Nevada is full of wonder, surprises, and excitement. From its vast parks and outdoor recreation to the bright lights of Las Vegas to the overlooked biggest little city in the world – Reno. It’s easy to talk all about Nevada’s treasures, but what about its disabled parking? This guide will go over everything you need to know about disabled parking in Nevada.

Who Can Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Nevada?

Like all states, Nevada has its own set of rules and regulations in regards to who can own a disabled parking permit. The state provides a list of qualifications and an individual must be able to meet one or more of them. Here are the qualifications:

  • You are restricted by a lung disease
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You are visually handicapped.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a cane, wheelchair, brace, another person, crutch, or other devices.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified as a Class III or Class IV according to standards adopted by the American Heart Association.

The last prerequisite is about the American Heart Association’s standards for functional limitations in those with cardiac disease.

Wait, there is more than one type of disabled parking permit?

Yes, there are different types of disabled parking permits and Nevada is no exception. Generally, there are two types of permits you can obtain in Nevada: license plates and placards.

Placards are hung in your rearview mirror or may be left out somewhere visible such as your dashboard. The license plates issued replace your old license plates on your motor vehicle and serve to identify your vehicle for disabled parking.

Let’s dive into the differences between the two.

Placards

Most of the time, you’ll run into two different types of placards: temporary and permanent. However, in Nevada, there are three different types of placards: temporary, permanent, and moderate.

  • Permanent – Permanent placards are valid for ten years and are blue. The ten-year validation is much longer than the other variations.
  • Moderate – These are also colored blue and are valid for two years. These are meant for disabilities that may take longer than 6 months to heal. These may be ideal if you have a serious injury or impairment that would limit your physical activity for an extended time.
  • Temporary – These are the placards that expire in the shortest amount of time – six months. These are colored red and are meant for those who have a reversible disability. Perhaps you’ve broken a leg or injured yourself in a way that limits you. This would be ideal for a scenario such as that.

If you’re only looking to obtain a placard, the state of Nevada encourages applicants to order by mail or fax. You can mail the application to the address listed or fax it to (775) 684-4797. You can also drop it off at a full-service DMV office.

Temporary and moderate placards can be renewed. However, you’ll have to fill out another application form and go through the entire process again before your expiration date.

Permanent placards will also need to submit a form. When a permanent placard holder is nearing their ten-year expiration date, they’ll receive a renewal notice in the mail before its expiration. A doctor or physician does not need to sign the renewal form. The owner must simply fill out the form for themselves.

License Plates

It’s important to note that only those with a permanent disability may qualify for a license plate. A person that has a reversible condition may only obtain placards or motorcycle stickers.

The state of Nevada offers two different types of license plates for those who are interested: a permanent plate or a disabled veteran plate. Both of these license plates are valid for one year.

To renew your disabled parking license plates all you need to do is simply renew your vehicle registration.

While placards have a variety of ways you can turn in your documents, it is more strict with license plates. If you’re applying for disabled parking license plates, you must apply in-person at the DMV. That means you must have your certification from a physician completed before you’re able to turn it in in-person. Don’t worry though, the process is simple and straightforward once you’re there.

Authorization Letters

Each state has its own rules and regulations in regards to disabled parking permits and here we have another one you may not find everywhere. Nevada issues authorization letters that contain the name and address of the disabled person who holds the placard or license plate.

If you have a disabled parking permit in Nevada, you must keep this letter (or a copy of the letter,) in the vehicle that is displayed your disabled parking permit. If you’re using a placard you must have it present with you.

Expedited Service Permits

Those who have a permanent disability, or an irreversible condition, may be able to obtain an expedited service permit. This allows you to receive expedited services at State of Nevada agencies only. It’s kind of like your driver’s license and has a photo of the disabled person.

To obtain this kind of permit you need to submit an Application for Expedited Service Permit. You can obtain this form in-person at a DMV full-service office. If you already have a disabled parking permit, you don’t need to obtain another physician’s statement.

This kind of permit is valid for 10 years. It also has a fee that ranges from $7.25 to $13.25 depending on age or if you’re changing photos or names.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has provided clarity for those who were in the dark on some of Nevada’s most important information in regards to disabled parking permits. Remember to keep your authorization letter in your vehicle, properly display your placard, and, keep in mind it’s illegal to use a disabled parking permit if the owner of the permit isn’t present.