How To Get Your Disabled Parking Permit in Nevada

Receiving a disabled parking permit can be a confusing task. For those individuals living in the United States, laws can vary from state to state. Even cities can have various rules and regulations about disabled parking permits. If you’re looking to obtain a disabled parking permit for the state of Nevada, this article is for you. Here is a helpful guide to provide clarity:

Do You Qualify?

Nevada has its own set of regulations to legally own a disabled parking permit. It’s imperative that you understand each qualification and if you meet the criteria required. You need to meet at least one of the predefined qualifications. This is the first step in obtaining your disabled parking permit. Here are the prerequisites:

  • You cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
  • You are visually handicapped.
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You are restricted by lung disease.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a cane, wheelchair, crutch, brace, or other devices, or another person.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified as a Class III or Class IV according to standards adopted by the American Heart Association

What are the functional limitations standards adopted by the American Heart Association?

The last prerequisite is about the American Heart Association’s Functional Capacity classifications. A person with cardiac disease may have their capacity for physical activity limited. Here is the Association’s definition’s for Class III and Class IV functional limitations:

  • Class III – Patients marked as Class III are with cardiac disease resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. And, less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.
  • Class IV – Patients marked as Class IV are with cardiac disease resulting in an inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure or the anginal syndrome may be present even at rest. And, if any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.

Obtain Your Application

In Nevada, first-time applications for disabled parking license plates, motorcycle, or moped license plates must be made in person. You must have your name appear on the vehicle certificate of registration and be able to provide your current Nevada evidence of insurance. You must also have a permanent disability to qualify for the disabled persons’ license plates.

If you’re just interested in a temporary placard (for those with a reversible disability), it does not need to be in person and you do not have to have a permanent disability to qualify.

Either way, make sure to pick up your application so you can have a physician fill out the bottom of. Which brings us to our next step.

Have A Physician or Nurse Certify Your Condition

This next step in the process is arguably the most important in obtaining a disabled parking permit. In Nevada, you must have either a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician’s assistant complete your form.

Whoever you choose to fill out your disabled parking permit application will check off which prerequisites you meet so you can obtain your disabled parking permit.

Send Or Drop Off Your Documents

If this is your first time applying for a disabled parking license plate, you must turn in your application in-person. The form can be dropped off at any DMV full-service office.

If you’re not a first-time applicant for license plates, you can mail, fax, or drop off your application. The form can be mailed to the address listed on it, faxed to (775) 684-4797, or, just like with the license plates, you can drop the form off at any DMV full-service office.

What To Do When You Receive Your Disabled Parking Permit

Have you just received your disabled parking permit? Great! However, there are rules and regulations to be able to properly receive the benefits of your new permit. Make sure you have a permanent placard if you require one. A temporary disabled parking permit may be issued if you have a reversible disability.

If you’ve been given a temporary permit but need a permanent one, check with your local DMV about your application.

The state of Nevada also issues authorization letters to those who hold a disabled parking permit. This authorization letter must be kept in your vehicle at all times when you’re using your disabled parking permit.

Also, make sure that your placard is hanging in your rear-view mirrors at all times when you’re not driving. It must be visible at all times when parked. Make sure to take the placard off your rear-view mirror when you are driving. If you leave the placard visible while driving, it could count as an obstruction. The dashboard is another good place to keep your placard to ensure it’s always visible.

Renewing Your Disabled Parking Permit

Temporary or Moderate Placards/Stickers

If you have a temporary or moderate placard/sticker, you will not receive an automatic renewal reminder. If you’d like to renew your documents, you must fill out another application. That also means another trip to your physician or nurse to complete the physician’s certification again.

Permanent Placards

If you have a permanent placard you will be mailed a reminder notice as you near the ten-year expiration date. A new signature isn’t required but you do need to return the notice or complete and return the top portion of the application

Licensed Plates

You do not need to fill out another application or retrieve another medical signature for license plate renewals as they are given if you’re listed as permanently disabled in DMV records. However, you do need to renew the vehicle registration annually.

Conclusion

This guide is designed to help you receive your disabled parking permit in Nevada. It also guides you through the steps to ensure you’re using it correctly. Always keep your disabled parking permit visible. And, remember that it is illegal to use a disabled parking permit if the owner isn’t present.

Everything You Need To Know About Disabled Parking In Nevada

Nevada is full of wonder, surprises, and excitement. From its vast parks and outdoor recreation to the bright lights of Las Vegas to the overlooked biggest little city in the world – Reno. It’s easy to talk all about Nevada’s treasures, but what about its disabled parking? This guide will go over everything you need to know about disabled parking in Nevada.

