A disabled parking permit is a must for every driver with a disability, but especially those who already struggle behind the wheel. Whether you have severely reduced mobility or high levels of pain from an invisible illness, being able to access specially adapted and well-located parking spots at your destination can take away a lot of stress while driving. It can relieve you of the pressure of finding an accessible parking space for your adapted vehicle, or having to walk long distances to your destination.
Here at Disabled Parking, we realize that a disabled parking permit is truly a necessity for those who need one, as being a permit holder is the only way to legally occupy these spaces in Arizona and all over the US. However, we’re also aware that sometimes it can be difficult to find all the relevant information on applying for an Arizona disabled parking permit online.
This can be an obstacle for those who just want clear and concise instructions on their Arizona handicap tag application. So today, we’re going to make the answer to the following question as simple as we can: “How do I get a handicap parking permit in Arizona?”
How to apply for disabled parking in Arizona
Step 1: Complete the application form
The first thing you should do to get your application started is carefully complete the Arizona disabled parking permit application form with the relevant information. This is also the same form you will use if you wish to apply for disabled parking plates, for an additional fee.
Please note that a placard alone is free in Arizona, while plates incur a small fee. You will also need to sign that you understand and take responsibility for the correct use of your permit – not allowing others to falsely use it, for example, and remembering to renew it prior to its expiration if you want to continue to use disabled parking places.
Step 2: Get certified by a licensed medical professional
The second step of your AZ disabled parking permit application is to have your disability certified by a practicing medical professional in the state of Arizona. The AZDOT classifies suitable medical professionals as “an authorized physician (doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or chiropractic, licensed to practice medicine in the United States), a registered nurse practitioner, and physician assistant or by a hospital administrator”. These are the only people who can legally verify your disability, and they will need to complete a key part of the same application form you have already filled out to enable you to apply for your permit. The good news is that Disabled Parking can help you organize your consultation via telemedicine, making the process easier and more convenient for you.
The most common qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in Arizona include, but are not limited to:
- Being unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or without help from an assistive device
- Lung disease
- Need for portable oxygen
- Cardiac condition (Class 3 or 4 as per American Heart Association standards)
- An extreme arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
These are simply guidelines and not an exhaustive list of all eligible conditions for a permit, so we advise you to speak to a physician if you have any doubts as to whether or not you qualify.
Step 3: Applying for a disabled parking permit in Arizona – submit your application!
This is a crucial step! After you and your physician have both completed the form, you’re ready to submit your application for processing. You can do so via mail, or by fax if you are only applying for a placard. It’s important that you ensure all the final details are correct, and that you have enclosed the relevant fee if applying for plates to avoid any delays in receiving your permit. Once you’ve received your permit, you’re all set! You can now legally park in disabled parking spaces.
We hope this guide has made the task of applying for your Arizona disabled parking permit less daunting and more straightforward, and we wish you all the best on the road.
Featured image by Gautier Salles on Unsplash