If you live with a disability each day, it’s nice to visit businesses and venues that make it easier for you to get around. Due to disability laws in the U.S., there are several public spaces you can visit with accessible amenities that help you make the most of your time there. If you’re a Mississippi resident, there are important things you should know to obtain a handicap parking permit. This item can come in handy when you’re running errands or need to get into buildings for work or school. When you don’t have to exert as much energy to get into a building, you can preserve your wellbeing and protect your health.

Do You Qualify?

If you live in Mississippi and have a permanent disability, you may be eligible for a handicap parking permit. Permanent disabilities include having portable oxygen, not being able to walk without the assistance of a device like a cane or walker or having lung disease in which your forced expiratory volume is less than one liter in one second. If you have a cardiac condition that is considered Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association or have arthritis, you qualify for a parking permit. You can also receive a permit if your mobility is limited due to neurological or orthopedic conditions.

How to Get Your Mississippi Parking Permit

To get your permit, you’ll have to fill out a Mississippi Disabled Parking Application, which is Form 76-104. Once you fill out your part of the application, you’ll also need to take the document to your doctor or nurse practitioner. Your health professional must sign the form and explain your disability to confirm your eligibility. Once the form is complete, you’ll turn it in to the county tax collector. You don’t have to pay a fee for your parking placard.

Individuals with permanent disabilities in Mississippi will receive two handicap placards and two disabled license plates. Those with temporary disabilities will only receive a placard.

Expiration and Validity

If you’re receiving a permanent disability placard, the placard will be good for five years. If you have a temporary disability, you can receive a parking placard that is good for up to six months. A temporary disability is described as a condition such as a broken limb or limited mobility after a surgical procedure. In some cases, pregnant women who have had C-sections may receive a temporary disability parking permit. Your doctor will have to sign off for the temporary permit and describe your condition. The doctor or nurse will also indicate how long you’ll need the placard.

When your permanent handicap placard expires, you can request a renewal. In some cases, your temporary parking permit can be renewed by resubmitting a Mississippi Disabled Parking Application. For instance, if you’re using the temporary placard due to a broken leg and the doctor needs to keep your cast on for longer than you anticipated, the physician can sign off on permit renewal for you.

Replacing a Lost Permit

If you lose your permit, you’ll have to submit an affidavit confirming that your placard is stolen or lost. You can get a form from your nearest tax collector office. You should get another placard quickly, once the office staff is able to verify your disability.

Where to Display Your Placard

In Mississippi, you have to hang your permit on the rearview mirror of your car or truck when you want to park in a handicap parking space. Be sure to remove your placard when the vehicle is in motion. It is also important to note that if you’re the parent or spouse of a disabled person and you’ll be transporting your loved one in your car, you can receive a placard to display in your vehicle. You’ll just have to get certification from your spouse’s or child’s physician or nurse practitioner.

Military and Disabled Veteran Tags

Mississippi residents who serve in the military may be eligible for ad valorem tax exemption when applying for tags. However, military members still have to pay vehicle registration fees and title transfers. Members of the military who are legal residents of another state but are stationed in Mississippi can receive Mississippi tags. The military member has to submit a letter or domicile and his/her name has to be on the vehicle registration, even if the military person shares ownership with someone else.

Mississippi also offers several benefits for current and former members of the military. For instance, disabled veterans can purchase a Disabled American Veteran license plate for just $1. You’ll also avoid paying privilege and ad valorem taxes for one of your vehicles if you’re a disabled veteran. To receive this benefit, you have to prove that you or a surviving spouse have a disability that is 100% connected to your time in the service. You can submit a letter to the DMV from the Veterans Affairs Board.

In the state of Mississippi, you also have the option of displaying your veteran status on your state ID card or drivers license. This not only allows you to park in handicap spaces throughout the state but can qualify you for additional benefits and discounts at retail and corporate locations.

At least 14 days before you apply for veteran status with the MS Department of Public Safety, you must give the Veterans Affairs Board a copy of your DD 214 or an equivalent document. You must also submit a written request for veteran status verification. The request must include your full name, signature, complete mailing address and phone number. Send your documents to:

MS Veterans Affairs Board
(Vet Drivers License)
3466 Highway 80 East
P.O. Box 5947
Pearl, MS 39288-5947
Fax #: (601) 576-4868

Once the Board receives your request, the organization will stamp and seal your documents and return them to you via mail so you can take them to the nearest DMV.

Handicap Parking Abuse

If you see someone using a disabled parking space who doesn’t need to park there, you can share this information with the nearest business owner or law enforcement officer. Include as many details as possible about the vehicle to assist police in fixing the situation.

Remember not to allow your family members and friends to use your handicap placard when you’re not in the vehicle, and replace all permits before the expiration date to ensure you can use them legally.