How Can You Get A Disabled Parking Permit in Louisiana?

Getting a disabled parking permit in the United States can be hard because there are certain laws and guidelines unique to every state. There are many contributing factors you have to consider when finding out where to start – including your state, county, reference, specific disability, and more. If you want to start the process for receiving a disabled parking permit in Louisiana, you should start with reading and following this guide.

Know if You Qualify

Since every state has specific guidelines, it is important to know the qualifications you need to obtain a permit unique to Louisiana. Before starting the process to receive one, you have to confirm that you meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • You cannot walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use or assistance of a brace, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person, or assisting device.
  • You have lung damage so severe that with forced expiratory volume for one second when it is measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter
  • You have to use portable oxygen.
  • You have a cardiac condition that limits your functions to the extent that they are classified as Class III or class IV in severity according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • Your ability to walk is severely impaired due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Obtain a Physician Certificate

In Louisiana, you are required to provide a Medical Examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment form. A medical examiner is considered a person licensed to practice medicine or chiropractic practices by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, or an advanced practice registered nurse. A printed form or a faxed copy sent from your doctor’s office are both acceptable to use.

When you arrive at your local Office of Motor Vehicles Office with the certification from your doctor, they will provide you with an application to complete. You also have to make sure you bring along a valid form of identification, your vehicle registration, and that you are prepared to answer questions about your specific disability or disabilities

Where to Turn in Your Application

You usually have to apply for a disability placard or license plate in person at your local OMV, but there can be an exception. If your doctor confirms that your disability prevents you from going to the OMV in person, someone else can apply on your behalf as long as they have your medical certification, a color photo of you, and are able to answer questions about your disability when asked.

To receive one placard, you have to bring the form completed by your doctor, a form of identification, and pay a fee of $3. To apply for a disability license plate in Louisiana, you will also need to being the Medical examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment, a current license plate and registration if the vehicle is registered in your name, the Designation of Mobility Impaired License Plate if the vehicle is registered in somebody else’s name; the fee will be $10 and handling fees can vary by location.

How to Use Your Permit

Once you receive your disabled parking permit, using it correctly is important. The first thing you should do is confirm whether your placard is temporary or permanent. If it is temporary, you will be able to use it for up to one year after the date it was issued, and if it is permanent, it will expire four years from the date of issue.

The law requires that a disability placard should be hanging from your rearview mirror or visible on your dashboard. If you do not have a rearview mirror, display it so it is visible on your dashboard. If the placard is not visible from the outside of the car, then you can be fined, so double-checking can be beneficial.

Renew Your Permit

A temporary parking placard is valid for up to one year – if you need it for a longer period of time, you have to apply for a new placard with a new medical certification, and you can only renew it once. A permanent placard is valid for four years and you will have to renew your vehicle registration every four years to get a new one.

Replacing a Lost Permit

When your placard gets lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to contact your local OMV branch personally in a timely matter. You have to make sure that you complete an application and a statement attesting that your placard has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged. If a record of your ID card or license to drive with a valid photo, and your Social Security Number is already on file with the OMV, you will not have to complete additional documents.

Where are the Iowa Country Licensing Offices?

If you are looking for a local OMV office in Louisiana, there are multiple locations all over the state. There are multiple offices located in East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammy, etc. Although there are offices in multiple areas, you should research where the closest office to you is located.

How To Report Handicapped Parking Space Abuse

If you see a car that does not have a handicap placard in a handicap spot, they are parking illegally. You can report them by calling the police or the OMV. You should also write down the vehicle’s license plate number before you report the situation.

Conclusion

If you live in Louisiana and need a disabled parking permit, you can take all of the correct steps for getting one by following this guide. You should always remember to hang it up so it is visible while you are parked, or you could be fined. Another important thing you have to keep up with is to remain up-to-date on when you will have to renew your permit again.

How Can You Get a Handicap Parking License and Personalized Plates for Alternative Vehicles in Louisiana?

Accessible Vans and Buses

In order for you to receive a free handicapped license plate in Louisiana for your van or bus, the vehicle must have a built-in device for raising and lowering wheelchairs. It must only be used by or for aiding mobility impaired people – it may be operated by either a mobility impaired person or by a person who is using the vehicle to benefit a mobility impaired person.

A free handicapped license plate can be moved from one vehicle to another if the new vehicle is also specially equipped with a device for raising or lowering wheelchairs and is registered in the mobility impaired person’s name or the name of a person helping said mobility-impaired person.

Who Is a Mobility-Impaired Person?