Who Can Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Nevada?

Like all states, Nevada has its own set of rules and regulations in regards to who can own a disabled parking permit. The state provides a list of qualifications and an individual must be able to meet one or more of them. Here are the qualifications:

  • You are restricted by a lung disease
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You are visually handicapped.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a cane, wheelchair, brace, another person, crutch, or other devices.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified as a Class III or Class IV according to standards adopted by the American Heart Association.

The last prerequisite is about the American Heart Association’s standards for functional limitations in those with cardiac disease.

Wait, there is more than one type of disabled parking permit?

Yes, there are different types of disabled parking permits and Nevada is no exception. Generally, there are two types of permits you can obtain in Nevada: license plates and placards.

Placards are hung in your rearview mirror or may be left out somewhere visible such as your dashboard. The license plates issued replace your old license plates on your motor vehicle and serve to identify your vehicle for disabled parking.

Let’s dive into the differences between the two.

Placards

Most of the time, you’ll run into two different types of placards: temporary and permanent. However, in Nevada, there are three different types of placards: temporary, permanent, and moderate.

  • Permanent – Permanent placards are valid for ten years and are blue. The ten-year validation is much longer than the other variations.
  • Moderate – These are also colored blue and are valid for two years. These are meant for disabilities that may take longer than 6 months to heal. These may be ideal if you have a serious injury or impairment that would limit your physical activity for an extended time.
  • Temporary – These are the placards that expire in the shortest amount of time – six months. These are colored red and are meant for those who have a reversible disability. Perhaps you’ve broken a leg or injured yourself in a way that limits you. This would be ideal for a scenario such as that.

If you’re only looking to obtain a placard, the state of Nevada encourages applicants to order by mail or fax. You can mail the application to the address listed or fax it to (775) 684-4797. You can also drop it off at a full-service DMV office.

Temporary and moderate placards can be renewed. However, you’ll have to fill out another application form and go through the entire process again before your expiration date.

Permanent placards will also need to submit a form. When a permanent placard holder is nearing their ten-year expiration date, they’ll receive a renewal notice in the mail before its expiration. A doctor or physician does not need to sign the renewal form. The owner must simply fill out the form for themselves.

License Plates

It’s important to note that only those with a permanent disability may qualify for a license plate. A person that has a reversible condition may only obtain placards or motorcycle stickers.

The state of Nevada offers two different types of license plates for those who are interested: a permanent plate or a disabled veteran plate. Both of these license plates are valid for one year.

To renew your disabled parking license plates all you need to do is simply renew your vehicle registration.

While placards have a variety of ways you can turn in your documents, it is more strict with license plates. If you’re applying for disabled parking license plates, you must apply in-person at the DMV. That means you must have your certification from a physician completed before you’re able to turn it in in-person. Don’t worry though, the process is simple and straightforward once you’re there.

Authorization Letters

Each state has its own rules and regulations in regards to disabled parking permits and here we have another one you may not find everywhere. Nevada issues authorization letters that contain the name and address of the disabled person who holds the placard or license plate.

If you have a disabled parking permit in Nevada, you must keep this letter (or a copy of the letter,) in the vehicle that is displayed your disabled parking permit. If you’re using a placard you must have it present with you.

Expedited Service Permits

Those who have a permanent disability, or an irreversible condition, may be able to obtain an expedited service permit. This allows you to receive expedited services at State of Nevada agencies only. It’s kind of like your driver’s license and has a photo of the disabled person.

To obtain this kind of permit you need to submit an Application for Expedited Service Permit. You can obtain this form in-person at a DMV full-service office. If you already have a disabled parking permit, you don’t need to obtain another physician’s statement.

This kind of permit is valid for 10 years. It also has a fee that ranges from $7.25 to $13.25 depending on age or if you’re changing photos or names.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has provided clarity for those who were in the dark on some of Nevada’s most important information in regards to disabled parking permits. Remember to keep your authorization letter in your vehicle, properly display your placard, and, keep in mind it’s illegal to use a disabled parking permit if the owner of the permit isn’t present.

How Can You Apply for Your Handicap Parking Permit in Nevada?

If you are lost on how to apply for your disabled parking placard or plate, you need to thoroughly read through this article. All state laws for disabled placards and plates vary, some of the rules remain the same, but it’s best for you to check with your local Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.

