To park in an accessible space in New Hampshire,
you’ll need either a disabled parking placard or license plates which display the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Driving can be especially challenging for disabled individuals, whether it’s a temporary injury or a permanent condition. States provide license plates and placards to authorize drivers to park in spaces compliant with accessibility guidelines, but the regulations vary depending on where you live.
Approximately one in eight people in New Hampshire have a disability—and if you’re one of them, you may be eligible for a handicap placard. We're here to explain all of the rules and regulations for handicap placards in the state.
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Start earning nowHow to get a disabled parking placard or plate in New Hampshire
To park in a disabled parking spot in New Hampshire, you’ll need one of two permits:
A disability placard that hangs from your rearview mirror (for either temporary or permanent disabilities)
A handicap license plate (only available for drivers with permanent disabilities
Temporary placards are valid for up to six months and permanent placards are valid for up to five years. All disability parking passes contain the International Symbol of Access (ISA), a blue and white depiction of a person in a wheelchair. That doesn’t mean you must be in a wheelchair, however, to be eligible for disability parking permissions.
Your particular disability may not be obvious, so it’s important to have it both verified and documented by a medical professional. Several conditions and instances qualify for disabled parking permits in the Granite State, as outlined below.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
The state of New Hampshire refers to its disability permits as “Walking Disability Privileges.” You meet the permit requirements as defined by RSA 261:88
if you: Cannot walk without assistive devices, including a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, prosthetic device, or another person
Have a lung disease that restricts your oxygen intake
Have a cardiac condition classified by the American Heart Association as class 3 or class 4 severity
Have an arthritic, orthopedic, neurological, or other medically disabling condition that severely limits your ability to walk
There are two types of walking disability placards: temporary and permanent, which will determine which you apply for.
In most cases, broken bones, major surgery, or pregnancy with complications federally qualify for temporary disability permissions during the duration of your recovery time. Having long-term or chronic disabilities and/or conditions such as emphysema, paralysis, or a history of stroke, however, likely means you will need to apply for a permanent disabled parking placard.
Instead of using a placard, you may choose to apply for a license plate. This may be a good option if you only use one vehicle; if you regularly switch vehicles, it may be best to choose a placard, which you can move between vehicles.
Key Takeaway Parking placards in Vermont are also known as Walking Disability Privileges—you’ll need to meet the medical requirements to qualify.
How to apply
To apply for a handicap placard or license plate, you’ll need to submit a completed form for Walking Disability Privileges
(RDMV130). You’ll need to fill out identifying information such as your name, date of birth, address, and license number. In New Hampshire, you have a couple of permit options to choose from for permanent disability. You are entitled to one placard in addition to disability plates—but if you prefer placards, you may apply for two in place of plates. If you are applying for a temporary disability, however, you are issued a single placard.
The disability statement must be signed by a licensed medical professional—either a physician, podiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician’s assistant—indicating whether you qualify for a temporary or permanent disability that falls under RSA 261:88 criteria.
You may apply in person at your local DMV office or mail your completed application to:
NH Division of Motor Vehicles
Walking Disability Section
Be sure to include payment for the fees, which are $8 for license plates and $5 for placards.
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Start earning nowRenewing a disabled parking placard
Disabled parking permits are valid for varying lengths of time:
Temporary placards: Up to six months
Permanent placards: Up to five years and they expire when your state driver’s license or ID expires
License plates: Valid for the duration of your vehicle registration
If you have an expired temporary placard, you cannot apply for a renewal. Instead, you must re-apply and provide a new medical report. For a permanent placard, you can renew at the same time as your driver’s license or ID card. License plates require renewing your vehicle registration.
Note that the first time you apply for a permanent placard, it will only be valid until the next renewal of your license or ID card, which could be less than five years. After that, it will share the same expiration date as your license or ID card.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
There are slightly different process guidelines when it comes to veterans with disabilities. According to New Hampshire law, certain veterans with disabilities may be furnished with special disabled veteran license plates under the following circumstances:
An amputee, paraplegic, or veteran who has suffered the loss of use of a limb and is classified as disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Having total blindness due to a service-connected disability
Veterans with walking disabilities
Veterans who are evaluated and classified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as permanently and totally disabled and/or blind due to service receive special plates for one vehicle free of charge. They may alternatively prove disability through the certification of a licensed medical practitioner.
You may find more information on veterans with disabled license plates in the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services’ New Hampshire benefits guide
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