Where can I get a handicap placard near me? This is an important question that a lot of people are asking. Millions of Americans have a disability that qualifies them to use a handicap parking permit – but many of these people have yet to apply for their permit.

Every year thousands of people become newly licensed drivers. Many have disabilities and also need to apply for a handicap parking permit. As well as this, lots of drivers become newly disabled, either temporarily or permanently, and therefore need to apply to use disabled parking.

So, where can you get a handicap parking permit? How do you apply for a handicap permit? Can you get a handicap permit online from anywhere in the US? Let’s answer these questions now…

Each State Has Its Own Specific Handicap Parking Regulations

Where you can get a handicap parking permit near you will depend on where you live. Each US state has its own handicap parking program with its own specific regulations and application processes.

Disabled Parking - disabled parkig signage
Image by MabelAmber on Pixabay: Where can I get a handicap placard near me?

How To Obtain A Handicap Parking Permit

You obtain a handicap parking permit by applying to your local disabled parking authorities. You can apply either online, by mail, or in-person. The type of handicap parking permit that you will need to apply for will depend on several factors, including:

  • Type of disability
  • Expected duration of disability
  • Whether you are disabled, a carer, or an organization that transports disabled people

Where To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In The US

In most states, you will need to apply for a handicap parking permit from the local Department of Motor Vehicles. In a minority of states, you will need to apply to the local tax collector’s office.

Where Can I Get A Handicap Parking Permit Near Me?

Each US state is split into several different localities and jurisdictions. Sometimes these jurisdictions have their own unique disabled parking rules and regulations. The nearest place you can go to get a handicap parking permit in-person will be either your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or your local tax collector’s office.

What Are The Options For Getting A Handicap Permit Online?

You can apply for a handicap parking permit online. For most people, this is the easiest and most straightforward option.

All states require you to submit an application for a disabled parking permit that has been completed by a local licensed medical practitioner. Different states have different requirements about who can complete an applicant’s form. In most states, it can be:

  • State licensed physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Chiropractor

There are also online clinics (such as DisabledParking.com) that arrange consultations between disabled parking permit applicants and local medical practitioners.

Can You Apply For A Handicap Permit Online From Anywhere In The US?

Yes, you can apply for a disabled parking permit online from anywhere in the United States. Your consultation will be a remote telemedicine video call and so can be done from anywhere. However, you should only apply for a disabled parking permit in the state in which you are currently a resident.

Can You Use Your Handicap Permit In Another State?

All US states recognize disabled parking permits issued by all other states. US disabled parking permits from all states are also recognized in several foreign countries, including:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • European Union
  • United Kingdom
man in wheelchair outdoors
Image by Nathan McDine on Unsplash: What are the requirements for a disabled badge?

What Are The Requirements For A Disabled Badge?

To qualify for a disabled badge, you must have a disability that is recognized as a qualifying condition in your state. Alternatively, you must be a carer for somebody who has a qualifying condition, or an organization that transports disabled people.

The most common list of qualifying conditions for disabled parking are:

  • Not being able to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
  • Not being able to walk without the aid of an assistive device such as a cane, crutch, wheelchair, or prosthetic device
  • Lung disease
  • Heart disease
  • Legal blindness
  • An arthritic, orthopedic, or neurological condition that affects mobility

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?

Each state has its own menu of available handicap parking permits. The most common available permits are:

  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking placard or license plate
  • Organizational permit or license plate
  • Disabled Veteran’s license plate

Featured image by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash