Like many of the other 50 states in the United States of America, Delaware has set aside convenient parking spots for individuals with disabilities and marked them accordingly. Residents may use these disabled parking spots if you obtain a disabled parking permit from the state of Delaware.
There is, however, a process that you must go through to prove to the state of Delaware that you qualify for a disabled parking permit. The guide below will provide you with everything you need to know in order to be issued a disabled parking permit from the state of Delaware.
Qualifications for Disability Placards in Delaware
Delaware requires those applying for a disability parking permit to have some type of condition, medical or otherwise, that affects your mobility in a severe manner. In most cases, this condition must be accompanied by a certification from a medical professional.
The following are some of the conditions that, when certified by a medical professional, will qualify you for a permit:
- Inability to walk 200 feet without rest
- Needing some type of assistive device for walking
- For example: a brace, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic, or assistance from another person
- Having severe restrictions in mobility due to lung disease
- Requiring use of a portable oxygen tank
- Having been diagnosed with a class 3 or 4 cardiac condition
- If you are 85 or older
The Application Process
There are a few different methods by which you can apply for a disabled parking permit in the state of Delaware. Each of these methods will be listed and described below.
Online Application
If you have access to a computer and the internet this is the least time-consuming way to apply for a disabled parking permit. However, in the state of Delaware online applications can only be submitted by individuals who are 85 or older.
If you are not 85 or older, you must apply in person or by mail, in order to submit your accompanying documents that prove that you are qualified for the permit. The online process for those who can use it does require a few items to prove your identity.
When applying online you must have the following items readily available to enter in the necessary information:
- A state of Delaware driver’s license or ID card
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your e-mail address
- Your phone number
- Your date of birth
- Your social security number
Once you have all of this information readily available, you can proceed to the Department of Motor Vehicles website for the state of Delaware and fill out an online application.
Application for a Disability Parking Permit by Mail
You can also apply for a disabled parking permit from the state of Delaware by mail. In order to do this you must first obtain an application, either from the Department of Motor Vehicles in person or by printing it out off of the Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Once you have obtained your application, you can fill out all of the required information. You will also have to include your medical certification with the application in the mail. More information on the medical certification process will be given below.
Applying for your Delaware Disability Parking Permit in Person
To obtain a disabled parking permit from the state of Delaware in person, you must bring all of your necessary documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Upon arrival, you will be able to fill out an application and submit it to one of the state officials
At this point, the official will be able to process your information and application. This may the best approach for some, as you have direct access to an official during your application process who can answer any questions and address concerns.
Medical Certification
If you are applying for a disabled parking permit in the state of Delaware and you are not 85 or older, you will need to receive certification from a registered physician. Those who are 85 or older do not need to complete this step and can simply apply by verifying their identification.
Unlike some other states, the state of Delaware strictly requires that a medical certification be signed by a certified physician. This is necessary to prove that you have a condition that severely limits your mobility, qualifying you for the issuance of a disabled parking permit.
Types of Disability Parking Permits Issued in Delaware
Just as in many other states, the state of Delaware issues a temporary and a permanent version of a disability parking permit. Each of these permits has a different period of time in which they are valid.
A temporary parking permit is valid for 90 days before it has to be renewed by the State. The renewal process for each placard will be described below.
A permanent parking permit for the state of Delaware is valid for three years. After this time period, the placard of a license plate must be renewed. Further medical certification is not required at this time.
Fees for your parking permit
In many cases, the state of Delaware does not charge fees for a disabled parking permit. There are, however, circumstances in which costs may apply. It is best to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to see if there are any fees pertaining to your specific situation.
Renewal
Similar to the initial application process, renewal of a disabled parking permit in Delaware can be done online, by mail or in person. You must have all of your information readily available for each process.
Medical certification is not required for the renewal of a permanent disabled parking permit. Some states do require that you repeat the process; Delaware does not.
Conclusion
If you follow this guide you should have no problem obtaining your disabled parking permit from the state of Delaware. Just remember that you need to receive medical certification from a licensed physician if you are under the age of 85. Once you have that certification and all of your other information ready to submit, you will be able to utilized Delaware’s disabled parking system.