If you’re an Indiana resident and have a handicap or disability, you may be eligible for a handicap parking permit. This permit makes it easier for you to get into work or school facilities, since you’ll be able to get to the door of these establishments quicker. When you don’t have to walk far, you’ll be less likely to exert too much energy. Parking near the door can also make it easier for you to get your wheelchair or mobility device into a building.

Before you apply for a handicap placard or permit in Indiana, here are a few things you need to know.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

If you want a handicap parking permit, you’ll need a medical practitioner in Indiana to verify that you have impaired mobility. The statement must also indicate that you meet all eligibility requirements for getting a permit. There are both general and particular guidelines that you’ll have to meet to get a permit in Indiana.

You can get a disability license plate if a health care provider has certified that you have a permanent physical disability that require you to use a walker, crutches, braces or a wheelchair. If you’ve lost one or both legs or can’t use one or both legs, you’ll qualify for a permit.

If you have a lung-related or cardiac condition, have arthritis or an arthritic condition, or suffer from a neurological or orthopedic impairment, you can successfully apply for a permit.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will also issue a permit to you if you have a visual impairment or are permanently blind.

Disability License Plates In Indiana

In the state of Indiana, you can get a disability license plate if you’ve received a permanent parking placard.

You can receive a permanent placard as an individual, or if you’re part of a corporation, LLC, unincorporated association, partnership or a legal successor of a corporation that is authorized by the state of Iowa or political body associated with the state that transports people who have disabilities or elderly individuals.

If you are disabled by another person is in charge of your transportation, this person can apply for a placard. The vehicle that is used to transport you has to b certified by a health care provider, and you must have a certified letter from a doctor stating that you have a qualifying disability.

The Application Process for Disability Parking Plates

In Indiana, you’ll have to fill out State Form 42070, which is the Application for Disability Plate or Parking Placard. You can get this form from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office nearest you. Or, you can print the form out online.

If you need a temporary disability permit, you can complete the process by mail by sending a $5 fee with your applications. Your disability license plates will includes registration taxes and fees.

You and your doctor will have to complete and sign the application will all applicable information. Once you’ve completed all necessary forms, you can bring the document to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Winchester Mail Processing Center
PO Box 100
Winchester, IN 47394

How Long Will My Indiana Placard Be Valid?

The validity of your permit will depend on whether your disability is permanent or temporary. If you have a permanent parking plate, the plate is valid until the expiration date listed on the license plate. For your permanent parking placard, the expiration date is valid according to the date the doctor has specified on your medical report.

If you have a temporary parking placard for a condition like a major vehicle accident or a broken arm or leg, your permit will be valid in Indiana for up to six months.

Your disability license plate should be renewed before its expiration date. You can renew your disability plates online at my BMV.com or going to your local Indiana BMV Office.

If you’ve received a disability placard and have a permanent disability, you can renew your placard at your nearest BMV office. The new disability placard doesn’t have an expiration date.

Disabled Veteran Plates for Indiana Residents

If you became disabled while you were serving in the Armed Forces and are an Indiana resident, you can receive a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate. The disability has to be at least 50% connected to your time in the service. Of that 50%, 30% of your disability has to be connected with impaired mobility.

To get a veteran license plate in Indiana, you have to submit a letter that verifies your impairment that developed during your time in military service. You can receive this letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs. You also have to take a copy of your military discharge to the Indiana DMV.

When you receive verification for eligibility, you’ll have to fill out a Certification of Eligibility for Veterans License Plates. When you complete the form, you can fax it or mail it to:

Mail:
Department of Veterans Affairs
302 West Washington Street, Room E120
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2738

Fax:
317-232-7721

Fees for your registration and plates will still apply if you’re a veteran. You’ll also have to renew the plates before their expiration date. You can also take advantage of Social Security benefits after you file a claim.

Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse in Indiana

Unfortunately, there are times when people will abuse handicap plates, spaces and placards. If you see someone moving normally or quickly from an empty car that is parked in a handicap space, there’s a good chance that individual is parked illegally.

Any person who parks in a space that is designated for disabled individuals, without a placard or plate could be charged a fine. In the state of Indiana, this is a Class C misdemeanor.

You can report parking or permit abuse by getting in touch with Indiana authorities in your area. Be sure to give as many details of the incident as possible and provide license plate information if possible.

Disability license plates can be displayed on a passenger automobile with a documented gross weight of less than 11,000 pounds. This also applies to a motorcycle, motor driven cycle or recreational vehicle.

You can renew your disability license plate online at myBMV.com, by phone, by mail, or at a self-service terminal. This allows you to keep your disability permits current in a way that is most convenient for you.