A mobility-impaired person is anyone who is impaired to the extent of any of the following:

  • Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk without the assistance of another person, walker, cane, crutches, braces, prosthetic device, or wheelchair. This includes people who are blind or have a visual impairment severe enough that they need another person’s help to walk.
  • Has a lung disease to such an extent that causes their forced expiratory volume for one second and is less than one liter when it is measured by spirometry.
  • 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.
  • Has a diagnosed disease or disorder, including a severe arthritic, neurological or orthopedic impairment that creates a severe mobility limitation.

Inspection

Your alternative vehicle has to be inspected by a professional before you can receive your free disability parking permit.

A physical inspection must be performed by a full-time Peace Officer Standards and Training certified law enforcement officer who has been certified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or the Office of State Police. The inspection that is submitted must confirm that the vehicle is equipped with a special device for raising and lowering wheelchairs, or a departmental employee can visually inspect the vehicle for the device.

Medical Examiner’s Statement

Your application must be submitted with a currently dated medical examiner’s statement form certifying that the applicant is mobility impaired. A medical examiner’s certification form is only required to be included in your first application and you will not need to renew it when you renew your license. A medical examiner is a professional who is:

  • Licensed to practice medicine by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
  • A person licensed to practice chiropractic by the Louisiana State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • A person licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
  • An advanced practice registered nurse.

The certification must be completely filled out and must state a type of impairment below:

  • Permanently Impaired – You have been diagnosed with a condition that is certified total or lifelong.
  • Temporarily Impaired – You will not be eligible to receive a handicapped license plate, a temporarily impaired individual will only qualify for a hang tag.

If the mobility impaired individual is not the owner of the vehicle on which the handicapped plate will be placed, a “Designation of Mobility Impaired License Plate” form must be completed and signed by the mobility impaired person and the vehicle owner.

Fees

If the vehicle is not registered in the applicant’s name, the proper title documentation for the vehicle and fees must be submitted.

∙ There is no fee for handicapped plates for vans or buses equipped with devices necessary for raising or lowering wheelchairs.

∙ The license transferring fee is $3.00.

∙ An $8.00 handling fee is due on all transactions except renewals.

Applications for these free handicapped plates can be processed at any Motor Vehicle or Public Tag Agent office.

If you currently have a plate on the vehicle, your current plate must be submitted for cancellation and be cancelled before you receive your new handicapped plate. Since the handicapped plate is free, you will not get any extra credit or a refund of the unused fees on the regular license plate.

Use a Personalized Plate

Personalized Plate Regulations

There is a $25 annual fee in addition to the regular registration fee. A one-time $3.50 administrative fee and $8.00 handling fee will also be due. Call the Title Registration Unit at (225) 925-6371.

  • Plates are issued on a first come, first serve basis. 
  • Selections will not be held without paperwork being submitted.
  • Vehicle must be registered in Louisiana prior to performing inquiry.
  • The plate requested may indicate that it is available, but you have to confirm it with the OMV to be certain. Someone may have requested it prior to the submission of this request.
  • Upon the acceptance of the personalized plate selection, it will be held for two weeks to allow time for your paperwork to be received.
  • Personalized plates can be issued to automobiles, trucks up to 10,000 pounds, private buses, motor homes, and motorcycles.
  • Some combinations may not be deemed acceptable by the Office of Motor Vehicles.  Once your application has been received, a committee will review your request and you will be notified of the decision.
  • Patented logos cannot be issued on a personalized plate.
  • You may not substitute a number 1 for a letter I or a letter O for a zero on a personalized plate.

What You Can Request

  • Letters A-Z – it must have at least two letters
  • Numbers 0 to 9
  • Periods, which count as one space on a plate
  • Hyphens, which count as one space on a plate
  • Only 6 letters and/or numbers are allowed on a handicap personalized plate

What You Cannot Request

  • Amateur radio call signs
  • Special symbols, such as #, @, %, etc.
  • Duplicates of existing personalized plates
  • No more than 7 letters and/or numbers in total
  • Ethnic, racial, vulgar, or indecent connotations that can be considered offensive

How Do You Get Dealer and Prestige Handicapped License Plates in Louisiana?

Handicapped Dealer License Plates

The Office of Motor Vehicles has a process in which licensed motor vehicle dealers may obtain a special handicapped license plate in Louisiana. The special handicapped dealer license plates can substitute dealer plates or be an addition to any handicapped license plate an impaired person already has. Any vehicle that has a special handicapped dealer license plate on it has to be driven for the benefit of a mobility-impaired person.

Requirements

  • The dealer must have a current dealer number from the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission or from the Motor Vehicle Commission.
  • The dealer has to submit a new application and pay the fee every time they want a new plate.
  • The dealer has to agree that their vehicle will exclusively be used to help people with disabilities.

