How to Get a Connecticut Handicap Placard (and Who’s Eligible)

Drivers must have a disabled license plate or display a disabled parking placard to use a disabled parking space in Connecticut.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Per handicap placard regulations in
Connecticut
, drivers are required to display a disabled placard or have disabled license plates to use a disabled parking space.
If you have a temporary or permanent disability, driving can be a major hassle. That’s why every state allows disabled individuals to apply for special parking placards or license plates that will allow them to park in accessible spots. But before you can get one of these essential permits in Connecticut, you’ll need to make sure you meet the requirements.
If you are dealing with a temporary or lifelong disability, this guide will walk you through how to get a Connecticut handicap placard.
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How to get a disabled parking placard or plates in Connecticut

Before you can legally use disabled parking spaces in Connecticut, you’ll need to acquire one of the following:
  • A temporary disabled parking placard (expires in 6 months or less)
  • A permanent disabled parking placard (must be renewed with your driver’s license, every four or six years)
  • Disabled license plates (special plates available for veterans with service-related disabilities)
It’s easy to spot a Connecticut disabled parking placard or license plate—they depict the little white stick figure in a wheelchair (aka International Symbol of Access), which you are likely familiar with. But that doesn’t mean you have to be in a wheelchair to use accessible parking spots in Connecticut. 
Several temporary and permanent medical conditions are eligible for disabled parking in the Constitution State. Learn who qualifies below.

Who can get a disabled parking placard?

The state of Connecticut will consider you legally disabled if a licensed physician determines that you:
  • Do not have the ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Have a medical condition severely inhibiting your ability to walk or requiring the use of portable oxygen
  • Have limited use, or no use, of one or both legs
  • Are legally blind
Let’s say you got into a wreck on I-95 and getting around now requires the use of crutches—you’d be able to apply for a temporary disabled parking placard. This type of permit would allow you to park in disabled spots while you recover, but it isn't meant to be used long term.
But if you have a permanent disability such as lung disease, arthritis, or cerebral palsy, you can apply for a permanent disabled parking placard. You can keep this type of parking permit for as long as you need it—but you’ll have to renew it whenever you renew your driver’s license.

How to apply

The first step in getting a disabled parking permit in Connecticut is to complete an application for a
permanent parking placard
or a
temporary parking placard
. The application isn’t difficult, but you need to make sure that you’ve filled out all the required fields before you return it to the DMV.
For the first half of the application, you’ll need to provide some identifying information like your name, address, driver’s license number, and birthdate. The second part of the form must be completed by your doctor
They will need to certify that you meet the state’s requirements, sign the form, and provide their medical license number. If you’re applying for a temporary parking placard, then they will also need to indicate how long you will need accessible parking. 
You can
schedule an appointment
to return the form to the DMV in person or mail it to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Disabled Parking Permit Unit
60 State St.
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Applying for a permanent disabled placard is free, but a temporary disabled placard will cost $5.

Renewing a disabled parking permit

If you still need your temporary disabled parking placard when it expires, you can reapply by submitting the same application again. Your doctor will need to set a new duration for your parking permit and recertify your disability.
Permanent disabled parking placards or license plates should be renewed whenever you renew your Connecticut driver’s license every four or six years. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice approximately 45 days before your permit expires.
If you lose your permanent disabled parking placard, you can get a new one by filling out an application for a permanent placard and checking the “replacement” box. There is no charge to replace a lost permanent disabled parking permit.
Key Takeaway When you apply for a disabled parking placard in Connecticut, a licensed medical professional must verify that you have a qualifying disability.

How to get disabled veteran license plates in Connecticut

Disabled veteran license plates are available to former members of the U.S. Armed Forces dealing with a service-related disability. To qualify for these special license plates, you must:
  • Be a member of the Disabled American Veterans Organization
  • Contact the Disabled American Veterans Department of Connecticut by calling (203) 440-4440
  • Drive a vehicle that is registered in Connecticut
  • Submit a copy of your Certificate of Honorable Release or Discharge from Active Duty or your United States Uniformed Services ID card
  • Pay the $96.50 fee 
Renewing disabled veteran license plates costs $27.50.

How to find savings on car insurance in Connecticut

Medical care for a temporary or lifelong disability can be expensive—so cutting down on your cost-of-living expenses might be one of your top priorities. Luckily, it’s easy to save money on your
car insurance
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The savings keep coming even after Jerry finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price. 
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FAQs

While the Connecticut DMV doesn’t offer an online application portal, you can save yourself a trip to the DMV by emailing your completed renewal form to dmv.hpapp@ct.gov.
There’s no charge for a permanent disabled parking placard in Connecticut, but it costs $5 to get a temporary disabled parking placard.
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