Kentucky has an efficient and well-run disabled parking program. The Bluegrass State’s disabled parking infrastructure makes life easier for people with mobility issues who live in or are visiting the state.

Kentucky disabled parking makes areas, buildings, and amenities accessible to people with a wide and diverse range of mobility issues. It’s an inclusive system that leaves nobody behind and exists to make getting around more manageable for people who suffer from a disability.

People who need to apply for a Kentucky handicap parking permit tend to have several questions: What qualifies for a disabled parking placard in Kentucky? What types of handicap parking permits are available in Kentucky? How do I renew my handicap placard in Kentucky? How do I get a handicap parking permit in Kentucky? Below, we’ll answer all of these important questions and more.

How Do I Get A Handicap Parking Permit In Kentucky?

The Kentucky handicap parking placard application process is straightforward. You need to submit an application form to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing. In order to qualify for a Kentucky handicap parking permit, you need to meet the qualifying conditions.

street with cars in lexington kentucky
Image by Iain Feeney on Unsplash: How do I get a handicap parking placard in Kentucky?

What Qualifies For A Disabled Parking Placard In Kentucky?

The list of qualifying conditions for a Kentucky handicap parking permit are:

  • Inability to walk two hundred feet without needing to stop to rest
  • Inability to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistant device
  • Lung disease to the extent that a person’s forced respiratory and expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Use of portable oxygen
  • A cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Severely limitations in ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
  • Loss of use of an arm or both arms
  • Blindness

Who Can Verify A Handicap Parking Permit Application In Kentucky?

An application for a permanent handicap parking permit in Kentucky can be signed by the following medical professionals:

  • Licensed physician
  • Physician assistant
  • Chiropractor
  • Advanced practice registered nurse

An application for a temporary handicap parking permit in Kentucky can be signed by the following medical professionals:

  • Licensed physician
  • Physician assistant
  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Chiropractor
  • Advanced practice registered nurse

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available In Kentucky?

Kentucky issues the following types of handicap parking permit:

  • Permanent placard or license plate
  • Temporary placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate

For How Long Are Kentucky Handicap Parking Permits Valid?

Kentucky handicap parking permits of all types expire after a period of time and need to be renewed.

  • Permanent parking placards are valid for six years
  • Temporary parking placards are valid for up to three months
  • License plates are valid for up to one year and expire on July 31st

How Do I Renew My Handicap Placard In Kentucky?

Handicap parking laws in Kentucky state that permits must be renewed every three months (for temporary placards) or six years (for permanent permits). To renew a Kentucky handicap permit, you must submit a new application form to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Permit renewal is free.

city skyline in louisville kentucky
Image by Miles Manwaring on Unsplash: What qualifies for a disabled parking placard in Kentucky?

Is A Kentucky Handicap Parking Permit Valid In Other States?

Kentucky handicap permits are valid in all other US states and several foreign countries, including:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • EU
  • UK
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Handicap parking permits from all other US states are valid in Kentucky.

How Do I Apply For A Kentucky Handicap Parking Permit?

You can apply for a Kentucky handicap parking permit by setting up a telemedicine consultation with a licensed medical professional. Once the medical professional has verified your suitability for a permit, they will fill in the relevant sections of an application form. You can then fill in the remaining sections of the form and submit it to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

Featured image by Joshua Michaels on Unsplash