What Qualifications You Must Satisfy to Apply

Your confusion has set in, but you need help to determine if you are able to apply for a disabled parking permit. Fortunately, Nevada’s application is only two pages and is straight forward with the information required for you to submit. Check the list of conditions below, to see if you qualify:

  • You cannot walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • You cannot walk without help from a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic device or help from another device
  • You have a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition
  • You have a lung disease that does not allow you to breathe in regular air
  • You are restricted from walking due to arthritis, a neurological or orthopedic condition
  • You are visually impaired
  • You require portable oxygen

You will need to decide if you will qualify for one or two disabled parking placards. Carefully, select your option, since you will not be allowed to receive another if you only select one.

What You Need in Order for You to Apply for a Disabled Parking Placard

As with any other application, gather all of your documents necessary to complete your application, thoroughly. You will need to have your licensed physician fill out the second page of your application to certify your disabilities. Your physician is required to verify if you have a temporary, moderate, or permanent ailment.

Nevada allows you to choose how to submit your completed application by fax, in person, or mail. If you submit in person, you will need to visit a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles full-service location. The Nevada DMV insists that you apply by mail, or fax at (775) 684-4797.

  • Fees

No fees will be assessed to you if you are only applying for a disabled parking placard. If you are applying for a disabled license plate, you will need to visit a DMV location in person to verify that your vehicle is insured and current on your emissions inspection. Appropriate fees may be assessed for the issuing of your disabled license plate. Your Disabled Veteran plate fees are $6.50 and cannot be personalized.

  • Disabled Veterans Plates/Disabled Female Veterans Plates

If you are 100% disabled through a military-service connected disability, you can apply for a disabled veterans license plate. For your application, you will need a different form from the regular disabled parking placard form. Check with your local Nevada DMV for specifications.

If you qualify, you will be exempt from state and local parking fees and you are allowed to use an authorized handicap parking space in the state. Your local Veterans Administration (VA) is obligated to verify your disabilities on your application. You will not be permitted to park your vehicle in any privately owned or municipally owned facility, if you are a disabled veteran license plate holder.

If you are applying for a disabled veteran’s plate, your benefits do not transfer from state to state, they are only valid in Nevada. If you are a plate holder, you must submit a passing emissions inspection of your registered vehicle, no older than 90 days.

Your Renewals and Replacement of Your Disabled Parking Placard/Plates

  • Disabled Placards

If you have a temporary disabled parking placard, it is valid for up to six months. If your temporary placard needs to be transferred to a permanent placard, you must fill out a new application. Your physician will also be required again to certify your conditions have changed.

If you have a permanent disabled parking placard, it is valid for 10 years. You will receive a notice by mail before your expiration date. You only need to fill out your part of the renewal and you will not be required to visit your physician for verification.

If you have a moderate disability, your placard will only be valid for a period of two years. Like a temporary placard, you will need to have a new medical certification by your physician. You must submit your new certification and application before expiration of your placard, by mail.

  • Disabled Plates

You must renew your vehicle registration annually with your disabled plate. You will be required to complete an emission inspection, if your vehicle hasn’t had one in over 90 days.

Your registration expiration date will change if it is due in over 35 days.

  • Replacing Your Disabled Parking Placards

Your state of Nevada requires you to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles if you need a replacement placard.

What You are Required to Do After You Receive Your Parking Placards

After you receive your disabled parking placard, hang it in your rearview mirror on the inside of your car. Your expiration date must be visible through the windshield of the vehicle, while parked in a handicapped accessible space. Do not hang your disability placard while driving your vehicle.

  • Abuse and Misuse

If your placard is abused or misused, you may be fined starting at $250, depending upon the violation. You will be charged with a criminal offense and could face jail time. Do not allow anyone, other than yourself, to use your parking placard!

Where are Your Branches in Nevada?

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles encourages that you submit your applications by mail or fax, but if you need to submit in person, visit your nearest location. The Nevada DMV branches are located across the state with numerous locations in each county. Check your local listings for your hometown DMV branch.

Your Next Steps

Now that you have an outline of what the Nevada laws for disabled parking permits are, collect your documents and completely fill your application. Obtain your medical certification from your physician, have your physician sign the second page, and submit your application to your local DMV.

What is the Best Way to Apply for Your Disabled Parking Permit in Nevada?

If you are looking for a help guide through the application and process of obtaining your disabled parking permit in Nevada, you need to read this outline. Policies, laws, and rules change state to state and are slightly different, locally. You need to stop all the confusion and frustration you are feeling and research Nevada’s laws for disability parking permits. Check with your local rules to obey the law.

