Navigating your way through the world of disabled parking permits can be a difficult and challenging process. Each state has its rules and regulations about who can own one of these permits. Wisconsin is no different and even offers different ways to apply for one. Even some cities may have their ordinances and rules for permit applicants and holders.

This guide is meant to help you get through the application process and receive your disabled parking permit as quickly as possible. We’ll start with the first question we need to answer.

Who Qualifies?

Because each state has its own rules and regulations on who can own a disabled parking permit, this question is more complicated than you may think. The state of Wisconsin has predefined criteria that state who can apply. You must meet at least one or more of the qualifications to be eligible for a disabled parking permit.

Here are the qualifications in Wisconsin:

  • You must not be able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • You must utilize portable oxygen
  • You must not be able to walk without the use of, or assistance from, another person or brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistance devices
  • You must be restricted by lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory volume for one second when measured by spirometry is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • You must have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV, according to standards accepted by the American Heart Association
  • You must be severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

Some of these conditions may, understandably, be confusing to understand. If you’re not sure if you can apply or not, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Either way, you require certification from a medical professional as part of the application process. This can be a great time to learn more about specific qualifications.

Getting Through Your Application Quickly

Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible to apply for a disabled parking permit, it’s time to begin the application process. Wisconsin is different because they offer a way to apply for a disabled parking permit online as well as the more traditional way.

It’s up to you to decide which application works best for you. Here are the differences and process for both:

The Traditional Way

Applicants who are wanting to apply for a permanent disability placard must complete Form MV2548. Those who are wanting a placard for temporary disability must complete Form MV2933. You can find both of these online.

Once you’ve filled out your portion of the application, it’s time to visit a medical professional. They’ll have a section to complete on the application that certifies which condition(s) you have the allow you to qualify for the permit. Once you’ve completed the entire application, it’s time to deliver the documents.

Both temporary and permanent disability placard applications may be mailed. You can send them to the address listed below:

WisDOT

Special Plates Units – DIS ID

PO Box7306

Madison, WI 53707-7306

The applications may also be submitted to any local DMV customer service center. These will require an additional counter service fee. However, turning the documents in in-person is likely to be the faster way to process your application if you’d like to receive it as quickly as possible.

Online

Wisconsin is one of the few states that provides a government-backed online eligibility process for disabled parking permits.

The system is called The Disabled Parking Certification System and allows Wisconsin Health Care Specialists to submit eligibility certification for disabled parking permits online. You’ll fill out an online form and you can be approved through the DMV for a permit.

You’ll still need to fill out and send in or turn in an application through the process stated above, but it can save you a trip to see your doctor. You can find more information here.

There also other online services to apply for a disabled parking permit.

By ensuring you know both the qualifications and how the application process works, you now know how to get your disabled parking permit in Wisconsin the fastest way that works best for you.

But, wait, there’s still more information you should know on how to best use and maintain your disabled parking permit.

 

Renewals

 

If you have a permanent placard, they must be renewed every four years and they require recertification of disability. This means another trip to a medical professional or the use of an online tool.

Those with temporary disability placards can extend the permit longer than the six months it’s valid for but they must submit a new application. This will keep it valid for another six months.

Best Use Of Placards

If you have a temporary or permanent placard, there are laws regarding where you must place the placard.

All placards must be hung from the rearview windshield of your vehicle when it’s parked in a designated parking space. However, you must remove the placard while the vehicle is in motion.

If you fail to do so, this can be counted as an obstruction to your vision and may result in a fine from law enforcement.

Conclusion

After reading this guide, you should now be a pro on all the ins and outs of the eligibility and application process for a disabled parking permit in Wisconsin.

Remember to always follow the rules and regulations of your state. It may also be beneficial to check online and see if your city has any ordinances that may affect the application process where you live as they may vary.