Fees

  • A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be assessed for each special handicapped dealer license plate issued.

Personalized License Plates for Dealers

Louisiana state law allows special personalized license plates for dealers that will be used for such sale, demonstration, trading purposes, deliveries and transfers of vehicles.

Requirements

  • An Application for Personalized Dealer’s License Plate form has to be filled in to apply. The current dealer permit number must be included in the application.
  • The dealer must submit a copy of a certificate of insurance.

Guidelines for Your Customizable Plate

Personalized Dealer Plates must be special ordered through the Specialized Vehicle Unit.

  • The same code can’t be used twice and the plate cannot be issued if it already exists on a regular personalized plate.
  • Each plate must have at least two letters. The two letters cannot be indicated as a prefix followed by numbers.
  • The plate cannot contain a regular plate sequence. (three numbers followed by three alpha characters or vice versa).
  • The following prefixes cannot be used: LSP, DPS, HQ, SP, TS, or LA
  • Periods and/or dashes count as part of the seven characters allowed.
  • Plates may be transferred from one vehicle to another if they are both owned or operated by the same dealer.

Fees

  • There is a $25.00 annual fee
  • There is an additional $15.00 fee for every plate received.

Prestige Handicapped License Plates

The Office of Motor Vehicles issues prestige handicapped license plates. The plates cannot have more than six characters and they are issued to private passenger automobiles/vans, private use trucks up to 16,000 pounds, and private buses.

It takes approximately two to four months for a Handicapped Prestige license plate to be made; therefore, the applicant must have a current license plate on the vehicle before ordering this type plate.

Do You Qualify?

Only mobility-impaired people whose impairments are PERMANENT are eligible for a prestige handicapped license plate. The term mobility-impaired person includes any person who is impaired because of any of the following conditions:

  • Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk without the assistance of another person, walker, cane crutches, braces, prosthetic device, or wheelchair. This includes individuals who are blind or have such a visual impairment that the assistance of another person is necessary to walk.
  • Is restricted by a 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
  • 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.
  • Has a diagnosed disease or disorder, including a severe arthritic, neurological or orthopedic impairment, which creates a severe mobility limitation.

Requirements

  • If the vehicle is not registered in the applicant’s name, all documentation required for titling the vehicle must be submitted with the request for the Prestige Handicapped license plate.
  • A completed Request for Personalized Prestige License Plate form and a recent medical examiner’s statement that includes whether your qualifying disability will affect you permanently or temporarily.
  • Permanently impaired means the condition is certified as total or lifelong.
  • An applicant whose medical examiner’s certification is marked TEMPORARILY IMPAIRED is NOT eligible to receive a Prestige Handicapped license plate, but they qualify for a mobility-impaired hangtag

Fees

  • $25.00 annual license plate fee in addition to regular registration fees.
  • $25.00 annual fee shall be collected upon all subsequent renewals.

All requests for initial issuance of the special license plate must be mailed to the Specialized Vehicle Unit Headquarters:

P.O. Box 64886.
Baton Rouge, LA. 70896

Renewals and transfers can be processed by any motor vehicle office or public tag agent.

Personalized Prestige License Plates

Personalized prestige license plates are issued for automobiles, private trucks up to 16,000 lbs., vans, and motor homes. Motor home plates are issued for 2 years. The plates are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis and identical personalized prestige plates cannot be issued. A single letter on a prestige license plate can be issued at a different fee rate than the regular personalized prestige plate.

The plate cannot be transferred between motor vehicle owners unless a close family relationship exists between owners. Ownership rights to a personalized plate remain with the owner until the personalized plate has been expired for one year.

Applications for initial issuance of a personalized prestige license plate may be submitted on a Personalized Prestige License Plate Application or on the website at www.expresslane.org.

Fees

  • $25.00 annual fee for a personalized plate with more than one character in addition to regular registration fees.
  • $250.00 per year fee for a single letter personalized prestige license in addition to regular registration fees.

These plates are specially ordered through the Specialized Vehicle Unit. Initial requests, and all other requests must be mailed to:

The Office of Motor Vehicles
Specialized Vehicle Unit
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

There are offices located in East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammy, etc. Although there are offices in multiple areas, you should research where the closest office to you is located.

How Do You Complete Your Application for a Louisiana Handicap Parking Permit?

To submit an application for a Louisiana handicap parking permit, you have to have a form filled in by a doctor confirming that you, in fact, have a disability that qualifies you for a permit. Follow this guide if you are feeling confused or unsure about how to fill out the form.

