How To Get A Handicap Parking Permit

Living with mesothelioma on a daily basis is extremely tiring. Anything that helps to conserve your much-needed energy is a valuable service.

Being able to use a handicap permit or disability placard and park close to entrances can make trips to the doctor, the store, or anywhere else a little more manageable.

But how do you get one of these placards? Read on to find out.

The Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for a handicap permit varies from state to state, but the steps involved are basically the same.

Get an Application: You will need to find out which agency supplies disability applications in your state. They are often provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the tax collector’s office, or other agencies. Most states have also put their applications online for easy access. Complete With Your Doctor’s Help: After you complete your part of the application, ask your doctor to fill out the designated area to confirm that you have a disability. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application to the appropriate agency. Your placard should arrive within several weeks. Types of Disability Parking Permits

There are two main types of handicap or disability parking permits. Although these designations may vary from state to state, the criteria involved will follow a similar format.

Temporary Placard: Issued to people with disabilities expected to last under 6 months. A temporary placard can be renewed if the disability lasts longer than this time. Permanent Disability Placard: Issued to people with disabilities that last longer than 6 months. Check your local state guidelines as to when these placards must be renewed, as each state has different rules.

For mesothelioma patients, these various permits are helpful because the permit type can be changed as your treatment and your physical needs change.

Display and Use of the Placard

Your placard needs to be displayed from the rear-view mirror of your car while parked. Some states have laws that don’t allow the placard to hang from the mirror while driving. As always, please refer to your local DMV for the rules and regulations.

The placard allows you to park in any parking space designated for a person with disabilities. It is important to note that these permits are issued to a specific person and not to a vehicle. Therefore, the placard can be used only if you are in the vehicle.