An Oklahoma disabled parking permit is a valuable tool that only a few can qualify for. It enables the permit holder to park in any specifically designated disabled parking space free of charge as long as the placard is properly placed. However, there are a lot of specific details pertaining to your Oklahoma disabled parking permit which many people do not know!
Read on for a helpful and comprehensive guide containing all of the details regarding your Oklahoma disabled parking permit.
What’s the difference between permits, placards, and plates?
There are a lot of words thrown around when discussing disabled parking in the state of Oklahoma! Here’s a quick glossary defining each of these terms.
- Your disabled parking permit. Your parking permit is a piece of paper which simply states that you have gone through the application process, been approved, and that you are the legal holder of all materials that came with your permit. This is a certificate which you should keep in a secure location.
- Your parking placards. A parking placard is a sign made of a stiff material which is made to be hung around your rear-view window in the front of your car — only when your car is specifically not in motion. If you do not have a rear-view window, place this placard on the dashboard of your car when parked in a disabled parking spot.
- Disabled parking plates. These are specific license plates made to be affixed to the front and / or back of your car which state that your car is qualified to park in disabled parking spaces in a more permanent fashion. It is recommended that you only request plates if your disability is a permanent one.
When you are requesting parking placards for the first time, you can request that you receive one or two placards. However, if you apply for specifically disabled parking plates, you cannot receive parking placards as well.
Difference between the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Tax Commission
Unlike many other states, there are two specific and differing departments in Oklahoma which deal with the distribution of disabled parking passes. There is an easy way to tell which bureau you will need to apply to for your application.
The Oklahoma Tax Commission is the place to go if you are requesting American Veteran Disabled License plates. Their information can be found on their website, as well as the slightly different application that must be used in that case.
For all other purposes pertaining to disabled parking permits in the state of Oklahoma, please refer to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
Medical Approval for Renewing Your Permit
When your parking permit, whether permanent or temporary, is about one month away from expiring, it is recommended that you begin the process of renewing your placards. To do this, please go to the Department of Public Safety and download the same form that you used to apply in the first place.
Please note that you will be required to speak with a doctor or licensed medical professional again in order to request a renewal. This is simply to ensure that the disability you have will still require usage of the limited accommodations made for disabled persons’ parking.
If your disability allows you to do so, print out your application and go meet with your doctor in person. If, however, you would rather complete the process from the comfort of your own home, a second option is available. Video-chatting with a doctor online not only ensures that this process takes as little time as possible, but your completed application form will be emailed to the Department of Public Safety immediately after your call is complete!
Completing Your Application if you Don’t Have an Identification Number
The first section of the application for a disabled parking permit requires that you enter several pieces of personal information including your name, date of birth, and the identification number from your driver’s license (or non-driver’s identification card) issued by the state of Oklahoma.
If you do not have an identification number, or if you are completing the application for someone who does not have one such as a minor child, simply leave that section of the form blank and provide any explanation necessary in the space provided.
Sharing Your Parking Placards
As the parking placards are issued to the person, rather than the vehicle, in the state of Oklahoma, no sharing is allowed — or necessary. Each person who has a disability should apply for and receive their own parking placards.
It is not necessary that the person with the disability be the one in the driver’s seat. Anyone can drive a car that parks in a disabled parking spot, as long as one of the persons in that car is a permit-carrying disabled person.
Travelling With Your Disabled Parking Permit
As long as your disabled parking permit is valid and un-expired, you should be able to use your Oklahoma placards in any other state to enjoy the same benefits associated with your permit when you are travelling.
Similarly, if you are someone with an out-of-state disabled parking permit, if your parking permit is non-expired, please use your parking placards in the state of Oklahoma just as you would in your home state.
Oklahoma state disabled parking permits, placards, and license plates are valuable tools that you can use to make your life significantly easier by reducing the amount of walking you will have to do in public places. However, it’s not as easy as applying and then parking; there are several steps you have to take!
Remember, first and foremost, to place your placards when you park, and to remove them before you begin to drive again. Make sure to remember your expiration date and renew your permit when it is necessary. Carefully following all of the rules associated with your permit will allow you to enjoy the benefits for a long time!