In order to park in disabled parking spaces, you must have to have a disabled driving permit. These are normally obtained through your state’s Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles where you get your license and license plate renewed.

Your disabled driving permit allows you to get where you need to go with ease. But it’s important to remember that these permits can expire, and it can leave you in a tough spot if you don’t take action before the expiration date. Luckily, in most cases, renewing your disabled driving permit is a breeze – and you might not even need to see a doctor to get it done.

Here’s what you need to know about renewing your disabled driving permit so you don’t find yourself in a parking pickle – including the answer to the question, “Do I need to see the doctor to renew my disabled driving permit?”

How Do I Renew My Disabled Parking Permit?

How you go about renewing your disabled parking permit depends on where you live. It’s important to check with the body that oversees disabled parking permits in your state. This is usually the place where you originally got the form for your disabled parking permit.

When it is time for you to renew, remember that how you renew will depend on the type of permit you currently have. There are a few different types of permits, including temporary, permanent, and Disabled Veterans’ permits. Getting yours renewed will involve filling out a new application form for renewal and submitting the completed form before your permit expires.

Disabled Parking - disabled parking spaces
Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash: Do I need to see a doctor to renew my disabled parking permit? Perhaps not, depending on the type of disabled parking permit you have.

Do You Need To Renew Permanent Disabled Permits?

Each state has an option for a permanent disabled parking permit, but it’s important to keep in mind that these permits are not technically “permanent” – they must be renewed as well.

The idea behind a permanent disabled parking placard is that it’s for those who have a permanent disability of some kind. In these cases, it’s likely you do not need to have your doctor fill out your disabled parking placard renewal form, but you will still have to get your permit renewed about every five years.

Temporary Disabled Parking Permits

In many cases, temporary disabled parking permits are only good for a certain amount of time, such as six months. They are given for disabilities or conditions that aren’t considered permanent, such as pregnancy or post-surgery recovery.

If your temporary disability parking placard is about to expire, you will need to meet with your doctor to start the process over again and fill out the correct forms. They’ll need to certify that you still have a condition that qualifies you for the disabled parking permit; then you’ll have to submit the paperwork to the DMV in your area to have the permit renewed.

Where To Renew Your Disabled Parking Permit

Once the renewal application is completed, in most states you’ll submit it either in person or through the mail to the local authority that oversees disabled parking. That may be your local tax collector’s office, but in most states, it’s the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Cost Of Renewing Your Permit

In many states, you won’t have to pay anything to renew your disabled parking permit, but in some states you may have to pay a small fee. Check with the body through which you renew your permit to find out how much you may have to pay, if anything at all. Also, be advised that if you prefer to have disabled parking plates instead of a placard for your vehicle, the renewal fee can be more expensive.

Disabled Parking - doctor consultation
Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash: How do I ask my doctor for handicap parking? Tell them your concerns to see if you qualify!

How Often To Renew A Disabled Driving Permit

There are a few factors that influence how often you must renew your permit. The first is the place you live, since the requirements vary from state to state. The second is the type of permit you have. As previously discussed, there may be different procedures for renewing a temporary permit and one that is permanent.

You may also find a difference regarding the date of your renewal, again depending on where you live. In some states, the expiration date is clearly printed on the permit itself. Other states may send you a letter to remind you that the time to renew your permit is drawing near. However, it’s up to you to remember to renew your permit before it expires. In no state does a parking permit automatically renew, so it’s important to understand that you will need to take action to renew yours.

Can You Renew a Handicap Placard Online?

In most places, you can renew your disabled driving permit online. Simply log into the Department of Motor Vehicles website to do so.

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