There are several reasons why you may need a handicap or disability permit. If you live in Indiana, there are specific regulations you should be aware of when you apply for a permit. By following these guidelines, you can expedite the process and get the placard, license plate or permit you need to make it easier to travel when you’re in the state. Permits make it easier for you to get close the entrances of buildings so you won’t have to walk as far. Even if you’re traveling outside of Indiana, most other states will honor your handicap placards as well.

Am I Eligible For an Indiana Parking Permit?

If you’re an Indiana resident, you can get a disability parking permit if you meet certain eligibility requirements. You can also receive a permit if you’re receiving medical treatment in Indiana. You must:

  • Have a temporary or permanent disability that requires you to use a wheelchair, braces, a walker or crutches
  • You’re unable to use one or both of your legs temporarily or permanently or you’ve lost one or both of your legs
  • You have a heart or lung condition that restricts your mobility temporarily or permanently
  • You have a neurological impairment or suffer from arthritis or an arthritic condition
  • You have an orthopedic condition that affects your mobility
  • You are visually impaired or permanently blind

How to Get Your Indiana Parking Permit

If you want to get a parking permit in Indiana, you’ll have to get an Application for Disability Parking Placard or Disability Plate, which is state form 42070. Your form has to be certified and signed by a physician or qualified health professional. The medical professional has to have an unrestricted and valid license to practice medicine in Indiana. When you complete the form, fill it out and return it to any license branch in Indiana or on the address listed on the application.

Fees for Indiana Disability Permits

If you want to receive a permanent parking permit, there is no cost in the state of Indiana. If you need a temporary parking permit, the fee is $5. Keep in mind that in some cases, your temporary placard or permit will last for shorter than six months – if so, your doctor will indicate this on your application form.

Validity and Expiration Dates for Indiana Permits

Your permanent disability placard will only expire if your doctor determines that your disability is no longer classified as permanent. Your temporary placard will be valid for up to six months in most instances.
You’ll only need to renew temporary placards. If you need an additional placard, you’ll have to fill out another Application for Disability Parking Placard or Disability Plate (State Form 42070). The second form has to be certified by a doctor as well, and you’ll have to pay a $5 fee again. You can mail the form or turn it in at any license branch in Indiana.

Replacing Lost Permits

When you’re applying to replace a lost permit or placard, you have to visit an Indiana license agency in person. If you need a duplicate permit and you are permanently disabled, you won’t be charged a replacement fee. If you have a temporary disability, you’ll have to pay a $5 fee to replace a permit or replace a damaged permit.

Where to Display Your Permit

In Indiana, you have to display your permit on your vehicle dashboard when the automobile is parked in a handicap parking space. You don’t have to display your placard when your vehicle has a handicap license plate, disabled veterans license plate, or a handicap license plate from another state.

Handicap Permits for Veterans

You may be eligible to receive a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate depending on the severity of your disability. Your disability has to be connected with your time served in the Armed Forces. You’ll get parking privileges if you qualify for the permit, but you must has a disability that limits your ability to walk or to walk long distances. Other disabilities that will qualify you for a permit include:

  • Loss of sight in one or both eyes or having permanent vision impairment in both eyes
  • Loss of one or both feet or permanent loss of use in one or both feet
  • Loss of one or both hands or the permanent inability to use one or both hands
  • A condition you’ve developed while in military service that keeps you from being able to walk without difficulty or pain

The factors that apply to your disability must be stated clearly in the rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If your disability is not defined, you’ll have to supply a statement from your physician indicating the need for a handicap license plate. If you receive a rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you’ll have to be at least 50% disabled. You also have to be receiving compensation related to your military service from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In the state of Indiana, at least 60% of your disability rating has to be attributed to a mobility disability.

Make sure your application is accompanied by a copy of your Award Letter. This letter is issued by the VA and has a completed breakdown of your disability ratings. You should include a copy of DD Form 214, which is your copy of military discharge. This is important, because the Indiana DMV doesn’t have access to VA records. The DMV won’t be able to process your application without all the necessary evidence to determine your eligibility.

Reporting Parking Abuse

If you notice someone is getting out of a vehicle and is able-bodied but has a handicap placard or permit on his/her car, there’s a chance this person is committing parking abuse. This is considered a Class C misdemeanor in Indiana and could come with a fine of about $300. To report parking abuse, try to give Indiana authorities as much information as possible. Include the make and model of the car in your report, as well as the car’s license plate number.
Following these important steps for obtaining your handicap permit in Indiana will make the process go smoother for you.