Disabled parking permits are issued to disabled persons to grant them access to designated disabled parking spaces in their communities, as well as exempt them from parking meter payments at non-ADA compliant meters and to extend parking limits up to a maximum of four hours.

In the land of 10,000 lakes, disabled parking permit placards are issued on a temporary or permanent basis to individuals with a qualifying injury or disability. With a physician signed certificate stating the nature of your injury or disability, you must fill out the appropriate paperwork with the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles either in person or by mail.

Your disabled parking permit placard or license plate will then be sent to you, affording you free parking meter usage, extended parking times, and of course, the use of the familiar blue and white disabled parking spaces around town.

Navigating that process can be bewildering, so don’t go it alone. Here are the steps you need to take broken down into plain English, to get your disabled parking permit quickly and easily.

How do I Qualify for Disabled Parking in MN?

In Minnesota, disabled parking permits are issued on either a permanent or temporary basis. A permanent permit is issued for a chronic or lifelong condition affecting your movement. There is no master list of conditions that qualify, because every person is different, and has different needs. Your doctor is the one who can make that decision, not the Department of Motor Vehicles.

While there is no master list, there are some guidelines used by Minnesota care providers to determine eligibility. You will qualify if you suffer from one or more of the following.

  • Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
  • A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
  • Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis

If one or more of these sound like you, you will almost definitely qualify for the use of a disabled parking permit. These permits ensure your safety and comfort as you navigate your community.

Of course, if you are injured or ill, you may benefit from a disabled parking permit on a temporary basis. Pneumonia, broken limbs, pregnancy and surgery are all common causes for a temporary disabled parking permit being approved. Talk to your doctor about your needs.

  • Temporary placards are issued for periods between one and six months
  • Short term placards are issued for periods between seven and twelve months
  • Long term placards are issued for periods between one and six years
  • If your disability is projected to affect you longer than six years, you are eligible for a permanent placard

How do I Get a Physician Signed Certificate

A signed certificate verifying your short term or chronic disability can be provided not only by your doctor but by most of your care team. Physician’s assistants and registered nurses may also sign the document. Next time you have a regularly scheduled visit to your primary care physician, ask about disabled parking permits and if a permit may be right for you.

Also, if you receive treatment from a specialist for your condition, that provider may sign the certificate. Podiatrists, optometrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and chiropractors are all able to verify your chronic or short term disabled parking permit eligibility.

If you are not seeing a provider at this time, or don’t want to make a special appointment, there are many qualified Minnesota providers available online who can verify your disabled parking permit eligibility from the comfort of your home.

How do I File the Paperwork?

Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate verifying your disabled parking permit eligibility, you are ready to file with the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles. Form PS2005 is used for placard applications, and form PS2010 is for disabled parking permit license plates.

Temporary disabled parking permit placards and short term disabled parking permit placards are $5. Long term disabled parking permit placards and permanent disabled parking permit placards are free. Disabled parking permit license plates are $16 for two or $14.50 for one.

These forms can be completed in person at a local Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles office, or by U.S mail.

What do I Need to Know?

Minnesota disabled parking permits are issued for those with a disability or illness restricting their ability to walk more than 200 feet. Eligibility is decided by a Minnesota medical provider.

Depending on your needs, disabled parking permits may be issued for periods between one and six months (temporary), six and twelve months (short-term), one and six years (long term) or permanent.

Paperwork may be filed in person at any Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles office, or by U.S mail.

A disabled parking permit entitles the holder to park in designated handicapped spots. A disabled parking permit exempts the holder from parking meter fines (unless the parking meter is marked as ADA compliant) and extends the allotted parking time in parking spaces by two hours, to a maximum of four hours.

If you feel that you suffer from a condition or illness that is restricting your ability to walk safely and comfortably, talk to your medical provider about disabled parking permits. If you feel you need one, your doctor will most likely agree with you.

Remember that the disabled parking permit program was created with your comfort and safety in mind. Forcing yourself to walk farther, and to exit your vehicle without the extra space provided by the handicap space is dangerous for you if you suffer from walking difficulties.

Talk openly and honestly with your provider about what you feel and what you need, to ensure you are cared for in your community.