If you are looking for a help guide through the application and process of obtaining your disabled parking permit in Nevada, you need to read this outline. Policies, laws, and rules change state to state and are slightly different, locally. You need to stop all the confusion and frustration you are feeling and research Nevada’s laws for disability parking permits. Check with your local rules to obey the law.
How You Can Qualify
Nevada’s laws may seem like it is impossible for you to figure out how to apply for your disabled parking permit. Luckily, the application is only two pages, the first page is for you to fill out and sign and the second for your medical doctor. Review your conditions to see if you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Your mobility causes you to stop when walking 200 or more feet
- You need help from a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic device or assistance from another device for your mobility
- Your Cardiac condition is classified as a Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association
- You have a lung disease not allowing you to breathe resting air, properly
- You have severe arthritis, a neurologic, or orthopedic ailment that doesn’t allow full walking capabilities
- You are blind or have some vision loss, not allowing you to drive
- You must use a portable oxygen tank
Additionally, decide whether you need one or two placards and select the one that fits your needs, the most. If you apply for one, you cannot apply for a second later on.
How Do You Apply for a Disabled Parking Permit?
You will need to find a medical doctor if you do not have one already. Nevada law says that your physician is required to verify if you have a temporary, moderate, or permanent disability. You must be a permanent resident of Nevada to apply for any of the listed handicap parking permits.
The Nevada DMV encourages you to apply by mail, or fax at (775) 684-4797. However, you may apply in person at a full-service location, the one closest to your residence.
- Charges Assessed by the DMV of Nevada
- You will not be charged for a disabled parking placard; placards are all free to you.
- Fees will be assessed by the DMV if you are applying for a license plate; you will need to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles for charges
- $6.50 will be charged to you for a Disabled Veterans/Disabled Female Veterans License Plate
Disabled Veterans Plates/Disabled Female Veterans Plates
For you to qualify, you must be 100% disabled through a military-service connected disability. The application for your disabled veterans plate is a different application than the regular application. You will receive special benefits as a plate holder, such as:
- Exemptions from state and local parking fees
- Authorized use of handicapped spaces (intrastate only)
Your local Veterans Administration (VA) will be required to provide a written certificate of your disabilities for your application. Your vehicle must pass the standardized emissions inspection and be no older than 90 days without a new inspection. Additionally, you are not authorized to park accessibly in privately owned and municipally owned properties or buildings.
Renewals, Replacements and Your Responsibilities
You must review the listed items in order for you to understand the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles policies and procedures for renewing and replacing your placards:
- Hanging Disability Placards
- Temporary disabled parking placards are valid up to six months
- You may transfer to a permanent placard by filling out a new application
- Your physician will need to submit a new medical certification
- Permanent disabled parking placard are valid for 10 years
- You will receive a notice by mail before your expiration date and you are not required to have a new medical certification
- Moderate disability placards are valid for 2 years
- You will need a new medical certification with your updated conditions
- Submit your application through the mail, only
- Disabled License Plates
- Your vehicle registration must be renewed annually
- If you have an emissions inspection older than 90 days, you must submit a new one to the DMV of Nevada
- Your registration expiration date will change if you are overdue by 35 days
- Replacement of Your Disability Placards
- Your state of Nevada requires you to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles if you need a replacement placard.
Once Your Parking Placards are Received
After you receive your disabled parking placard, do a little research. A notification will tell you what to do once you receive them but be sure you are in compliance with your local rules. Generally, the disabled parking permit laws in Nevada state:
- You must hang your placard in your rearview mirror
- Do NOT hang your placard while driving
- Check your Expiration date, so that it is showing through your windshield
How You Can Be Punished for Abuse and Misuse of Parking Placards
Unfortunately, abuse and misusage of disabled parking placards happen all across the nation. Understand that these are serious crimes, punishable by law. If you are found in violation of the disabled parking laws, you could be punishable by:
- Fines ranging from $250-$1,000
- Misdemeanor charges could be filed against you
- You could face Jail Time
Where to Find Your Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Branch
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles heavily suggests that you fax or mail your application, before visiting in person. Remember to visit a full-service location, one closest to your home if you are going in person. The Nevada has Department of Motor Vehicles scattered throughout the state, for your convenience. Research your city online to find your best branch.
What You Need to Do Next
With this guide, you will be able to successfully complete your application for your disabled parking placards and/or plates. Be sure that all of your information is correct and submit by mail or fax, you may visit in person if you choose, but the Nevada DMV insists that you apply by one of the other options. Again, it’s in your best interest to follow your local rules for obtaining your disabled parking placards and/or plates.