In Minnesota, there are four types of disabled parking permits that can be issued, based on how long you will need disabled parking. If you have a condition, injury or medical condition that lasts more than three weeks, you may be eligible for disabled parking.

This decision is made by your Minnesota healthcare provider, not by the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles. If you feel you would benefit from a disabled parking permit, talk with your doctor or other healthcare providers about what is right for you.

Temporary Disabled Parking in MN

Disabled parking permits issued for a period between one and six months are classified as temporary by the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles. A temporary disabled parking permit placard may be issued to you if you experience an injury or illness which will last more than three weeks, but not more than six months. While there is no comprehensive list, here are some examples.

  • A broken or sprained leg, ankle or foot
  • An injury affecting the tendons or muscles of your legs, feet or ankles
  • A pregnancy that has been identified by an OBGYN as needing bed rest or limited activity
  • Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other severe but temporary respiratory illness

This temporary placard will cost you $5

Short Term Disabled Parking in MN

Disabled parking permits issued for a period between seven and twelve months are classified as short term by the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles. These short term disability placards are issued for injury, illness or conditions lasting more than seven months but not more than one year.

Many of the conditions listed in the temporary disabled parking section have the potential to take up to one year to heal. Every person is different, and healing times vary significantly. If your medical provider believes that you may need an excess of seven months to heal fully, you may be eligible for a short term disabled parking permit.

Ultimately, as every individual has different needs, your providers will work with you to determine what length of disabled parking coverage best suits your needs. Remember that this decision is not up to the Department of Motor Vehicles or the state of Minnesota. This is between you and your care team.

This short term placard will cost you $5

Long Term Disabled Parking in MN

Disabled parking permits issued for a period between one and six years are classified as long term disabled parking permits. Permits of this duration are less common than the other three. Most people experiencing a disability, injury or complication that affects their ability to walk more than 200 feet are either well again within a year, or permanently disabled.

Life, however, is full of grey areas and exceptions to every rule. If you are scheduled for a series of surgeries or have experienced a major broken bone such as a hip or spine injury, it is quite possible for you to make a full recovery, but be injured or limited in mobility for more than a year.

Once again, this choice is made by your medical providers, not by the state of Minnesota or the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles.

A long term disability placard is free, and a set of license plates may be purchased for $16.

Permanent Disabled Parking in MN

The most commonly issued form of disabled parking permits in the state of Minnesota is the permanent placard. As we age, our bodies naturally become less able to handle some activities of daily living. Many chronic conditions may grant you eligibility for a disabled parking permit in Minnesota.

While there is no complete list available, these are the guidelines used by your medical professionals to determine your needs.

  • 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

Be sure to talk openly and honestly with your medical providers to be sure of your eligibility. It is important that you seek a disabled parking permit if you are eligible, even if you feel you do not need it all the time. Icy or wet conditions, sudden changes in health, or even poorly paved parking lots can all affect your health and safety. This program was designed with your safety and comfort in mind, and your community was built to accommodate your needs. You deserve the comfort afforded by the disabled parking permit placard, and should not hesitate to seek one.

Permanent disability placards are free, and a set of license plates may be purchased for $16

Disabled Parking: What You Need to Know

If you feel you have difficulty walking safely and comfortably for more than 200 feet, you may be eligible for a Minnesota disabled parking permit. This permit allows you to park in the blue and white handicapped spaces available around your community. It also exempts you from parking meter payments at non-ADA compliant parking meters, and affords you additional time in parking spaces, up to a maximum of four hours.

Disabled parking permits are issued in person at the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles office or by U.S mail. Temporary and short term placards cost $5. Long term and permanent placards are free. A set of disabled parking permit license plates costs $16.

Your permit is valid in all 50 states and can be used in any vehicle you are traveling in, but may not be lent to any other person for any reason. when parking in a disabled parking space, you must display your disabled parking permit placard, or you may be subject to fines or have your disabled parking permit placard revoked.