Per the handicap placard regulations in Indiana
, drivers must display a disability placard on their rearview mirror or have a disability license plate to legally park in a disabled parking space. The placard must be removed when the vehicle is in motion for safety. Regardless if it’s a temporary impairment or a permanent condition, driving with a disability can be challenging. For this reason, each state issues disability placards and license plates to eligible drivers so that they can use accessible parking spots.
You could be eligible for a disability parking placard or license plate if you’re one of the 13.8% of Hoosiers with a disability. However, the regulations vary from state to state—so knowing the rules in your home state is important to avoid the heavy penalties associated with parking in a handicap space without a permit.
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Start earning nowHow to get a disabled parking placard or plate in Indiana
You may legally park in a handicap accessible space in Indiana if you have:
A temporary disability parking placard—expires one year from the date of issue or date indicated by a health care provider
A permanent disability parking placard—no expiration unless a health care provider certifies that the disability is no longer considered permanent
A disability parking license plate
—for drivers with permanent disabilities A company parking placard—issued to eligible companies authorized by the state
The passes above all display the International Symbol of Access (ISA), which is the blue-and-whitestick figure in a wheelchair. However, a wheelchair isn’t an essential requirement to be eligible for a disability placard in Indiana.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
You can qualify for a placard if you are certified by a health care provider as having one or more of the conditions listed below:
Permanent or temporary physical disability requiring a wheelchair, walker, braces, or crutches
Permanent or temporary loss of use of one or both legs
Permanent or temporary severe restriction in mobility due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, arthritic condition, or orthopedic or neurological impairment
Permanent or temporary visual impairment or blindness
If you had a serious hip injury from a weekend snowboarding trip and you need to get around using crutches, this is considered a temporary physical disability. You would be eligible for a temporary disability parking placard that's valid for one year from the date of issue or until a date indicated by a health care provider.
On the other hand, if you have a permanent disability—even if it isn’t obvious—you can apply for a permanent disability parking placard. This could include (but is not limited to) a severe visual impairment or cardiovascular disability that makes it challenging to walk long distances across a parking lot.
Those eligible for a permanent disability parking placard can also apply for a disability parking license plate. However, this limits the use to only one vehicle. Getting the placard would be more practical if you are a driver or passenger in multiple vehicles.
How to apply
You’ll need to fill out the Application for Disability License Plate or Parking Placard
(Form 42070) to apply for any of the disability parking placards or license plates. While the form is simple, there are a few things to pay attention to. First, you’ll need to fill in your identifying information, including your name, Social Security number, and address. You’ll then need to fill out the applicable section(s), depending on if you’re applying for a placard or plate.
Those applying for a parking placard must indicate the type of permit they’re applying for:
Permanent disability parking placard
Temporary disability parking placard
Company disability parking placard
This section is complete once you indicate whether your application is certified by a health care provider, you’re applying for a duplicate, you represent a company, or if you’ve been issued a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate.
Finally, the health care provider’s certification section of the application must be filled in by a licensed medical professional, such as:
A physician with a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine
A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of the United States Armed Forces or the United States Public Health Service
A physician who is a medical officer of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
A chiropractor with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-10-1
A podiatrist with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-29-1
An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-23
A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-27-5
An optometrist or ophthalmologist with a valid and unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana
Below are the fees for each type of permit:
New disability plate: $9.50
Disability parking placard: $5.00
If you are applying by mail, the payment must be in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
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Start earning nowRenewing a disabled parking plate
If you need to renew your disability parking plate, you can do so online at myBMV.com
, by mail, at a self-service terminal, by phone with the phone access code from your renewal notice, or at any BMV branch. Key Takeaway: To apply for a disabled parking placard in Indiana, you’ll need a certificate from a licensed medical professional to show that you have an eligible mobility or vision disability.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
If you are a veteran with disabilities in Indiana, you can purchase a Disabled Hoosier Veteran (DHV) license plate. To be eligible, your disability must be at least 50% service-connected (30% of that which is related to mobility impairment).
You will need to present your disability award letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs that shows the individual disability percentages and a copy of your military discharge.
Once the eligibility verification is received, you will need to fill out the Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran License Plate
(Form 32584). After completing the form, you can enclose the applicable plate registration fees and mail or fax it. Department of Veterans Affairs
302 West Washington Street, Room E120
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2738
Eligible veterans are granted the following privileges when displaying a DHV plate:
Park in any legal metered space in Indiana without being charged a fee
Park in any legal metered space in Indiana exceeding the time permitted
DHV license plate may be registered to a 3,000-pound trailer
Key Takeaway: Disabled Hoosier veterans can apply for the DHV plate with a disability award letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs and a military discharge letter.
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