How You Can Qualify

Nevada’s laws may seem like it is impossible for you to figure out how to apply for your disabled parking permit. Luckily, the application is only two pages, the first page is for you to fill out and sign and the second for your medical doctor. Review your conditions to see if you meet the eligibility requirements:

  • Your mobility causes you to stop when walking 200 or more feet
  • You need help from a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic device or assistance from another device for your mobility
  • Your Cardiac condition is classified as a Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association
  • You have a lung disease not allowing you to breathe resting air, properly
  • You have severe arthritis, a neurologic, or orthopedic ailment that doesn’t allow full walking capabilities
  • You are blind or have some vision loss, not allowing you to drive
  • You must use a portable oxygen tank

Additionally, decide whether you need one or two placards and select the one that fits your needs, the most. If you apply for one, you cannot apply for a second later on.

How Do You Apply for a Disabled Parking Permit?

You will need to find a medical doctor if you do not have one already. Nevada law says that your physician is required to verify if you have a temporary, moderate, or permanent disability. You must be a permanent resident of Nevada to apply for any of the listed handicap parking permits.

The Nevada DMV encourages you to apply by mail, or fax at (775) 684-4797. However, you may apply in person at a full-service location, the one closest to your residence.

  • Charges Assessed by the DMV of Nevada
    • You will not be charged for a disabled parking placard; placards are all free to you.
    • Fees will be assessed by the DMV if you are applying for a license plate; you will need to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles for charges
    • $6.50 will be charged to you for a Disabled Veterans/Disabled Female Veterans License Plate

Disabled Veterans Plates/Disabled Female Veterans Plates

For you to qualify, you must be 100% disabled through a military-service connected disability. The application for your disabled veterans plate is a different application than the regular application. You will receive special benefits as a plate holder, such as:

  • Exemptions from state and local parking fees
  • Authorized use of handicapped spaces (intrastate only)

Your local Veterans Administration (VA) will be required to provide a written certificate of your disabilities for your application. Your vehicle must pass the standardized emissions inspection and be no older than 90 days without a new inspection. Additionally, you are not authorized to park accessibly in privately owned and municipally owned properties or buildings.

Renewals, Replacements and Your Responsibilities

You must review the listed items in order for you to understand the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles policies and procedures for renewing and replacing your placards:

  • Hanging Disability Placards
    • Temporary disabled parking placards are valid up to six months
    • You may transfer to a permanent placard by filling out a new application
    • Your physician will need to submit a new medical certification
    • Permanent disabled parking placard are valid for 10 years
    • You will receive a notice by mail before your expiration date and you are not required to have a new medical certification
    • Moderate disability placards are valid for 2 years
    • You will need a new medical certification with your updated conditions
    • Submit your application through the mail, only
  • Disabled License Plates
    • Your vehicle registration must be renewed annually
    • If you have an emissions inspection older than 90 days, you must submit a new one to the DMV of Nevada
    • Your registration expiration date will change if you are overdue by 35 days
  • Replacement of Your Disability Placards
    • Your state of Nevada requires you to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles if you need a replacement placard.

Once Your Parking Placards are Received

After you receive your disabled parking placard, do a little research. A notification will tell you what to do once you receive them but be sure you are in compliance with your local rules. Generally, the disabled parking permit laws in Nevada state:

  • You must hang your placard in your rearview mirror
  • Do NOT hang your placard while driving
  • Check your Expiration date, so that it is showing through your windshield

How You Can Be Punished for Abuse and Misuse of Parking Placards

Unfortunately, abuse and misusage of disabled parking placards happen all across the nation. Understand that these are serious crimes, punishable by law. If you are found in violation of the disabled parking laws, you could be punishable by:

  • Fines ranging from $250-$1,000
  • Misdemeanor charges could be filed against you
  • You could face Jail Time

Where to Find Your Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Branch

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles heavily suggests that you fax or mail your application, before visiting in person. Remember to visit a full-service location, one closest to your home if you are going in person. The Nevada has Department of Motor Vehicles scattered throughout the state, for your convenience. Research your city online to find your best branch.

What You Need to Do Next

With this guide, you will be able to successfully complete your application for your disabled parking placards and/or plates. Be sure that all of your information is correct and submit by mail or fax, you may visit in person if you choose, but the Nevada DMV insists that you apply by one of the other options. Again, it’s in your best interest to follow your local rules for obtaining your disabled parking placards and/or plates.

How Can You Apply for Your Handicap Parking Permit in Nevada?

