Per handicap placard regulations in New Mexico
, drivers are required to display a disabled placard on their rearview mirror or dashboard. The permit number and expiration date must be visible from the front of the car, and it must be put away when the vehicle is in operation. If you are part of the 28% of New Mexicans with a disability, you may be eligible to apply. However, the regulations for these placards and license plates differ by state, so knowing the rules for your home state will help you avoid penalties.
How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in New Mexico
To park in a disabled space in New Mexico without incurring penalties, you must have one of the following:
Permanent handicap placard—expires four years from the date of issue
Temporary handicap placard—valid up to one year based on a physician’s statement
The International Symbol of Access is printed on both types of placards. Typically, it is a blue-and-whitestick figure in a wheelchair, but it may appear in other colors.
Remember: You are not required to be wheelchair-bound to be eligible for a handicap placard in New Mexico. Below is a list of conditions that qualify.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
You are eligible for a placard if you meet one or more of the following requirements:
You cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest
You cannot walk without the use of an assistive device—e.g., a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or wheelchair
You are restricted by lung disease—your respiratory volume when exhaling for 1 second is less than 1 liter
You need to use portable oxygen
You have a severe cardiac condition
You are severely limited when walking due to an arthritic, neurologic, or orthopedic condition and cannot walk up or down more than 10 stairs
Note: An amputee who does not meet any of the conditions listed above will not be approved for a handicapped plate or placard.
An example of a temporary condition would be if you broke your leg in an accident and need to use a wheelchair until you recover. In this case, you can apply for a temporary handicap parking placard that's valid for up to one year based on a physician’s statement.
An example of a permanent condition is if you have severe asthma and you are not able to walk across a parking lot without difficulties. You can then apply for a permanent handicap parking placard, which will be valid for four years. A physician’s statement is still required if you are a new applicant but is not required for renewals.
Individuals eligible for a permanent handicap parking placard can also apply for a handicap parking license plate. Note that this limits use to one vehicle. Getting the placard would be more practical if you have access to multiple vehicles.
How to apply
You’ll need to fill out the Application for Certificate of Eligibility for Parking Placard
(Form MVD-10383) to apply for any of the handicap parking placards or license plates. While the form is simple, not completing the required sections will result in your application being rejected. You’ll need to provide your identifying information, including your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and contact information. You will also need to indicate what you are applying for:
An original handicap parking placard
Renewal for a handicap parking placard (permanent placards only)
Replacement for a handicap parking placard
The remaining sections will depend on which type of application you are submitting.
For original handicap parking placards, a licensed physician will need to fill in section C (physician’s information) and section D (physician medical statement and certification) on the form. They must attest to the type of disability, indicate if it is permanent or temporary, and sign the form.
Once the form is complete, take the original copy to any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division—photocopies will not be accepted. You can instead mail it to:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
1100 South St. Francis Drive
There is no fee for a disability placard in New Mexico.
Renewing a disabled parking plate
Only the permanent handicap parking placard and plate can be renewed. If you renew your placard before the expiration date, you do not need a doctor’s signature—just bring your completed form and provide your placard.
If your placard has expired, you will need to reapply and ask your doctor to recertify your disability.
Key Takeaway To apply for a handicap parking placard in New Mexico, you’ll need a licensed medical professional to certify that you have an eligible mobility or vision disability.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
If you are a veteran with disabilities in New Mexico, you will need to fill out the Application for Military Service Plate
(Form MVD-10353). You will also have to show your certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) indicating your disability is at least 50% service-connected. There is no fee for a veteran plate.
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