Per the handicap placard regulations in Alaska, accessible parking is available to applicants who complete the paperwork and receive medical clearance from a licensed medical professional.

Finding a parking spot isn't necessarily the most challenging task in the minimally populated state of Alaska. But no one will argue that the closer, the better—especially for the roughly 10.6% of Alaskan residents who have a disability.

To guarantee the best parking spots for the handicapped community, Alaska has developed an eligibility system for claiming disability and accessing these reserved front-row spots. For those seeking the next steps, here's a guide on how to get an Alaska handicap placard.

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How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in Alaska

To qualify for a disability permit, you’ll need to fall into one of these two categories:

Permanent permit: Eligible for placards or plates that must be renewed every five years

Temporary permit: Eligible for placards that are valid for up to six months

These permits create handicap accessibility for both short-term rehabilitation stints and lifelong disabling conditions. The placards and plates display the International Symbol of Access, recognizable as the little stick figure in the wheelchair.

Of course, being disabled isn’t limited to being in a wheelchair. Below, we’ll discuss several qualifying conditions in depth.

Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?

To obtain a disability parking permit or plate, you must meet one or more of the following requirements that satisfy the legal definition of disability:

Cannot walk 200 feet without resting

Cannot walk safely without using an assistive device, like a cane, crutch, wheelchair, etc.

Have severe respiratory restrictions from lung disease

Use portable oxygen

Have Class III or Class IV cardiac condition, as stated by the American Heart Association

Have severe walking limitations due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions

The Alaskan Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) won’t just take your word for it, though. A licensed medical professional must vouch for your disability—so let’s take a look at how to go about this.

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How to apply

Start by picking up the Special Disability Parking Permit (form 861) at an

Alaska DMV office

. Or, you can

download it online

The first part of the form is simply some basic identifying information, including your full legal name and driver’s license number. Then, one of these qualifying medical professionals must help you complete the second part of the form.

Physician

Physician’s assistant

Nurse practitioner

Podiatrist

Chiropractor

Once your trusted health official diagnoses and verifies your disability, they will sign off on your application and prepare it for submission. Even though you can download the application online, you must submit it in person or by mail—see the

list of DMV offices

you can visit, or send it to this address:

Division of Motor Vehicles

ATTN: Special Disability Parking Permit

3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101

Anchorage, AK 99503

And that’s it! There are no fees associated with the application process for your handicap permit in Alaska.

Renewing a disabled parking placard

Your health practitioner will determine your permit’s expiration date at the point of application. If they deem you eligible for a permanent permit, you will have to renew every five years. If you qualify for a temporary permit, you will have to renew it every six months or by the designated expiration date.

Regardless of which category you fall into, you will have to complete a renewal application and an updated medical examination to keep your permit active. Renewing or duplicating your permit will cost $10.

Key Takeaway Alaska requires all disabled drivers to fill out Form 861 and undergo a health evaluation before receiving a handicap parking placard.

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Guidelines for veterans with disabilities

Disabled Veteran's plates are available to retired soldiers who have a service-related disability of 50% or more, as certified by Veteran's Affairs (VA). These custom plates are available with or without the International Symbol of Access, depending on your condition.

You must renew the plates every five years to sustain an active status.

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