One of the most confusing times as a disabled person is when you are applying for all of your benefits and needs. You become lost in all of the paperwork and which rules and laws to follow, since every state is different. The United States places laws for you to follow with disabled parking permit qualifications, the below how-to guide will help you on your journey to apply.

How to Qualify for Your Parking Permit

First, you must determine if you meet your state of Nevada’s eligibility requirements. You need to do a little research to find if you:

  • Cannot gait 200 or more feet without resting
  • Cannot walk without assistance from a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic device or help from another person
  • Class III or Class IV cardiac condition
  • Have a lung disease that does not allow you to breathe normal in resting air
  • Cannot walk due to arthritis, a neurological or orthopedic condition (severe)
  • Cannot see
  • Rely on portable oxygen to breathe

Second, you must determine if you will be applying for one or two disability placards. Note, that you will not be allowed to change after your application is received, from one placard to two.

How You Need to Apply for Your Parking Placards

Third, before you begin your application, collect all your necessary documents of identification and alert your medical doctor that you will be needing your medical certification. Your doctor will sign the second page and fill, while you will fill and sign the first page of your application. Your doctor will assess to see if you need a temporary, permanent or moderate disability placard.

Fourth, you must decide how you will submit your application, in person, mail, or fax. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles suggest that you submit either, by mail or fax at (775) 684-4797.

Fifth, check to see what fees you will be charged on your application. Remember, no fees are assessed to you if you are applying for a disability placard. If you decide to apply for a disabled license plate, you must visit your Nevada DMV branch for review of your vehicle insurance and inspection. The Nevada DMV will also charge fees to issue your disabled license plate. If you applied for a Disabled Veteran plate your fees are $6.50.

Sixth, if you are a Veteran check to see if you qualify and apply for your Disabled Veterans Plates/Disabled Female Veterans license plates. You must be determined by the Veteran’s Administration (VA) to be 100% disabled through a military-service connection. The application is slightly different, so be sure to select the correct application.

  • The Veteran’s Administration must give you a written certificate including your ailments of disability
  • You are able to park in any disabled parking spot throughout the state
  • State and local parking fees do not apply if you qualify for the disabled veteran’s plate
  • Submit your inspection of your vehicle and inspection (must not be older than 90 days)
  • Cannot transfer benefits state to state

How to Renew and Replace Your Disability Parking Placards

Seventh, it is your responsibility to know the rules and procedures of your city for renewing and replacing your disabled parking placards and/or plates. Evaluate the status of your placards, if you have a temporary, permanent or moderate placard.

Your temporary parking placards are good for up to six months and you may choose to transfer them, if necessary. If your placard needs to be transferred to a permanent or moderate placard, your doctor must give a new certification on a new application to be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles Department.

Your permanent disabled parking placard is valid for 10 years and a renewal form will be mailed to you to sign and send back a week before your placard expires. Unlike the moderate and temporary parking placards, you do not need a new medical certification, unless your condition has changed drastically.

Your moderate disability placard is valid for two years. Your moderate parking placard will also need to be re-certified by your medical doctor and will require a new application for you. You may transfer to a permanent parking placard as long as you are certified by your doctor.

  • Your Disability License Plates

You are required to register each 12 months and you can register your vehicle at the same time. If your registration is set to expire in 35 days or less, you will need to register parallel with your disabled license plate.

  • Replacing Your Parking Placards

If your placard is lost or stolen, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles urges you to contact your local office as soon as necessary.

How You Use Your Placard

Eighth, once received, you must hang your disability placard in your rearview mirror of your vehicle. Be sure that the expiration date is viewable from your windshield.

How to Reduce Abuse and Misuse

Ninth, if your placard is abused or misused you are subjecting yourself to fines from $250 to $1,000 dependent on which city you live in. Abuse or misuse will go on your criminal record and you could face going to jail. You do the crime, you do the time.

How to Find a Branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles

Lastly, after you have completed all of the above, research the Nevada DMV locations and times they are open, if you need to visit in person. Remember to only visit locations that are near your home, or in your city that you live in. You can utilize GoogleMaps to help your search for the closest one. Each local rules are different, so keep that in mind, if you go a town or more over!

How to Complete the Process

Now that you have navigated through this how-to guide, you should have an idea of Nevada’s laws and what is required of you by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. One, gather your identifying information, research your state and local laws, review the renewals and replacement outline, find a location near you, and submit your application by mail or fax. You have successfully completed your guide for a disabled parking permit in Nevada.