Obtaining a disabled parking permit is often a confusing task. Because each state within the United States governs who exactly can receive a disabled parking permit, rules and regulations can vary from state to state. The laws can even be different from city to city.

This guide is your one-stop-shop for learning how to obtain a disabled parking permit in New Mexico. Here is the process:

Make Sure You Qualify

Like every other state, New Mexico has its laws on who can qualify for a disabled parking permit. You must meet at least one or more of their predefined criteria. This is where you begin to receive your permit. Here are the prerequisites:

  • You must use portable oxygen.
  • You cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a cane, crutch, brace, prosthetic device, wheelchair, other people, or other assistive devices.
  • You must have a severe cardiac condition.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced respiratory volume when exhaling for 1 second when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters on room air at rest.
  • You are so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurologic, or orthopedic condition that you cannot ascend or descend more than 10 stair steps.

Some of these requirements can be difficult to understand. If you’re not sure if you qualify, ask your doctor. If your disability is severe, it will likely qualify.

How To Apply

New Mexico has a more lengthy process to obtain a disabled parking permit compared to other states. To obtain one, you must first fill out and sign a Certificate of Eligibility. Or, more formally known as MVD-10383.

The original application must be submitted to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office. Photocopies aren’t accepted.

You’ll need to give a lot of your personal information. This will include your date of birth, name, and driver’s license number. You’ll also need to specify if you’d like a disabled parking placard or a disabled parking license plate.

If you’re looking for a license plate, you’ll need to fill out a separate form. It’s called the Application for Mobility Limitation or License Plate. This is known as MVD-10270.

After you’ve obtained your application you’ll need to visit a medical professional. They’ll need to complete a section of the application that certifies you have one of the listed criteria above.

Once you’ve completed the application you can take it to any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office or mailed to the address listed below:

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Sante Fe, NM 87505

As a bonus, there is no fee to apply for a disabled parking permit.

What Type Of Permit Is For Me?

The state of New Mexico offers four different variations of a disabled parking permit. You should know and understand which suits you best to make sure you get the permit you need as easily as possible.

There are four kinds of disabled parking permits in New Mexico: Temporary placards, permanent placards, handicap license plates, or a disabled veteran license plate.

1. Temporary Placards

Temporary placards are ideal for those who have a temporary injury or reversible disability. They’re valid for up to one year. If you find that you’ll still need the disabled parking permit longer than one year, you’ll need to reapply for a temporary placard. This means another trip to a medical professional to be re-certified as well.

2. Permanent Placards

  • placards are or those who have a long-term injury or permanent disability. They’re valid for a total of four years. You do need to re-submit the MVD-10383 Form; however, you will not need to resubmit any medical documentation.

3. Handicap License Plates

  • license plates are only for those who have a permanent disability. They replace your old license plates on your vehicle and allow you to park in designated areas. You will automatically renew this permit when you register your vehicle annually.

4. Disabled Veteran License Plates

  • disabled veteran license plates are almost identical to the handicap license plates. However, they’re meant for our veterans. The same regulations apply. You’ll automatically renew the permit when you annually register your vehicle.

Rules And Regulations

It’s important to know the laws that pertain to your disabled parking permit. By understanding them, you’ll better be able to utilize your permit.

Lost Or Stolen Placards

Life happens, and sometimes your placard may be lost or stolen. You should know that if you’d like to replace the placard you can call the Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4636. You’ll need to provide an identification number or a driver’s license number.

If you simply need to replace a damaged placard you can bring it to any field office. They’ll reissue your placard at no cost.

Where To Display Your Permit

Your disabled parking placard must always be hung from your rearview mirror with the identification number and expiration date visible. If you don’t have a rearview mirror, a good idea is to place it on the dashboard with the information visible.

Remember to take your placard off your rearview mirror while you’re driving It is only to be displayed when the vehicle is parked in a designated area. If you display the placard on your rearview mirror while the vehicle is in motion, it could be counted as an obstruction.

Conclusion

By now, obtaining your disabled parking permit in New Mexico should be no problem. The process can be lengthy, but it is overall an easy thing to do. Remember to always properly display your placards and only use a disabled parking permit if the owner is present.