Known for its pristine beaches, its scenic vistas, its charming provincial towns, and its quaint colonial-era atmosphere, and its notable lack of a sales tax, Delaware is the second smallest state in the US (Rhode Island is the smallest state). Although Delaware is the sixth least populous state, because its size is so small, it is actually ranked sixth among the states in terms of its population density. Thus, in Delaware, people are used to living closer together and in a more crowded way than in most other states.

Delaware is not just a state teeming with people; it is a state steeped in history and cultural pride. The state of Delaware, which was one of the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain to become the United States of America, prides itself particularly on being “the First State,” due to its having been the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States on December 7, 1787.

If you have studied a bit of US history, you may know that Delaware is “the First State.” You may know this even if you haven’t studied American history, since the title is proudly displayed on every single one of the state’s license plates. But Delaware is also home to another quite significant (albeit lesser known) first: Delaware was the first state to pass a law regarding disability parking. The law, which designates a number of parking spaces to be made available only to those who are disabled, dates to 1955 and was the first of its kind.

Delaware has never been afraid to be first, and the handicapped parking legislation it pioneered is entirely in line with the state’s proud cultural history and character. Caring in this way for its disabled residents, who would otherwise have great difficulty finding a parking spot due to the state’s high population density, may not seem quite as momentous as being the first to ratify the Constitution and begin the American way of life as we know it, but it is certainly something else of which Delawareans can be proud.

The laws in Delaware governing handicap parking have certainly come a long way since 1955. If you require the use of designated handicapped parking and you live in Delaware, you must follow the procedures outlined below in order to receive a handicap parking permit, which will allow you to park in a handicapped space.

Prerequisites for Obtaining a Permit in Delaware

In order to receive a handicap parking permit in Delaware, you must have a disability or mobility impairment that prevents you from walking with ease. The following are conditions which make you eligible for a disabled parking permit:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk safely without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device.
  • Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the applicant’s or household member’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume, one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg. at room air or rest.
  • Uses portable oxygen.
  • Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the applicant’s or household member’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • Is severely limited in his or her ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.

These are the conditions listed on the Delaware Application for Special License Plate or Special Parking ID Placard for Persons with Disabilities (Form MV474). This form must be filled out by you and by a registered physician. The physician will determine if any of the conditions apply to you, and if that is the case, he or she will certify you as a disabled person eligible to receive a handicap parking permit by completing the form.

In addition to the above conditions, there may be other conditions not listed which permanently or temporarily prevent you from being able to walk. In such a case, your physician will determine the validity of the condition and certify you accordingly.

For instance, your ability to walk may be impaired or substantially limited for five weeks or more by the fact that you just had a major surgery. In this case, the doctor acknowledges your need of a disabled parking permit but surely expects and hopes for your recovery, so he or she will certify you for a temporary placard and specify the number of days it is to remain valid (between 35 and 90 days).

Also, if you are 85 years of age or older, you are automatically eligible for a disabled parking permit in Delaware. You do not need a physician’s certification; you only need to prove your age.

Applying for a Permit

The form which has been properly filled out by your doctor and by you will need to be submitted to the Delaware DMV either in person or by mail to this address:

State of Delaware

Division of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 698

Dover, DE 19903

Attn: Correspondence

Applying for a placard is free, but applying for a license plate carries the usual DMV registration fee. Also, applying for a Disabled Veterans special license plate involves a $10 fee and necessitates a certification from the VA that you became disabled as a result of serving your country.

Those who are 85 and older can also apply for the permit online.

Renewing or Replacing a Permit

Temporary placards are valid for the days specified by your doctor (minimum 35, maximum 90) and cannot be renewed.

Long-term plates and placards are good for three years and can be renewed either online or by mail.

Replacing a placard or plate must be done online and may require a replacement fee of $1.00 depending on the circumstances necessitating the replacement.

Conclusion

If you are disabled, you can partake of a little slice of proud Delaware history by adhering to the above instructions and getting yourself a handicap parking permit to park in a Delaware handicapped space, the first of its kind.