Quickly receiving a disabled parking permit isn’t something you’ll often hear people saying they’ve done. There is a ton of information out there about disabled parking permits and it can be confusing.
Because each state has its laws, and even some cities have different rules and regulations, it’s difficult to keep up with what exactly you should know in your state.
If you’re looking for how to get your disabled parking permit in Texas, this guide is for you. We’ll start with the first question you should answer.
Who Qualifies For A Disabled Parking Permit?
Those with disabilities who need to use the parking space, of course! However, each state has its predetermined qualifications that allow an individual to apply for a disabled parking permit. Texas is no different. You must meet at least one or more of the criteria the state has provided.
Here is a list of Texas’ qualifications for obtaining a disabled parking permit:
- You must not be able to walk 200 feet without stopping for rest
- You cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices
- You must be restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
- You must use portable oxygen
- You must have a cardiac condition in severity as Class II or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
- You must be severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
Understandably, some of these qualifications can be confusing and difficult to understand. If you’re not sure if you meet one or more of the criteria, meet with your doctor to talk about it.
Either way, you’ll need to visit a medical professional to certify your disability. This is a great time to talk to your doctor about which of the criteria you meet and why.
How Can I Apply?
The first step to applying Is obtaining the application. It’s called The Disabled Person and Physician Disability Certification. It’s also more formally known as Form TC-842. You’ll fill it out with your personal information. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and even driver’s license number.
For individuals, you’ll need to visit your physician. They’ll need to complete the certification section of the application. It’s located at the top of the document. This certifies that you do have a physically limiting or impairing disability and need a disabled parking permit.
Once you’ve fully completed your application, it’s time to turn it in. There are two ways to submit your application.
You can submit your application by mail by sending it to the address listed below:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Mail and Correspondence
P.O. Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
You can also simply drop it off in-person at your local Utah DMV office.
After you’ve submitted your application, it’s a waiting game until you own your disabled parking permit. You’re almost there!
If you’re still waiting, or are new to owning a disabled parking permit, there’s still some really useful information you should know. Let’s dive into some helpful information.
How Do I Replace Or Renew My Permit?
Once your placard or plate expires, you’ll need to renew, re-apply, or register a vehicle depending on the circumstances. Here is a simple overview:
Temporary Placards
Those with a temporary placard will likely have the most difficult time getting another disabled parking permit. This type of permits cannot be renewed. And, they’re only valid for up to six months.
If you’re nearing or past the expiration date but find you still need a disabled parking permit, you’ll need to completely reapply for a new one. This means going through the steps listed above and another visit to your physician.
You should keep track of your disability or injury while using a temporary placard and make sure you begin the application process before the expiration date to ensure you have continued and unimpeded use of your disabled parking permit.
Permanent Placards
Permanent placard owners have a slightly easier time to renew their placard.
These placards are valid for up to two years. You’ll need to contact your local Utah DMV office for specific renewal instructions. However, you don’t need a new physician’s certification to renew it. This helps take out some of the time and effort for those who have an established long-term injury or irreversible disability.
License Plates
Those with a disabled parking permit in the form of a license plate will have the easiest time renewing their permits.
To renew a handicap license plate, you’ll need to just simply renew your vehicle registration when its due annually. This will automatically renew your license plate for another year.
General Rules And Regulations
There are a couple more things you should be aware of to get the most out of your disabled parking permit.
Hanging Your Placard
All disabled parking permits in the forms of placards must be hung from the front windshield rearview mirror while the vehicle is parked in a designated space. Remember, you must take the placard off of the rearview mirror while it is in motion. It is illegal to hang while the vehicle is moving because it could count as an obstruction to the driver’s vision.
Replacing Your Placard
To replace your placard, you’ll need to complete another application form. You need the number of your lost or stolen disability plate or placard. However, you don’t need a new physician’s certification.
You can turn the application to your local Utah DMV Branch Office or by mailing it to the address that was listed above.
Conclusion
By now, you know all the best information to quickly get your disabled parking permit in Utah. Always follow local ordinances as they may differ or add regulations for disabled parking and their permits.