Kentucky Requirements for Disability Permits – What You Should Know

Whether you’ve had a disability for most of your life, since birth or for a short time, you know how challenging completing regular tasks can be. If you live in the state of Kentucky, you’re likely eligible for a handicap parking permit. This will make getting into buildings a little easier and you may also be able to use certain amenities to increase your comfort.

Here are essential tips to keep in mind during the permit application process.

Determining Your Disability

Before you can receive disability benefits including a handicap placard, you’ll need to have your disability officially documented. If you’re working with an attorney to determine your handicap status. You may need to let a DMV representative know if you’re currently working or unable to work, and if you’re receiving Social Security benefits. If you have a temporary disability, you may need to disclose whether this mobility impairment will cause you to be out of work for a year or more.

A licensed doctor has to verify your disability and state in writing that you meet the requirements to receive a handicap placard. If you:

  • Can’t walk more than 200 feet at a time
  • You have a form of lung disease
  • You have limited mobility because of an orthopedic condition, a health issue that affects your nervous system or arthritis
  • You’re not able to use one or both arms or legs or are missing one or more arms or legs
  • You’re legally blind

If you own or work for an agency that provides transports people with disabilities, you can apply for handicap parking privileges as well.

The Kentucky Disability Parking Plate Application Process

To start the process, you’ll need to fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit, which is Form TC 96-204. You can pick up the form by visiting your County Clerk’s office, or you can print the form online.

Your Kentucky physician must fill out part of the form as well. Make sure that you and your doctor sign the document and fill in all essential information. When you finish the application, you can give it to your County Clerk’s office.

The fee for disability license plates is $21. Before you can display your disability plates, you’ll have to return your old plates to the County Clerk’s office.

How Long Will My Placards Be Valid?

If you’re applying for permanent plates, your placard and license plate will be valid for up to two years. If you have a temporary handicap, your permit is valid for three months. This time could be shorter if your doctor indicates that you don’t need a full three months to recover from your disability.

You’ll need to renew your plates or placards by the July 31st date listed on the plate. The fee to renew your permit or plate every year is $21.

Just fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit. Mail the application in or take it to the County Clerk’s Office.

Disability Benefits for Veterans

Kentucky provides several benefits for residents who have served in the Armed Forces or are current members of the military.

As a disabled veteran, you’ll receive a fee waiver, which means your disabled veterans license plate is free. To qualify for this license plate, you must either be a resident of Kentucky or a non-resident who is stationed in Kentucky. Your disability must be at least 50% connected to your military service. The Veterans Administration has to verify your disability as well. Be sure to fill out an Application for Disabled Veterans Free Certificate of Registration and License Plates. Take the form to the County Clerk office near you.

You can also receive fee waivers for getting updated plates on your car if your vehicle registration needs to be renewed and you’re stationed outside of Kentucky. If your automobile is stored in Kentucky and you’re deployed elsewhere, you’ll usually have a month from the registration expiration date to renew your tags. You can also talk to your local DMV to receive a veterans designation on your drivers license.

If you’re not sure whether your disability will quality, contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.

Parking Laws In Kentucky

In the state of Kentucky, thousands or parking tickets are issued. However, you can avoid this by gaining a clear understanding of Kentucky parking laws. You should know about common penalties and violations, as well as the consequences for not paying a parking ticket.

After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there are parking spaces in the state strictly reserved for disabled people. To legally park in a disabled parking spot, the driver of the vehicle is required to display a disabled placard or license plate. Parking in a handicap space without a permit could result in a fine between $50 and $200. Remember that your friends and family members aren’t allowed to use your placard if you’re not in the car. Violating this law could result in a fine as well.

All parking law violations in Kentucky are classified as non-moving violations, so you won’t accumulate any points on your drivers license. The most common violations of parking laws in Kentucky are parking at an expired meter or parking in a space for too long. In these cases, you’ll likely be given a ticket that you’ll have to pay at your local County Clerk’s office.

If you notice that someone is operating and vehicle and parking in a handicap space unnecessarily, you can tell the local authorities. You can also tell the property owners at your location about any parking violations you see. It’s important to provide as much information as you can, such as the color or style of the car and the license plate number.

These helpful guidelines will make the process of receiving a disabled parking permit seamless. Remember to keep your placard or license plate visible at all times and keep additional verification in your vehicle in case you need it.

What Are the Requirements for Kentucky Handicap Placards?

Living with a disability can have its challenges. You may find that it’s difficult to get around in certain spaces, and walking long distances can affect your health and pain levels. If you have a disability, you may want to consider getting a handicap permit. You can use the permit to park in a handicap space in most public locations.

