Delaware is a state famed for being one of the original thirteen colonies which rebelled against Great Britain and made themselves into the United States of America. This small but proud state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the state of New Jersey on the east, by Pennsylvania on the north, and by Maryland on the south and on the west.
The name of the state of Delaware is derived from the Delaware River, whose name in turn was derived from Thomas West, the 3rd Baron De La Warr. The Delaware River delineates much of the border between Delaware and the neighboring state of New Jersey.
Delaware is one of the smallest states in the nation. In fact, only Rhode Island can claim to be smaller. But just because it is small does not mean it is insignificant. In fact, Delaware was the first state to decide to ratify the Constitution of the United States on December 7, 1787, thus earning itself the fitting moniker of “the First State.”
Indeed, the title “The First State” is proudly displayed on each and every license plate issued in the State of Delaware, a fact quickly noticed by visitors to the state. But visitors might also take note that on a number of those license plates, a handicapped symbol stands emblazoned to the left of the license plate number, indicating that the license plate also serves as a handicap parking permit. For those who are disabled, Delaware has made provisions regarding handicapped parking spaces in the hopes of making the lives of disabled persons a little easier.
Delaware has a specific set of guidelines and procedures governing who is eligible to receive a disabled parking permit, and those guidelines have been crystallized into the following informational guide. Here is what you need to know about obtaining a handicap parking permit in the state of Delaware.
What Is Considered a Disability in Delaware?
The definition of disability that makes a person qualified for a handicap parking permit in the state of Delaware is wide ranging yet fair.
For instance, not being able to walk for more than 200 feet without needing to stop and rest, not being able to walk safely without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device, or using portable oxygen are all conditions which qualify you as disabled in Delaware.
Other conditions include being restricted by severe lung disease, suffering from a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition as defined by the American Heart Association, or being severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.
Other conditions which hinder one’s mobility severely enough may also be considered disabilities and may make a person eligible for a disabled parking permit in Delaware.
A special subgroup of people in Delaware who may or may not have a disability but who are also eligible to receive a disabled parking permit is those who are of age 85 years and older.
Who Is Qualified to Determine Disability?
In order to determine who is actually disabled, Delaware requires a certification of disability from those applying for a handicap parking permit. In Delaware, only a licensed physician may give such a certification.
The licensed physician must conduct a physical examination and give proof of the disability by completing and signing an application form, Form MV474 (obtainable online or in person at a Delaware DMV location). The person applying for the disabled parking permit must bring this form with them to the physical exam so that the licensed physician can fill out the relevant portions of the form.
What Kinds of Permits Are Available?
If you find yourself in need of a disabled parking permit, you will need to know the kind of permit that best suits your situation. Delaware provides handicap parking permits in the form of a long-term placard and a long-term license plate. It also provides a temporary placard to those who are immobile but whose immobilizing condition is temporary or has a hope of improvement.
Placards must be hung from the rearview mirror of your vehicle when you are parked in a handicapped space and removed when the car is in motion. License plates must of course be permanently and securely fixed to the back bumper of your vehicle.
Delaware also offers a special long-term disability license plate for disabled veterans which displays not only the handicapped symbol but also the letters “DAV,” which stand for “Disabled American Veterans.” Delaware recently streamlined this process for disabled veterans, allowing them to have a special plate designating not only their disability but also their service to their country.
Long-term placards and license plates expire after three years, and temporary placards are valid between 35 and 90 days (the exact number of days is to be determined by the licensed physician).
How Do You Apply for the Permit?
The application process is relatively straightforward: You must obtain the application form (Form MV474), fill out the relevant sections, and have your doctor fill out the rest to certify you as disabled and in need of a permit. Then you must either turn in your application in person at any Delaware DMV office or mail it to the following address:
State of Delaware
Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903
Attn: Correspondence
Those who are aged 85 years and older can apply by mail but can also apply online, since no physician’s certification is needed (only proof of age is required).
In terms of application fees, obtaining a long-term or a temporary placard is free, but obtaining a license plate requires the standard DMV registration fee. Veterans applying for a DAV plate must pay a one-time fee of $10 and include with their application a certificate of eligibility from the Veterans’ Administration.
How Do You Renew or Replace Your Permit?
Temporary placards cannot be renewed in Delaware (a new application must be submitted to get another one), but permanent placards and license plates can be renewed online or by mail with Form MV2011.
Applying for a replacement for a lost, damaged, or stolen placard or license plate can be done online but may require a small $1.00 replacement fee.
Conclusion
That is all you need to know about getting a disabled parking permit in the proud state of Delaware!