the time of the announcement are also in the process of being cancelled, but the goal of the cancellation is to ensure that everyone who possesses a handicap parking permit truly deserves that permit and the right to park in a handicapped space that it confers.

Despite the fact that Connecticut is getting rid of those “lifetime” permanent parking permits, the state still has a relatively generous parking permit policy and a remarkably flexible procedure for obtaining those permits. If you are in Connecticut and you are in need of a disabled parking permit, read on to discover all the particulars of receiving one.

How Does Connecticut Define a Disability?

The following criteria taken from Form B-225P constitute Connecticut’s definition of permanent disability and thus dictate who may receive a permanent disabled parking permit:

  • The applicant is blind
  • The applicant has a disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk
  • The applicant cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest
  • The applicant cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other device
  • The applicant is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air at rest
  • The applicant uses portable oxygen
  • The applicant has 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
  • The applicant is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
  • The applicant is a veteran with PTSD and a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk

Connecticut is one of the few states that has a separate form for applying for a temporary disabled parking permit, Form B-225T. The criteria for disability listed on this form are identical to the criteria from the form for permanent disability.

One way in which Connecticut differs from other states when it comes to its disabled parking permit regulations is the fact that it specifically lists blindness as a criterion for receiving the permit. This is significant because it allows optometrists and other eye doctors to be included as part of the group of people who are qualified to determine whether or not you are disabled.

Who Is Allowed to Certify Your Disability in Connecticut?

As was mentioned earlier, the most significant difference between Connecticut and many other states is that the first criterion for disability is being legally blind (several other states do not specifically mention blindness in their list of criteria). Thus, the list of people who can certify that you are legally blind includes licensed optometrists, licensed ophthalmologists, and even the Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB).

Also, unlike some states which will only accept the certification from a licensed physician, Connecticut also allows a number of medical professionals other than physicians to certify that you are disabled. For instance, a licensed physician assistant or Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) may also certify your disability and is qualified to fill out Forms B-225P and B-225T.

Furthermore, the form may also be filled out by a licensed psychiatrist who works for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs if the applicant is a disabled veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder and a disability that limits or impairs his or her ability to walk.

Such a wide range of individuals qualified to certify you as a person who has a disability is just one of the ways Connecticut’s handicap parking procedure remains one of the most generous and flexible procedures in the United States, regardless of the lack of a lifetime permit.

How Can You Submit Your Permit Application in Connecticut?

Application forms and documents for disabled parking permits can be submitted to the Connecticut DMV in a staggering number of ways. You can, of course, submit the application in person at any DMV office in Connecticut. And, as is the case with all other states, you are able to submit the application by mailing it to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles

Disabled Parking Permit Unit

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT  06161

But, most extraordinarily, Connecticut provides two additional ways to submit your application for a handicap parking permit. You can fax your application to the following fax number:

860- 263-5556.

You can even email your application! The email address to which you may send your application is:

[email protected]

This level of flexibility in submitting your disabled parking permit application is nearly unheard of. The Connecticut legislature has made great strides in updating its handicap parking laws and procedures to make them as accessible and achievable as possible to those who need to use them.

How Long Do Permits Last and How Do You Replace Them?

Temporary placards have a $5 application fee and are valid for up to six months. Permanent permits have no application fee and are good for up to six years (they bear the same expiration date as your Connecticut driver’s license or state ID card, one of which is necessary to complete your permit application). Six years may not be a lifetime, but it is still a generous time frame when compared to many other states.

Renewing or replacing your disabled parking permit will require a recertification by a licensed medical professional, and the application form can be submitted in the same methods as for a new application. Furthermore, Connecticut requires medical professionals to supply their medical license numbers on the application form so that it can monitor the number of permits a medical professional has issued and watch for signs of misuse or abuse.

Conclusion

Although Connecticut has tightened its laws regarding permanent disability permits, its procedures and regulations still remain some of the most flexible and generous in the US. Furthermore, the laws are designed to maximize and expedite availability of the permits to those who most need them. If you live in Connecticut and need a disabled parking permit, do not hesitate to apply straightaway.