If you’re a Kentucky resident, you’ll have to complete a process to get a handicap placard. Knowing what to expect can expedite the process and ensure that your placards and permits stay up to date.

Am I Eligible?

If you live in Kentucky, you are considered eligible for a handicap placard if you have severe audio, visual or physical impairments. These impairments include:

  • Paralysis
  • Amputation of the lower limbs
  • Chronic heart condition
  • Arthritis
  • Emphysema
  • Rheumatism

If you have any other condition that severely impedes your mobility or makes it hard to walk for long distances without experiencing pain or discomfort, you may qualify for a handicap placard.

How to Get a Handicap Permit In Kentucky

To receive your handicap permit, you’ll have to complete an Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit. The form has to be signed by a physician who is licensed to practice in Kentucky. Remember to sign and notarize your form as well before submitting the application to the County Clerk’s office closest to you.

If you run an agency or organization that transports disabled individuals, you’ll also have to fill out the form. The application should also come with a statement from your agency director verifying that you need parking placards. The statement must be on official letterhead. Remember to include the name of the agency requesting handicap parking permits. The statement must include how many vehicles from the organization will need accessible parking placards and the vehicle identification numbers for all applicable cars, trucks and vans. Vehicles must be agency-owned to qualify for handicap placards and permits.

Fees and Expiration Dates

In Kentucky, you don’t have to pay a fee for a placard, whether your disability is temporary or permanent.

Permanent disability placards are valid for two years from the date the placard is issued. Temporary disability placards last for three months.

License Plates and Permits for Handicapped Veterans

Disabled veterans in Kentucky can receive one license plate for free. You must be a resident of Kentucky or a non-resident who is stationed in the state. You must have a service-connected disability of no less than 50%. The Veterans Administration will provide this information in a letter, which you’ll submit to the Kentucky DMV. To receive your license plate, fill out the Application for Disabled Veterans Free Certificate of Registration and License Plates in its entirety and take the form to the local County Clerk’s office.

License Designation

Veterans who live in Kentucky can receive a veteran designation on their state ID or drivers license. This designation makes it easy to show your identification to organizations and agencies that offer discounts and benefits to veterans and disabled veterans. The ID designation also means you don’t have to take your discharge papers with you everywhere. If you want this license designation, you have to bring your discharge document, usually a DD 214 form, to the local Circuit Clerk.

Military License Plates

Kentucky citizens provide several distinguished military license plates to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. To receive a specialized license plate, you should provide proof or your past or current military service and whether you were honorably discharged. You can also provide verification that you participate in a specific war or battle and give the Circuit Clerk to indicate any awards you’ve received for military service.

License plates are available for individuals in these categories:

  • Air Force Academy
  • Air Force Cross
  • Air Force Veteran
  • Army Cross
  • Army Veteran
  • Bronze Star with Valor Device
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Coast Guard Academy
  • Coast Guard Veteran
  • Congressional Medal of Honor
  • Gold Star (spouse, mother, father, sibling)
  • Marine Veteran
  • Merchant Marine Academy
  • Military Academy
  • National Guard
  • Naval Academy
  • Navy Cross
  • Navy Veteran
  • Pearl Harbor
  • Prisoner of War
  • Purple Heart
  • Silver Star

In most cases, military license plates in Kentucky will require you to pay a $26 in addition to the standard registration fee for the state. This fee includes a $5 mandatory donation that goes to the Veterans Trust Fund. Most license plates can be renewed online.

Only members of the military who need to renew their drivers license while deployed overseas or out of state can renew their driver license by mail, according to Kentucky law. You can contact the Circuit Clerk’s office to get more information about mail renewal. If you’re out of state when your license expires, you can renew your license without having to retake the written or road test.

If your automobile is being stored on a military base in Kentucky while you’re deployed, you have one month from the time you return home to renew your registration. During the 30-day grace period, you won’t be penalized for driving a car with an expired registration. Just make sure you can provide proof that your vehicle was in storage during deployment.

Whether you’re a disabled vet or a current or former member of the Armed Forces, you may be able to renew your plates, licenses and permits online. This makes the process much simpler, especially if you’re stationed away from Kentucky.

Renewing Your Handicap Placards

You can renew your placards twice for a two-year period. The procedures for renewing your permits vary according to your Kentucky county of residence. It’s best to contact your nearest County Clerk’s office to make sure you’re adhering to all guidelines.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Permit

If your disability placard is lost, stolen or damaged, you have to fill out an affidavit. The affidavit should state that your permit is not functioning properly or you have misplaced it. You’ll also be eligible for a second handicap parking placard if you’ve haven’t received or applied for a disability license plate.