If someone visits Louisiana from another state and has a disability parking permit already, they can still use it if they bring it with them.

In order to obtain a handicap plate, the following must be done:

  • You must have a permanent lifelong disability.
  • The Physician’s Certification of Mobility Impairment form must be completed by your physician.
  • If the vehicle is titled in the mobility impaired person’s name and is currently licensed, the license plate and registration must be submitted to the Motor Vehicle Office, along with the completed Physician’s form.
  • If the vehicle is not titled in the mobility impaired person’s name, a form must be completed in addition to the completed physician’s form.
  • If a new vehicle is being purchased, these forms can be given to the dealership to submit to OMV with the registration documents. The handicap plate will be issued at the time of registration.

Professionals Who Are Qualified

You are required to bring a form completed by a medical professional confirming that you meet every requirement for a Louisiana handicap parking permit. All qualifying medical examiners have to practice medicine or chiropractic practices and be licensed by the:

  • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
  • Louisiana State Board of Chiropractic Examiners

They can also be an advanced practice registered nurse and are also supposed to make it clear whether their disability is temporary or permanent.

Medical Examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment Form

The medical examiner has to fill in this form before you can get the handicap permit

  • Full name
  • Birth Date
  • Address
  • Race/Sex
  • Chooses whether you are permanently, temporarily impaired, or are unable to appear in person at their office
  • Their signature
  • Printed Name
  • The date they fill in the form
  • Their license number
  • Their phone number

To Be Completed by Motor Vehicle Analyst Only

  • VIN
  • License plate number
  • Hang-tag control number
  • Hang-tag ID number
  • Date issues
  • Operator number
  • Office number

Louisiana Department of Public Safety/Corrections Form

Section 1: Designation of Mobility Impaired License Plate

You will have to enter all of this information into the blanks of the first section.

  • In the first blank, Enter the full name of the mobility-impaired individual if you are registering for them or your name if you are said individual.
  • Vehicle Owner’s Name: Write the full name of the person who owns the vehicle you want the license plate for.
  • Vehicle Year, Make, & Model: Write down the year that the model of your car was released, the name of the make, and the model.
  • Vehicle Identification Number: Enter the unique 17 character that identifies your specific vehicle.
  • Signature of Mobility Impaired Individual or Representative: Sign your name if you are the representative for the said mobility-impaired person or have them sign their name.

Section 2: Assent & Acceptance of Designated Plate by Vehicle Owner

There is a paragraph that the vehicle owner will have to print their name in and a section under the paragraph where they have to sign. The paragraph is essentially confirming that:

  • They will accept the license plate that is designed specifically for their vehicle when it is made.
  • They understand that the license plate can be canceled whenever the said mobility-impaired person gives them and the Department of Public Safety & Corrections written notice.
  • They understand that they have to return the plate to the department in the event of the mobility-impaired person’s death.

There is a line to sign their name under the paragraph.

Section 3: ASSENT & ACCEPTANCE OF DESIGNATED PLATE BY VEHICLE LESSEE

There is a paragraph that the vehicle lessee will have to print their name in and a section under the paragraph where they have to sign. The paragraph is essentially confirming that:

  • They accept the license plate on the vehicle is leased by them.
  • They understand that the license plate can be canceled whenever the said mobility-impaired person gives them and the Department of Public Safety & Corrections written notice.
  • They understand that they have to return the plate to the department in the event of the mobility-impaired person’s death.

There is a line to sign their name under the paragraph.

  • Plate Number, Office Number, Operator Code, and Issue Date

Submitting Your Application

When you obtain the form from your doctor and finish the application for a Louisiana handicap parking placard, you can submit it to the closest Office of Vehicle Services or mail it to the physical address:

Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Or mail it to the postal mailing address:

Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

Where Are You Allowed to Park?

Once you receive your plate, you can park anywhere you see the International Symbol of Access. You are allowed to park for two hours longer than posted time limits unless parking is prohibited because of traffic, you are parked in a fire lane, your vehicle is a hazard to traffic. You may never park in areas marked “no parking anytime.”

How Long Will the Permits Be Active?

There are different expiration periods for different kinds of permits. They are as follows:

  • Placards: If you have a temporary placard, it will be valid for up to one year, and if you have a permanent placard, it will be valid for four years.
  • License Plates: License plates are valid for two years.

Office Locations of Vehicle Services

There are several Offices of Vehicle Services all around the state of Louisiana, so you should have no trouble finding a place to submit your application if you look for offices near you. They offer driver license services, disabled parking permits, registration, titles, license plate renewals, road tests, etc.

