Almost everyone has heard of disability placards. These are the small plastic signs that are hung from the rearview mirror. In the majority of states, including in South Dakota, the placard is blue with a white figure sitting in a wheelchair. Depending on a person’s needs, it is also possible to apply for and receive a special disability license plate.

In South Dakota, getting this plate is surprisingly easy, and the state ranks as one of the most accessible for handicapped and disabled individuals. This guide will walk you through the application process.

Who Needs a Disability License Plate?

Disability license plates are available to any individual who qualifies for a placard and permit. This means the person has an official medical diagnosis from a licensed physician and meets one of the following conditions:

  • They use portable oxygen
  • They are limited in their ability to walk by a neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic condition
  • They cannot walk 200 ft. with stopping or struggling
  • They cannot walk without assistance from another person or a device like a wheelchair, crutches, braces, cane, etc.
  • They have restrictions caused by lung disease that make it difficult to breathe
  • The individual has a cardiac condition that causes functional limitations classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association

The car receiving the plate does not need to belong to the handicapped/disabled person. It can instead belong to the primary caretaker or the individual responsible for transporting the handicapped/disabled person and helping them get around.

The Types of Disability Permits in the State

There are technically three types of disability permits in South Dakota: the placard, the regular license plate, and the disabled veteran’s license plate. These all have the requirements mentioned above, although the veteran’s plate does require the individual to be a military veteran of the United States. You can decide whether you just want a placard or would like a plate as well. The plate does not cost anything and has the same process, so it can be a good addition if you have a permanent vehicle.

The Application Process

South Dakota has one of the simplest application processes in the United States. You need an official diagnosis from a licensed physician, to fill out the correct form, and to send the information to the right location. Perhaps the most difficult step is getting the diagnosis, as this requires visiting a doctor and having them sign your form or a prescription paper that explains your diagnosis or handicap.

To get an official medical diagnosis, you need to visit a doctor who is licensed in South Dakota. If you have a family doctor, they can give you the diagnosis. If you are new to the state or recently handicapped or disabled, than any general practitioner will be able to see you and sign your paperwork.

If you struggle to get around or have limited transportation, especially without the placard, then you have options available. Some websites and businesses have developed systems where you can speak to a doctor in your state through a video chat online. During the discussion, you can explain your condition and show examples of your disability – if you want to. At the end, the doctor can sign a copy of the form you need and email or fax it to you. All you need to do then is print it and fill it out.

The Paperwork

Once you have the diagnosis, you can fill out SD Eform-0865 V7. This form is only about three pages long and can be filled out online if you have trouble writing or holding a pen. You should still print it and sign it before sending it.

Once the paperwork is filled out, you can send it and the diagnosis to the local country treasurer’s office, not the DMV or BMV. This is an important distinction, and lots of paperwork is lost every year because people send it to the wrong location.

If you only need a temporary parking permit, be sure to check the right box on the paperwork. You do not need to send any money to the state of South Dakota to get your placard and license plate.

Disabled Veteran License Plate

A disabled veteran’s license plate has a similar process but a few extra conditions. Someone can only apply for this type of plate if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • You have receive a VA K award
  • You have an automobile under Public Law 187
  • You get a total disability allotment for a service related injury or disability
  • You receive a benefit for a partial or total loss of an extremity or the use thereof

Beware of Misuse

A common problem for people is when a placard or license plate gets misused. There are several laws in South Dakota dedicated to ensuring these benefits are not misused by individuals who do not need them. For example:

“Any person, other than the veteran to whom it was issued, who uses a disabled veteran’s license of identification issued pursuant to subdivision 32-5-157(2) for the purpose of parking a motor vehicle as permitted by § 32-30-11.1, commits a Class 2 misdemeanor.”

Likewise, it is also a misdemeanor in South Dakota to use a handicap placard or license plate that is not yours in general. You can also not park in a handicapped parking space if you do not have a placard or permit with you. Doing any of these actions also count as Class 2 misdemeanors and can result in fines of no less than $100. If someone is using a handicapped placard that belongs to someone else, it can be taken away. You will then need to go through the legal process of getting it back, and might need to reapply.

Conclusion

Getting a disability license plate in South Dakota is a simple process, but can take anywhere up to six weeks depending on how you submit your paperwork. Once you have the placard and plate, you can start to use handicapped parking spaces.