Where to Hang Your Placard

When your automobile is parked, the disability placard should be hung from the rearview mirror on the front windshield. If there is no rearview mirror, the placard has to be placed on the dashboard.

How to Qualify for a Handicap Parking Permit in Kentucky

If you have a permanent or temporary disability that affects your mobility and makes it harder to get to work, school or special occasions, you may be eligible for a handicap permit. A parking permit can come in handy when you need to park near the entrance of a building and get to your classroom or office without having to exert too much energy. If you visit a building that offers handicap parking, you may also be able to take advantage of other amenities, such as accessible restrooms and elevators. These features help you to move efficiently and contribute to your quality of life, so you can continue reaching your goals or running important errands.

The requirements for obtaining a permit vary slightly by state, depending on your condition and the length of time you will be disabled. There are specific details to pay attention to if you’re living in Kentucky and want to get a handicap permit or a disabled plate for your vehicle. If you’re a Kentucky resident, here are some important things to keep in mind when you need a handicap or disabled placard or permit.

Determining Your Eligibility

To receive a handicap permit in Kentucky, you’ll have to meet with a doctor who will verify your disability. The medical professional must provide a statement indicating that you meet the requirements for a permit. While each person’s case is considered on an individual basis, the general guidelines for a disability placard or permit include:

  • You can’t walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Your mobility is limited because of lung disease
  • You can’t walk or your walking is labored because of conditions related to arthritis or health issues that are neurological or orthopedic in nature
  • You are legally blind
  • You have lost or are unable to use one or both legs
  • You have lost or are unable to use one or both arms

If you are part of an agency that provides transportation for disabled people or patients can also receive handicap parking rights in the state of Kentucky.

Application Process

You’ll have to fill out an Application for the Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit, which is classified as Form TC 96-204 in Kentucky. You can obtain a form by visiting your County Clerk’s Office, or you can print the document online.

You’ll fill out the first section of the form, and your doctor will fill out the second half. Your physician must be licensed to practice in the state of Kentucky. Be sure all parts of the application are filled out completely before taking the document to the County Clerk’s Office.

If you’re applying for disability license plates, you’ll have to pay an initial fee of $21. Be sure to return your old license plates to the County Clerk’s Office before you get your disability plates.

How Long Are Handicap Placards and Plates Valid in Kentucky?

The validity of disability plates and placards varies in Kentucky, and is mainly based on whether your disability is temporary or permanent.

Permanent plates and permits are valid for up to two years and temporary permits are valid for up to three months, sometimes less. Kentucky residents have to renew their plates by the July 31st expiration date listed on the placard or plate. The cost for annual renewal is $21.

To receive your permit, you’ll have to fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit. You can send the form in by mail or take it to your nearest County Clerk’s Office.

Disabled Veteran Plates For Kentucky Residents

Kentucky residents who have served in the Armed Forces and developed a disability as a result of military service can receive disabled veteran plates. Veterans must have a 50-99% service-related disability, and Veterans Administration must confirm the disability. A surviving spouse of a former disabled veteran can also utilize the license plates if he/she meets the appropriate disability requirements.

It’s best to have a letter form the Department of Veteran Affairs to submit to the Kentucky DMV. The letter will detail your disabilities and determine your eligibility. If you’re not sure if your disability will be counter as service-connected, you can call the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-572-6245.

You’ll also have to fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit and provide all necessary documentation from the VA or another federal agency. These documents prove your honorable discharge from the military and your service-connected disability.

When you’ve completed the application, turn it in to your local County Clerk’s office, along with an initial fee of $26.

If you want to renew your Kentucky Disabled Veteran Plates, you’ll have to do so by the July 31st expiration date. You’ll also receive the benefits of Social Security after you file your claim.

Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse in Kentucky

Unfortunately, there are times when people who aren’t supposed to use handicap permits utilize them for their own convenience. If you see someone park in a handicap space and notice that the person is able to move freely, it’s likely that the person has parked illegally.

Handicap parking abuse is against the law in Kentucky. People who commit this misdemeanor could pay between $20 and $100 for each offense. It is also illegal for a vehicle to block a handicap space.

You can report disability or handicap parking abuse by contacting the local authorities immediately. You can also report the abuse to the owner of the property. The local authorities in Kentucky can also call in a handicap placard to determine if the permit is active.