Louisiana Handicap Parking Permits: What You Need to Know

Living with a disability means making adjustments in your life that most other people don’t have to think about. You may have to add features in your home that make it easier to complete daily tasks. Finding a parking space when you go to special events, attend school or go to work every day can also be a challenge when you have a disability.

Fortunately, if you live in Louisiana and have a condition that impacts your mobility, you’re likely eligible for a parking permit or license plate Here are some important details to keep in mind throughout the application process.

Determining Your Eligibility

You qualify to receive a handicap hang tag or placard if you:

  • Can’t walk for more than 200 feet without having to take a break
  • Have a portable oxygen tank
  • Can’t walk without assistance. This includes needing assistance from another person, a cane, braces or a wheelchair.
  • Have a prosthetic or use a wheelchair
  • Are legally blind
  • Have lung disease that restricts your mobility, and your forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second is less than 0.5 liters or your arterial oxygen tension is 60 mm/hg or lower on room air at rest
  • Have a heart condition that limits your mobility. The condition must be classified as a Class III or Class IV condition according to the American Heart Association
  • Have an orthopedic or neurological impairment that affects your mobility
  • Have severe arthritis
  • Have a diagnosed disorder or disease that classifies you as disabled

Getting a Handicap Plate In Louisiana

If you’re a Louisiana resident and want to get a handicap plate for your vehicle, you must have a disability that qualifies as permanent and lifelong. Your doctor has to fill out a form to verify your disability – the Physician’s Certification of Mobility Impairment form, which is known as DPSMV 1966.

In addition to your primary doctor, your chiropractor or advanced practice registered nurse can fill out the form for you. The medical professional filling out your form must be licensed to practice medicine from the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners or the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.

You can submit the form in person at your nearest Louisiana DMV, or the form can be faxed as long as it is faxed directly from the doctor’s office. If you’re not able to drop the form off in person, you can submit a photo with all necessary application materials. The photo must be in color.

If you have a vehicle titled in your name, have a drivers license and are disabled, your license plate and registration must be submitted to the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Office along with your Physician’s form.

If the vehicle that you want plates for is not titled in your name, you have to complete DPSMV 4222, which is a designation form. Turn this document in with your physician’s statement to the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Office. You have to sign the form, and a designee must sign as well to receive the license plate on your behalf. Your designee has to agree that you as the disabled person have the right to cancel your plates at any time. If the designee currently has a vehicle that is licensed in Louisiana, the designee must submit his/her old license plate and registration to receive the handicap plates.

If you’re buying a new vehicle, give your completed forms to the dealership. The documents will be submitted to OMV with the correct registration paperwork. You’ll receive your handicap plate when you register your vehicle.

Prices for Handicap Plates and Placards

In Louisiana, the price for handicap plates is $10. The plates are valid for two years. You’ll also pay a fee of around $8 for any plate-related transaction with the exception of renewals.

You’ll also pay a $3 fee for all handicap placards, whether the placards are temporary permanent, lost, damaged or stolen.

Renewing Your Handicap Placard

Permanent placards are valid in Louisiana for four years. Temporary placards are valid for one year. If you have a permanent placard, you don’t need to go through the recertification process again. If you need a temporary placard renewed, you must submit a current statement from a medical examiner.

Replacing Lost or Stolen Placards

You can apply for a new handicap placard if yours is lost, damaged or stolen. You must submit an application stating the condition of your placard and pay a fee of $3 at your nearest Louisiana DMV. If you’re not able to visit the DMV in person, a representative can apply for you. The representative should be an individual who can accurately answer all questions pertaining to your mobility or disability.

Where to Hang Your Handicap Placard

Louisiana handicap placards are designed to hang from the front windshield of your vehicle’s rearview mirror. If there isn’t a rearview mirror in the vehicle, you can display your tag on the dashboard of your car or truck.

Getting a Disabled Veterans Plate

Disabled veterans in Louisiana can receive a Disabled Veterans license plate for free. Veterans have to provide the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles with proper documents from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The documents must verify that your disability is at least 50% related to your military service. Your disabled veterans plate is free for life, but you’ll have to pay an initial $8 handling fee. Once your receive your plates, you can also request a handicap placard free of charge. The placard will make it legal for you to park in spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities.

As a veteran, you also receive exemption from driver license fees in Louisiana including Classes D and E. This applies to CDL licenses as well. To qualify for a free drivers license, you must prove that you were honorably discharged from the military and that you receive compensation from the U.S. government for a military service-related disability. You can also take advantage of Social Security benefits once you apply.

These helpful tips will make it much easier to obtain all handicap parking privileges in Louisiana so local travel will be more efficient for you.