The odds are that you are here to figure out when it’s the perfect time to apply for a disability parking permit in the state of Indiana. If you’re an eligible individual seeking to apply for this permit, then the answer to your question is: Now! This permit exists for a good reason, and that reason is to help individuals who need accessibility to government, commercial, medical and residential buildings have easier mobility. This is important for many individuals in the state of Indiana who deal with disabilities on a daily basis. If you’re wondering what the requirements are and the necessary steps to obtain a disability parking permit in the state of Indiana, look over this guide to get you started.
How to Qualify for a Disability Parking Permit in Indiana
Qualifying conditions for a disability parking permit in Indiana are specific. Knowing the state of your condition and if it falls under the categories of eligible conditions will make the process quick and painless. These qualifications fall in line in many ways with other states, but they also differ slightly. If you’re coming from a different state and are looking to swap your driving credentials to reflect your new residency, then it is important to check if you meet the criteria in Indiana for a disability parking permit. Here are the qualifying conditions:
- That the applicant has a permanent or temporary physical disability that requires the use of a wheelchair, walker, braces, crutches, another person, prosthetics, etc.
- The applicant has temporarily or permanently lost the use of one or both legs
- The applicant has restricted mobility due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, arthritic condition, or orthopedic or neurological impairment
- The applicant is permanently blind or visually impaired.
Once you’ve determined that you meet the criteria, then you can move forward with your application. If you have any questions about the necessary qualifications for this permit, you can address those questions with any licensing agency in Indiana. After you’ve determined your status, it will be time to move on to the next step.
Get Certified by Your Doctor
To get a disability parking permit in Indiana, you have to make an appointment with a qualified physician. The only people who can certify any of these specific permits are physicians who have a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of Indiana. They must complete and sign the appropriate application on your behalf. The document you must complete for this permit is the Application For Disability Parking Placard Or Disability Plate (State Form 42070). You may obtain this form from any Indiana licensing branch or print the if off of their website. After you’ve made a visit to your doctor to complete the form, you can move on to the submission process.
Important Steps to Apply for a Disability Parking Permit
Once you’ve gone to the doctor and have completed the necessary application, the next step is getting the application processed. You will know for certain if your ineligible for this permit if your doctor cannot complete the form. Your doctor will be the one to decide what kind of permit you are eligible to receive and for how long. In Indiana, there is a fee to submit an application for a temporary disability parking permit. This differs from other states, and it is important to come prepared to file your application. The fee is $5, but if you’re applying for a permanent disability parking permit, then there is no fee. The application for a disability parking permit can be filed with an Indiana licensing agency either by mailing it or by visiting one of the offices in person. There is no way to submit the application online.
Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Indiana
In Indiana, there are two different kinds of disability parking permits that are issued to accepted applicants. These permits are either temporary or permanent. Temporary disability parking permits are valid for a period ranging up to six months. These permits can also be issued for shorter periods of time, and the person who this will be your physician. If your physician does not specify that your condition will get better sooner than six months, then you will be issued a six month permit. Permanent disability placards do not expire, unless a doctor certifies that your condition has changed and is no longer permanent or eligible for a disability parking permit.
If you’re looking to renew your permit, it is important to know that permanent disability parking permits do not expire. If you have been issued a temporary permit, you can apply for a renewed placard by filling out the same application, visiting your doctor, and paying the $5 fee to submit the application again.
Where to Place Your Disability Parking Permit Placard
In the state of Indiana, the placard should be placed on your dashboard. This differs from other states that request drivers hang their placard on their rearview mirror. If you fail to place the placard in a visible spot within your vehicle, you run the risk of getting ticketed or towed. Be sure to place your placard in view of anyone who may be concerned about keeping handicap spaces open for those who need them.
What to Do if You Lose Your Placard
It may occur that throughout the course of owning and using your disability parking permit that it ends up misplaced or in the wrong hands. If this is the case, then you will need to replace your placard to continue using the benefits associated with it. Individuals with a permanent disability parking permit do not have to pay a fee to process an application for a new one. Individuals who have been issued a temporary disability parking permit will have to pay a $5 processing fee. You must apply for a reissue of your placard in person at an Indiana licensing agency.
Conclusion
If you’ve found after reading this guide that you’re eligible for a disability parking permit, then the time to apply for one has come. Make sure to take the necessary steps to obtain your disability parking permit and you will be able to reap the benefits of accessing important residential and commercial buildings with more ease.