Finding Kentucky County Clerk Offices

There are county clerk offices located throughout the state of Kentucky. You’ll receive a variety of services there, including obtaining and renewing your drivers license and getting disabled parking permits. The office will also handle vehicle registration and title transactions for you and renew your license plates.

For additional information on handicap placards and permit eligibility, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet website at http://transportation.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx or call (502) 564-4890.

Where Can You Get Your Disability Parking Permit in Kentucky?

Across America there are millions of people who face the challenges of dealing with a disability that impairs their mobility. This makes living an independent hard for some, and having any kind of assistance can be crucial to maintaining a functional life. In the state of Kentucky this is no different. There are many individuals who need the help of government agencies to ensure that they are able to live a full life. One such benefit that an individual can gain access to through the power of the state of Kentucky is a disability parking permit that allows individuals to park closer to government, commercial, residential and medical buildings, allowing them the ability to make transportation easier. If you are one of the many individuals interested in acquiring this permit, take a look at this guide to help you navigate how to get one and where you can apply.

Who Qualifies for a Disability Parking Permit in Kentucky

The first thing to look into if you’re interested in obtaining a disability parking permit in the state of Kentucky is to check if you qualify. The requirements for an individual to be eligible are fairly straightforward, and if you do qualify under this criteria, then it is a good idea to take the next steps to obtain this permit as it will be very useful. These are the conditions eligible for this permit in Kentucky:

  • You are unable to walk at least 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • You have a lung disease that restricts your ability to move at a steady, normal pace
  • You are ability to walk is severely restricted due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition
  • You have lost the use of one or both legs or both arms either through paralysis or amputation
  • You’re legally blind
  • You have a severe visual, audio, or physical impairment,
  • You have a chronic heart condition, emphysema, rheumatism, or other debilitating condition that limits or impairs your personal mobility or ability to walk.

If you fall under any of these conditions, then you are eligible for a disability parking permit in Kentucky. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies or not, then you should contact the Kentucky County Clerk’s Office to attend to your inquiries. If you find that you qualify for the Kentucky disability parking permit, then it is time to move on to the next step!

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

Individuals who find that they have met the requirements to qualify for a disability parking permit must then meet with a licensed physician to have them certify your condition and issue a certificate that you will use in your application. The only person who can prescribe a disability parking permit is a licensed physician in the state of Kentucky, so making an appointment as soon as you can will be critical in applying as soon as possible. You will need to bring the proper application with you when you visit your doctor. You can get the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit (Form TC 96-204) by going to your County Clerk’s Office or printing the document that is available online. You must have the document notarized before submitting it. Once you’ve completed the application then it will be time to apply for your permit.

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

The next and last step that you must take to obtain a disability parking permit in Kentucky is to submit your application to the Kentucky County Clerk’s Office. In the state of Kentucky, there is no fee for a temporary or permanent disability parking permit. This allows any individual in need to submit the application with no concerns over financial aspects of their submission. You can submit your application in person at the County Clerk’s Office or via postal mail.

Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Kentucky

In the state of Kentucky, disability parking permits have two different lengths of validity depending on which kind of permit you have been issued. A temporary parking permit is valid for a period of 3 months. A permanent parking permit is valid for a period of 2 years. All disability parking permits expire on the 31st of July.

How to Renew Your Disability Parking Permit in Kentucky

Both kinds of permits can be renewed if necessary. Disability parking permits can be renewed twice for a period of up to 2 years. Renewals procedures for disability parking permits vary from county to county, so it is important to contact your local County Clerk’s Office to determine what you must do to start the renewal process.

What to Do With Your Disability Parking Permit

Once you have obtained your disability parking permit, you must take the necessary steps to use it properly. Failure to properly showcase your disability parking permit can result in your receiving a ticket for illegal parking with a fine ranging from $20 to $100 dollars. To avoid this, make sure to place your disability parking placard on your rearview mirror while you are parked in a handicap space. If you cannot place it on your rearview mirror, place the placard on your dashboard so that it may be visible from your windshield. While you are driving, remove the placard from your rearview mirror to avoid a fine for driving with an obstructed view.

What to Do if You Have Lost Your Placard

Unfortunately, losing your placard or someone taking it without your knowledge can result in your having to replace it. If you need to replace your disability parking placard, then you will have to sign and submit an affidavit to the County Clerk’s Office stating that your placard has been lost, stolen or damaged.

