If you’ve been temporarily or permanently disabled and want to know if you can receive a handicap license plate or placard for your vehicle, there are specific guidelines you should be aware of if you live in Connecticut. Each state has its own rules when it comes to handicap parking permits, so knowing what is required when you live in Connecticut can expedite the process and make it easier to park at a variety of Connecticut retail and professional locations.
Handicap Permit Fees
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles in Connecticut will issue parking placards if you can verify that you have a qualifying disability. You’ll either receive a permanent or temporary permit. To obtain a permit, you’ll need to speak with your medical professional.
If you need a temporary disability placard, you’ll pay a $5 application fee; the permit is valid for up to six months. There is no fee for a permanent disability permit.
Your permanent disability placard will remain valid as long as your driver’s license or state-issued ID card is current. You’ll need to renew the placard when you renew your license. The Connecticut DMV will send you a notice for renewal about 45 days before your license, ID card or handicap placard expire.
If you ride a motorcycle, you can apply to receive a license plate that features the International Symbol of Access. The plates are only available for motorcycles that are registered in the name of an individual who has a disability.
Applying For Your Permit
To apply for your Connecticut parking permit, fill out Part A of your Permanent Permit application or Temporary Permit form. You can obtain the document from any state DMV office or by getting in touch with the DMV Contact Center. Since you’ll have to pay a $5 application fee for a temporary permit, these forms can’t be faxed to the DMV.
Part B of both the permanent and temporary permit forms must be fill out by a medical professional such as a licensed doctor, physician’s assistant or psychiatrist who is contracted or employed by the U.S. Veterans Association. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, optometrist, ophthalmologist or member of the Connecticut Board of Services and Education for the Blind can also fill out Part B of the form for you. The Connecticut DMV will also accept a VA disability certificate for blindness or a certificate for amputation of arms and les or use of use of limbs. These certificates are also valid for hemiplegic or paraplegic handicaps, as well as traumatic brain injury. The VA disability certificate is usually acceptable in lieu of completion of Part B of the permit form.
For minors, guardians can certify the minor’s blindness or disability. However, the criteria for these conditions must meet the same criteria as those for adults.
When you’re ready to return the form, you can mail it to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Disabled Parking Permit Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Or fax the form (for permanent disability forms) to:
860- 263-5556
You can also email your disability form to:
You can also turn the permit form in at your local Connecticut DMV office.
Lost or Stolen Handicap Permits
If your disability permit is stolen, lost or damage, you can apply at the DMV for a replacement. To be eligible for a replacement, you need a valid driver’s license that was issued in Connecticut or a state ID card.
Fill out the permanent permit form; if your permit will expire at any time, you just need to fill out Part A of the document. You don’t have to pay a fee for a permanent display replacement. If you need to replace a temporary permit, the fee is $5.
Mail your application to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed above or use the above email address or fax number to send in your document. You can also visit a local DMV to submit the replacement application in person.
What Disabilities Qualify for a Permit In Connecticut?
While you may have a general idea of the handicaps that will make you eligible for a handicap permit, it’s important to have as many details on this subject as possible so you’ll know what to expect when you visit the DMV.
If you have a condition that impairs or restricts your mobility, whether they are temporary or permanent, you can apply for a permit. If you use portable oxygen, are legally blind, can’t use one or both arms or legs or aren’t able to walk more than 200 feet without stopping, the Connecticut DMV will likely issue a permit to you. You can also receive a placard if you have a neuro-muscular disorder that affects your mobility or a Class III or IV heart condition that is recognized by the American Heart Association. If you’re not able to walk long distances or without discomfort because or arthritis or conditions that affect your bones or nervous system, you’re likely eligible for a permit.
If you’ve been advised by a doctor to restrict your movement due to a lung disease in which your forced expiratory volume is less than one filter a second, you can apply for a disability placard.
Using Your Permit Properly
Once you receive your handicap permit, you’ll be able to park in spaces that display the handicap symbol. According to Connecticut law, off-street parking areas for handicapped persons are required at all private building that have 201 or more parking spaces. If you’re not sure about disability parking when you visit a business or retail establishment, talk to the security guard on duty or the business owner.
If your vehicle has a disabled license plate that clearly displays the International Symbol of Access, you can use handicap parking spaces. You, as the permit holder, must be present in the vehicle in order to access the parking space. Keep in mind that you still have to adhere to all state and regional parking regulations.
Now that you see how easy it is to receive your handicap permit in Connecticut, you can visit your city’s DMV to start the process today.