Having to deal with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a difficult task. Besides waiting in long lines and working with unhappy employees, you also have to work with tons of confusing paperwork and hope you have filled the right forms. When you are seeking something specific like a handicapped parking permit and placard, the task can seem even more daunting.

However, you are not alone. This guide focuses on telling you how and where you can get the placard you need in South Dakota. By following these steps, you will get the right paperwork, materials, and send everything to the right location. If you have limited mobility that interferes with your ability to leave the house, this guide has additional options for your situation.

Who Is Eligible for a Permit?

Before you start the application process, you need to figure out whether you are eligible to receive the permit. Unfortunately, not everyone with difficulty getting around qualifies. You need a medical diagnosis from a physician who has been certified by the medical board, and will also need to meet one of the following conditions.

You can apply for a handicapped permit if:

  • You cannot walk 200 ft. without stopping or struggling
  • You are severely limited in your ability to walk or move because of a neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic condition
  • You cannot walk without assistance from another person or a device like crutches, a wheelchair, braces, or a similar appliance
  • You are restricted by lung disease or need portable oxygen with you when you travel
  • You have a cardiac condition that causes Class III or IV restrictions as determined by the American Heart Association

Sometimes, if you have an official diagnosis from a medical physician, other conditions will be considered by the DMV. However, this is a rare occurrence and you should not depend upon it when submitting your application.

How to Receive a Diagnosis

The most difficult part of the application process for many people is trying to receive a diagnosis from a qualified doctor. Individuals who have a handicap or are disabled often struggle to receive recognition, even in a professional capacity. If you have been in South Carolina for a while and already have an established physician in the area, then you can visit them and ask them to sign your paperwork or a prescription form. This will certify you have an official medical diagnosis.

If you have just moved to South Carolina, then you need to find a physician within state to get certification. This can be difficult for many people, especially when they have mobility issues. After all, you are seeking to get a placard to help you park closer to businesses in the first place.

If you struggle with mobility and have no one to take you to the doctor’s office, there are online services available.

Believe it or not, some websites and businesses have started to connect handicapped individuals with doctors online. You can speak to a professional in your state over video chat. During the discussion, you can talk about the condition that is limiting your mobility, and will be able to send and receive paperwork through email and an attached printer. Your doctor can even fill out the proper paperwork you need and send it to you to print somewhere else.

Filling Out Paperwork

Once it has been made official with a doctor, then you need to get your paperwork in order. Individuals just need to complete a single form, which is the Physically Disabled Parking Permits and License Plate application. It is a couple of pages long and requires basic information like your name, address, and date of birth. You can attach the note or letter from your physician to the paperwork.

This form is conveniently available online. It can also be picked up in person at the DMV if you prefer the personal touch. Remember to complete the form in pen and try to keep the information as accurate as possible. Some DMVS will accept if you need to type your information into the form, but you still need to sign it by hand.

Submission and Application

When you have everything you need, turn it in at the local county treasurer’s office. Forms can be submitted in person once again, or you can mail them. If you choose to submit by mail, you may need to wait 4-6 weeks for approval to get your placard.

Unlike most other states, South Dakota does not require you to pay even a nominal fee. The entire application should be free except for doctor’s fees to get your diagnosis.

Other Information

Once you have the permit and placard, you need to display them properly. Keep your official paperwork in your primary vehicle so you have it with you if someone questions the validity of your placard. Meanwhile, the placard needs to be displayed and hung from the rearview mirror. It must be visible through the front and rear windshields.

Remember: Your family and friends can NOT take advantage of the placard unless they are directly helping you travel or get around town. They can be fined and it is possible to lose the placard by abusing its power.

A permanent placard can last for a period of up to 5 years. If you have been given a temporary one, it will only be valid for less than 1 year.

Once the placard expires, you need to undergo the entire application process once more. This means you need to once again get a diagnosis from a medical physician.

If you lose or damage your placard, you can submit the Application For Physically Disabled Parking Permit and License Plates and show your original paperwork to receive another one.

Conclusion

South Dakota has a simple process for receiving a handicapped placard. Just remember to fill out the form correctly, get a medical diagnosis, and submit to the local county’s treasurer’s office instead of the DMV.