Getting a handicap parking permit can be a frustrating process if you aren’t familiar with all the steps and protocols associated with permit laws. If you need a handicap parking permit chances are the longer the process takes the more difficult it is for you to go about your everyday life.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide with everything you need to know so you can get your handicap parking permit in Hawaii, also known as Person with a Disability placard.

1.    Qualify for a Handicap Parking Permit

Before you begin the process you should make sure you qualify for the handicap parking permit. Here are some guidelines. The following are qualifiers for individuals to qualify for the handicap parking placard:

  • You’re unable to walk a distance of 200 feet or more without stopping for rest.
  • You’re restricted by a lung disease.
  • Arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, oncologic, renal or vascular condition or conditions limit your mobility.

If any of the above describes your medical condition you probably qualify for a handicap parking permit in Hawaii and should be able to begin the process of obtaining the proper permits.

2.    Ask your Doctor to certify your qualifying condition

Now that you’ve determined you have a medical condition that requires a handicap parking permit, you’ll need a doctor to certify your condition. Part of the paperwork that you’ll need to submit as part of the third step of obtaining your handicap parking placard in Hawaii requires a physician to sign off on the qualifying medical condition.

Your doctor will have to sign off on the disability that limits your mobility by indicating:

  • Whether the condition is arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, oncologic, renal or vascular.
  • Whether the condition is FEV < 1L (where your forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter) or P3O2 < 60 mm. Hg (where your resting arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg) if the condition is related to lung disease.
  • If you have a heart condition, whether it’s class III or class IV
  • If you can’t walk without using an artificial lower limb, a brace, crutches, a walker, a cane, a wheelchair or the help of another individual.
  • If you require portable oxygen.

Your physician will also prescribe the amount of time you’ll need the use of the handicap placard (this could be as little as 1 month or as many as 6 years).

Finally the prescribing doctor can also certify if you are unable to submit the form for disabled parking in person (so be sure this is something you consider during your visit) and sign off on the paperwork using his or her information.

3.    Complete Hawaii’s Person with a Disability Parking Permit Application

Now that you have certification from your doctor you should locate and complete this form from the state of Hawaii. You can find this form online or in person at a state DMV.

You’ll need to include standard personal information like your full name, address, date of birth, height, weight and gender. Additionally you’ll need to provide the year, make, model and license plate model of your primary vehicle as well as the date of the vehicle registration expiration.

When you hand in your paperwork to an issuing agency you’ll need to provide an acceptable form of identification. This includes but is not limited to a valid driver’s license, state ID, passport or senior citizen ID.

If you’re not able to submit your paperwork in person, the person submitting on your behalf must bring your identification (or a clear copy) as well as their own identification.

Frequently Asked Questions about getting your Handicap Parking Placard

Where are the designated issuing agencies where I can go to submit my paperwork?

There are a number of issuing agencies where you can drop off your paperwork and pick up your handicap parking placard in Hawaii. Many DMVs, City Hall and satellite city hall offices and offices of aging have the capabilities to review and process your paperwork. For a full list of accepted issuing offices check the Hawaii State Department of Health’s website. Don’t forget to bring your doctor’s certification along with the forms and your unexpired identification card!

Is there a fee for obtaining a handicap parking placard in Hawaii?

The fee for handicap parking placards varies based on the type of permit. For example, a blue placard (one that indicates a first time, long term disability) is free.

A red placard (one that indicates a short term disability) costs $12.

If I have multiple vehicles can I get more than one placard?

No, in Hawaii only one handicap parking placard may be issued per qualifying individual.

Do I have to renew my handicap parking placard once it is issued?

Yes, if you’re physician has indicated a long term disability you’ll need to renew your handicap parking placard every 6 years. There is a $12 renewal fee and you’ll be expected to provide a new certification from your doctor indicating that you still require the parking placard.

The good news is that renewal forms can be mailed in to the Disability and Communication Access Board so you won’t have to worry about dropping them off in person or enlisting the help of a friend to submit your paperwork for you.

I’m a disabled veteran, how do I apply for disabled veteran plates?

The state of Hawaii issues special military plates for a variety of reasons. Some of these include combat wounded, Purple Heart, former prisoner of war and combat veteran among many others.

To get one of these disabled veteran plates, simply provide your discharge paperwork as well as verification from the Veterans Administration. If you need the benefits of a handicap parking placard you will also need to follow the above steps for benefitting from the handicap parking placard.

Conclusion

Whether your handicap is temporary or permanent, hopefully this helpful guide has broken down the steps to receiving a handicap parking placard in Hawaii and made the process easier to follow.