If you are interested in applying for a disability parking permit in the state of Indiana then you may have some questions about the process and how to get it started. Obtaining a disability parking permit if you’re eligible for one in Indiana is simple enough, but it’s important to know where to go to get the proper certifications for your application. Interested applicants should take a look over this guide to familiarize themselves with the process in Indiana. Once you’re ready to get on with the process, it’ll be a breeze to obtain your permit.
How to Qualify for a Disability Parking Permit in Indiana
Persons interested in applying for a disability parking permit in Indiana you must begin the process of obtaining their permit by figuring out if your health condition qualifies for one in Indiana. The first step to figuring out if your condition falls under the umbrella of requirements, then it is important to know what Indiana considers to be a qualifying health condition. The conditions that are taken into consideration for this kind of permit are:
- 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.
If you are unsure of your qualifications based on having a condition that may fall into any of these categories, then you may contact an Indiana licensing branch to ask any questions you may have. If you meet any of these criteria, then you are eligible for a disability parking permit in Indiana. The Indiana licensing branch will be the place to process your application, so feel free to reach out to them for help.
Talking to Your Doctor: How to Get Your Disability Certified
When you’re ready to move forward after determining that your disability is eligible for a disability parking permit in Indiana, then it is time to schedule an appointment with your physician. For your application to be complete, your physician must certify and sign the proper document for you to be able to submit it. There are no exceptions to this rule. They are the only people eligible to prescribe a disability parking permit to you. Your physician will have to have a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of Indiana. The proper form you must fill out 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 form off of the internet. Your doctor decides what type of permit you will receive, therefore this is the opportune moment to discuss your disability in full detail with your physician. Once the document is certified and signed, you will not be able to apply for a different permit unless you make another appointment with your doctor. After you’ve met with your doctor to complete the application, you can move on to the last step.
How and Where to Submit Your Application for a Disability Parking Permit
If you have finalized your application after visiting your doctor, then it is time to submit it via the proper channels. In Indiana, the submission is easy and relatively painless. There are associated fees for temporary permits, which differs slightly from other states that offer free processing. You must take the certified and signed application to an Indiana licensing branch or mail it to any of the licensing offices for processing. If you are applying for a temporary disability permit, there will be a $5 fee due at the time of your submission. If you are applying for a permanent disability parking permit there is no associated fee for processing.
Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Indiana
Indiana has different periods of time that a disability parking permit can be eligible for. These do not necessarily correspond to the lengths of validity for similar permits in other states. If you are issued a permanent disability placard, you will not have an expiration date unless your physician certifies that your condition is no longer permanent. There is no need to renew this permit, making it easy for those who cannot easily access a licensing office able to take that task off their plate. A temporary disability parking permit can range in how long it is valid for, and the length of time it is eligible for is determined by your physician. A temporary permit can be valid up to 6 months. This type of permit can be issued for a shorter period of time, so make sure to speak with your doctor about what is appropriate for you before submitting the application. Temporary disability parking permits are the only permits that can be renewed. You must complete the application again and make another appointment with your doctor to have the permit renewed. To renew, you must pay the $5 fee to submit the application again.
Where to Place Your Disability Parking Permit Placard
Once you receive your placard, it is important to place it on your dashboard before leaving your parked car in a disabled parking space. Failure to do so may result in your vehicle being towed or you being ticketed, so be sure to place it in a visible spot before you exit your vehicle.
What to Do if You Lose Your Placard
Unfortunately, disability parking permits can be lost or stolen if left in the wrong place. If you have a permanent disability parking permit, then you can easily replace it at no cost by visiting a licensing agency. If you have been issued a temporary disability parking permit, you can apply for a reissued placard by going in person and paying a $5 fee to replace the placard at a licensing agency.
Conclusion
Disability parking permits are easily obtained by those who need it in the state of Indiana. You can apply for your permit by visiting your physician and having them complete and sign the application. They are the only persons eligible to prescribe your permit, so make an appointment with them to get the process underway.