Depending on where you live in the United States, the process of getting a disabled parking permit varies. It can even vary between counties and municipalities. It can sometimes be unclear what specific steps need to be taken to acquire a disabled parking permit. Further, it might be unclear what the requirements are to even qualify for a permit. This article will detail how to get your hands on a disabled parking permit in Colorado. Also, there are some useful resources on the Internet which can offer additional information.

Qualifying

The first important question that you should be asking if you are considering a disabled parking permit is: am I allowed to get one? Certain criteria must be met before you can begin the process of acquiring a permit. In Colorado, to get a permit one of the following things must be true:

  • Cannot walk more than 200 feet without needing a break
  • Require a wheelchair, cane, prosthetic, etc.
  • Arterial oxygen tension less than 60mm/hg at rest
  • Need to use an oxygen apparatus
  • You have a class III or IV cardiac condition
  • Arthritis or another, similar condition is limiting your ability to walk significantly

DMV

What you’ll want to do next is pay a visit to your local Motor Vehicle Agency.

There, you’ll be able to get your hands on a form labeled DR2219. This form needs to be filled out and submitted.

Physician’s Approval

You won’t be able to get a disabled parking permit without receiving approval from a medical professional. You can go to your doctor and let him or her know that you are attempting to acquire a permit. The doctor will be able to run the associated tests to determine whether or not you qualify.

Remember the DR2219 form mentioned above? Don’t forget to bring this to your doctor’s appointment. There is a section of the form that must be filled out by a physician. Virtually any physician licensed to practice medicine in Colorado or a nearby state will be able to get you a permit, potentially a permanent one. Doctors like physical therapists can also provide permits, but these will likely only be temporary.

Classification

During your doctor’s visit, they are going to give your permit a classification. This will be based on their examination, what they find will determine the classification of your permit. There are 4 types of classifications.

  • Permanent disability (lifetime condition such as paralysis)
  • Extended disability (doctor expects the condition to last more than 30 months)
  • Temporary disability (doctor expects the condition to last less than 30 months)
  • Short-term disability (90 days or less)

Back to Paperwork

At this point in the process, if you have been approved by a physician and they have assisted you in filling out your DR2219 form, there will be more paperwork to fill out.

You’re going to want to apply for handicap license plates and a placard. In filling out the paperwork you’ll need to identify the classification you were given by your physician. The classification will determine how many sets of plates you are eligible and how many placards. Every classification will get you entitled to at least one pair of plates and one placard, even if you don’t have a vehicle. Only the ‘short-term’ classification will not be enough for you to get plates.

Once the paperwork is done, head back to the DMV to get all of that submitted. You’ll need to come equipped with multiple forms of identification. In addition, make sure you have the title of your vehicle or your registration. You mustn’t forget to bring all of the required documents.

If you’ve gotten the physician’s approval and filled out the DR2219 form, you should be all set to get your parking permit.

Renewal

Similar to most other states in the US, if you wish to get a renewal on your plates or placard, you’ll need to set up another appointment with your doctor. Naturally, your classification will determine how often you need to renew. Most classifications require renewal every three years, although there are exceptions.

FAQ

Do I need to go to the DMV in person?

Yes, but you can apply for the permit through the mail. Everything else needs to be verified in person.

If I have a permit, do I still need to pay for parking?

Yes, you will still need to pay, unless you meet special criteria with regards to House Bill 18 – 1285 which is listed here.

Is there a time limit on handicapped parking spots?

No, there is no time limit. Now, you don’t want to go and abuse that and leave your car there for days at a time. But you can leave it as long as it needs to be there.

Will I get in trouble if I abuse my privileges?

Of course, you will, and breaking some of the rules which are detailed in the paperwork you will receive and be noted on the placard most likely can result in a fine of up to $5,000.

What if someone steals my placard or plates?

If this happens to you, you should notify the police immediately and subsequently notify the DMV. They will be able to issue you new plates and placards, but they’ll want you to have filed a police report.

Conclusion

Colorado is not much different than most states in terms of acquiring a disabled parking permit. You could put this state in the middle of the pack in terms of difficulty; there are states where it is easier and states where it’s more strict.

The most crucial part of the process is going to be receiving approval from your physician. If you qualify according to the qualifications listed above, you won’t have much trouble getting your hands on your permit. It might take some time for the state to process all of your information and paperwork, but that would be true in any state.

Once you receive doctors approval, the extent of finishing the process will just be to show up at the DMV which can be a pain in the neck, but a few hours at the DMV is worth it if you need the permit.