Conclusion

If you are interested in acquiring a disability parking permit in Kentucky, the steps are very straightforward. Once you’ve determined that you qualify for the permit, you must go to your doctor, have your application notarized, and then you can submit it! It’s a quick and painless process for those who need it. If you are ready to take the leap, head over to your doctors office and you’ll have your disability parking permit in no time.

Do You Qualify for a Kentucky Disabled Parking Permit?

Having a disability often means having to make adjustments to your daily life to ensure you’re functioning at your best. Fortunately, there are several places in the U.S. that will accommodate you, especially when it comes to parking. If you live in the state of Kentucky, there are specific rules you should follow to receive approval for a handicap or disabled parking permit. Here’s what you need to know.

Do You Qualify?

You’ll need to speak with your doctor about getting a handicap placard in Kentucky. This is because your physician has to certify that you have an impairment that affects your mobility. The doctor will also verify that you meet all necessary requirements. You can receive a handicap placard in Kentucky if you:

  • Have to stop and rest after walking for 200 feet or less
  • Have restricted mobility because of lung disease
  • Your mobility is limited because you have arthritis
  • You have a neurological condition that affects mobility
  • You have an orthopedic condition that affects mobility
  • You are unable to use one or both legs or have lost one or both legs
  • You are unable to use one or both arms or have lost one or both arms
  • You are legally blind

Kentucky organizations and agencies that transport handicapped persons or patients can also apply to receive a handicap parking placard for each of the vehicles that belong to the organization.

The Application Process

First, you should fill out an Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit, also known as Form TC 96-204. You can get this form by going to the County Clerk’s office nearest you or printing out the document online.

Remember that you and your doctor have to complete and sign the application. When you’ve completed the document, you can return it to the County Clerk Office.

If you’re applying for disability license plates, you’ll have to pay a $21 fee. This is the initial fee, and you’ll also have to pay an annual renewal fee of $21 as well. If you have regular plates on your car, you’ll have to return those plates to the Kentucky DMV before you can use your disability plates.

How Long Can You Use Your Plates and Placards?

The length of time that your placards and plates are valid will depend on whether your disability is temporary or permanent.

For permanent disability, the validity period for your permits is two years. For temporary disabilities, you can use plates or placards for up to three months. In some cases, your physician may indicate that that your permit should be valid for shorter than the three-month period.

You’ll jut need to renew your handicap placards and plates by the July 31st expiration date listed on your permit or placard. Don’t forget to fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit. You can bring the form into the County Clerk’s office or mail it by the expiration date.

Licensed Plates for Disabled Veterans

You can receive Disabled Veteran Plates in Kentucky if you have a disability that is 50-99% related to your time in the Armed Forces. Your disability must be verified by the Veterans Administration. If you are the surviving husband or wife of a former disabled veteran, you can use the license plates if you meet the necessary requirements.

If you’re not sure that your disability is related to military service or you want to determine your eligibility, you can give the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs a all at 1-800-572-6245.

You’ll have to fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit and give all documentation from the VA or federal agency to the DMV. These documents will prove that you were honorably discharged from the military.

Once you have all the documents you need, turn your paperwork into the County Clerk’s Office. The fee for disabled veteran plates is $26.

Once you are able to benefit from Kentucky Disabled Veteran Plates, you’ll have to renew your license plates by the July 31st expiration date. You can also utilize Social Security benefits after you file your claim.

Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse In Kentucky

There are instances when you may see an able-bodied person getting out of a car that has a handicap plate or permit, even though that person doesn’t have a disability. If you see this, there’s a chance that the person shouldn’t be parking in a handicap space.

People who misuse disability parking spots are breaking Kentucky law. These individuals could receive a fine between $20 and $200. Vehicles are not to block handicap spaces at any time.

If you see disability or handicap parking abuse, get in touch with local authorities right away. You can speak with the property owners about the incident as well. The more details you have about the make and model of the vehicle, the more information the authorities can use to determine if illegal parking has occurred. Property security or police officers may also have screening devices on hand to scan the parked car’s decal to determine validity.

Disability Evaluation

It may also be helpful to go through a disability screening to determine whether you qualified for a placard. You can work with an attorney for the process. The lawyer will ask if you’re currently receiving Social Security benefits, or help you receive the benefits if you’re eligible. If you have a temporary disability that will cause you to be out of work for a year or more, you’re likely eligible for a permit. The lawyer will also explain why you’re not able to work and when you’re expected to return to work. It’s also important to tell your attorney if you’re receiving any medical treatment that is directly related to your disability. The doctor can also provide you with additional documentation concerning your disability or mobility impairment.

These rules and regulations will make applying for a placard much easier and will help you keep your handicap or disabled permits current.