If you are lost on how to apply for your disabled parking placard or plate, you need to thoroughly read through this article. All state laws for disabled placards and plates vary, some of the rules remain the same, but it’s best for you to check with your local Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
What Qualifications You Must Satisfy to Apply
Your confusion has set in, but you need help to determine if you are able to apply for a disabled parking permit. Fortunately, Nevada’s application is only two pages and is straight forward with the information required for you to submit. Check the list of conditions below, to see if you qualify:
- You cannot walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest
- You cannot walk without help from a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic device or help from another device
- You have a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition
- You have a lung disease that does not allow you to breathe in regular air
- You are restricted from walking due to arthritis, a neurological or orthopedic condition
- You are visually impaired
- You require portable oxygen
You will need to decide if you will qualify for one or two disabled parking placards. Carefully, select your option, since you will not be allowed to receive another if you only select one.
What You Need in Order for You to Apply for a Disabled Parking Placard
As with any other application, gather all of your documents necessary to complete your application, thoroughly. You will need to have your licensed physician fill out the second page of your application to certify your disabilities. Your physician is required to verify if you have a temporary, moderate, or permanent ailment.
Nevada allows you to choose how to submit your completed application by fax, in person, or mail. If you submit in person, you will need to visit a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles full-service location. The Nevada DMV insists that you apply by mail, or fax at (775) 684-4797.
- Fees
No fees will be assessed to you if you are only applying for a disabled parking placard. If you are applying for a disabled license plate, you will need to visit a DMV location in person to verify that your vehicle is insured and current on your emissions inspection. Appropriate fees may be assessed for the issuing of your disabled license plate. Your Disabled Veteran plate fees are $6.50 and cannot be personalized.
- Disabled Veterans Plates/Disabled Female Veterans Plates
If you are 100% disabled through a military-service connected disability, you can apply for a disabled veterans license plate. For your application, you will need a different form from the regular disabled parking placard form. Check with your local Nevada DMV for specifications.
If you qualify, you will be exempt from state and local parking fees and you are allowed to use an authorized handicap parking space in the state. Your local Veterans Administration (VA) is obligated to verify your disabilities on your application. You will not be permitted to park your vehicle in any privately owned or municipally owned facility, if you are a disabled veteran license plate holder.
If you are applying for a disabled veteran’s plate, your benefits do not transfer from state to state, they are only valid in Nevada. If you are a plate holder, you must submit a passing emissions inspection of your registered vehicle, no older than 90 days.
Your Renewals and Replacement of Your Disabled Parking Placard/Plates
- Disabled Placards
If you have a temporary disabled parking placard, it is valid for up to six months. If your temporary placard needs to be transferred to a permanent placard, you must fill out a new application. Your physician will also be required again to certify your conditions have changed.
If you have a permanent disabled parking placard, it is valid for 10 years. You will receive a notice by mail before your expiration date. You only need to fill out your part of the renewal and you will not be required to visit your physician for verification.
If you have a moderate disability, your placard will only be valid for a period of two years. Like a temporary placard, you will need to have a new medical certification by your physician. You must submit your new certification and application before expiration of your placard, by mail.
- Disabled Plates
You must renew your vehicle registration annually with your disabled plate. You will be required to complete an emission inspection, if your vehicle hasn’t had one in over 90 days.
Your registration expiration date will change if it is due in over 35 days.
- Replacing Your Disabled Parking Placards
Your state of Nevada requires you to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles if you need a replacement placard.
What You are Required to Do After You Receive Your Parking Placards
After you receive your disabled parking placard, hang it in your rearview mirror on the inside of your car. Your expiration date must be visible through the windshield of the vehicle, while parked in a handicapped accessible space. Do not hang your disability placard while driving your vehicle.
- Abuse and Misuse
If your placard is abused or misused, you may be fined starting at $250, depending upon the violation. You will be charged with a criminal offense and could face jail time. Do not allow anyone, other than yourself, to use your parking placard!
Where are Your Branches in Nevada?
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles encourages that you submit your applications by mail or fax, but if you need to submit in person, visit your nearest location. The Nevada DMV branches are located across the state with numerous locations in each county. Check your local listings for your hometown DMV branch.
Your Next Steps
Now that you have an outline of what the Nevada laws for disabled parking permits are, collect your documents and completely fill your application. Obtain your medical certification from your physician, have your physician sign the second page, and submit your application to your local DMV.