In the state of Missouri, disabled parking permits are granted to persons with a disability, illness or injury affecting their ability to walk more than 200 feet in comfort and safety. Throughout every Missouri community, there are familiar blue and white handicapped reserved spaces provided for the safety and comfort of disabled persons.

Disabled parking permits require a physician signed certificate verifying the length and severity of the disability.

Disabled parking permits are issued on either a temporary or permanent basis. Temporary disabled parking permits are issued to persons whose injury or illness is expected to last three weeks or more. Temporary permits last for 180 days but can be extended by obtaining an additional physician signed certificate.

Permanent permits must be renewed every four years. But once granted, do not require an additional examination or physician signed certificate. Also, if you are over the age of 75, you do not need a physician signed certificate, you are automatically eligible.

Disabled parking permits in the state of Missouri are issued in the form of disabled parking permit placards. Permanent placards are free, and temporary placards cost $2. Disabled parking permit license plates come with no additional fees, but you will be required to pay the same fees associated with license plate renewal.

How do I Qualify For Disabled Parking in Missouri?

The Show-me state has an open-ended list of criteria used to determine eligibility. This is not a list of conditions, but a set of guidelines used by Missouri health care professionals to determine if you have a serious medical problem that interferes with your ability to walk more than 200 feet. You may be eligible if one or more of the following apply to you.

  • After a heart attack, stroke, or any other major cardiovascular event, your primary care provider may have told you that you have a class III or IV cardiovascular disease
  • If you have had a full or partial amputation, or have lost feeling or use in one of your limbs
  • If you have permanent vision impairment such as blindness, glaucoma or cataracts
  • Having a chronic breathing condition (COPD) like emphysema or bronchitis
  • Inability to ambulate without an assistive device like a wheelchair, brace, walker or cane
  • Difficulty walking more than 200 feet without stopping, or any other major walking problem

Of course, short term illnesses such as pneumonia, broken limbs or recent surgery may qualify you for a 180-day temporary placard. If you have an injury, particularly to the feet or legs, which lasts more than three weeks, you may be eligible. Talk to your doctor about your needs and how they affect your eligibility.

How do I Get a Physician Signed Certificate?

Missouri disabled parking permits require a physician signed certificate verifying that an individual experienced difficulty or pain when walking more than 200 feet. These certificates can be signed by other medical providers, not just a doctor. Members of your primary care team such as your nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant may sign this document for you.

If you receive care from a specialist to manage a chronic condition, they are also able to sign the document. Examples of specialists who commonly verify disabilities include…

  • Podiatrists
  • Optometrists
  • Chiropractors
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists

Of course, many of you are not currently seeing a primary care provider, or do not have time to make a special appointment. Luckily, many Missouri qualified medical professionals are available for virtual visits. Many people now choose to have their disabled parking permit examination done virtually, from the comfort of their home.

How do I File Missouri Disabled Parking Paperwork?

Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate (Form DOR-1776) you must fill out form DOR-2769. Disabled parking permit applications can be filed in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles local office, or by U.S mail.

Permanent placards are free but must be renewed every four years. Temporary placards cost $2 and last for 180 days. You may renew them once, with physician approval, for an additional $2 fee. Disabled parking permit license plates are offered with standard license plate renewal fees, at no extra charge.

If your placard is lost or stolen, you will need to submit an application for a replacement placard, and include a copy of your receipt for the original placard. Replacement placards for disabled parking permits cost $4. If you are unable to provide your receipt, you will be required to obtain a new signed certificate from your provider.

Missouri Disabled Parking

Disabled parking permits are offered to Missouri residents who struggle to walk more than 200 feet comfortably or safely. Disabled parking permits entitle you to use of designated blue and white handicapped parking spaces.

When parking in a disabled parking space, be sure to display your disabled parking permit placard. Failure to do so could result in up to $500 in fines, and the revocation of your disabled parking permit. Your disabled parking permit placard may be used in any vehicle you travel in, to ensure your comfort and safety.

Remember that you may not, for any reason, lend, sell or give away your disabled parking permit placard. To do so is a crime. Violation of this law could result in a $500 fine or jail time.

Throughout all of Missouri, disabled parking spaces have been provided for the safety and comfort of residents and visitors. If you experience difficulty walking more than 200 feet, this program was designed for your safety. Be sure to talk openly and honestly with your doctor about disabled parking permits and how they could benefit you.

Even if you don’t feel you need them all the time, you may still need them some days. Icy, snowy or wet conditions, paired with potentially hazardous parking lots can pose a great danger to those with disabilities. If you or a loved suffer from a chronic condition affecting mobility or is over the age of 75, be sure to talk to your doctor about a disabled parking permit.