Living with a disability is never short of daily challenges. To take some of the stress off your plate, states around the country have established systems for the disabled community to gain accessible parking. It’s a simple gesture that goes a long way.

If you are one of the 16.9% of disabled residents in the state and think you would benefit from a handicap placard in Kentucky, here are the regulations you’ll want to know. And to make the application process easier, we've curated this guide on who is eligible and how to apply.

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How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in Kentucky

To park in a handicap accessible parking place, you will need a placard representing one of the two situations:

Disabled parking placard (blue, 6 years)

Temporary disabled parking placard (red, 3 months)

These colored placards will also be identifiable by the International Symbol of Access (ISA), which you probably recognize as the little white stick figure with a wheelchair.

The color varies based on the longevity of your disabling condition. Let’s take a look at how Kentucky defines its eligibility requirements.

Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?

The technical definition for a disabled person in Kentucky, as stated on form TC 96-347, is as follows: “a person who has a severe visual, audio, or physical impairment which limits or prevents his or her ability to walk in compliance with KRS 186.042 or KRS 189.456, or KRS 189.458.”

But enough with the legal jargon, let’s break down what that really means. Here is the list of conditions that can make you eligible for a handicap placard:

You can’t walk 200 feet without rest

You are restricted due to lung disease

You are severely limited in your ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

You lost the use of one or both legs or both arms

You’re legally blind

Many permanent and temporary disabilities fall into one or more of these categories, but a licensed physician must confirm your eligibility before you can apply.

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How to apply

Once you feel that your condition aligns with one of these eligibility requirements—on a permanent or temporary basis—you can get started on the application process.

Print out an

Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit (Form TC 96-204)

–you can do this online or by picking up a copy at your County Clerk’s Office

Fill out section one with your identifying information, like name and address

Schedule an appointment with your physician for section two—you’ll need their signature to certify your temporary or permanent disability status

You’ll also be asked if you want placards or license plates to represent your disability. Your first placard is free of charge, while additional placards will cost you $10 each. If you prefer license plates, you’ll need to pay a $21 processing fee.

Once completed, simply stop by your County Clerk’s Office to submit your application. Easy as pie!

Renewing a disabled parking placard

Your renewal date is directly tied to the longevity of your condition, as deemed by your licensed physician. For example, permanent parking placards are valid for up to six years, while temporary permits are valid for three months or less.

You’ll need to go through the same application process that we’ve already covered to process your renewal. This is required to re-certify your disability status—hopefully, you don’t even need it anymore!

Key Takeaway As long as you have medical confirmation from a licensed physician, you can apply for a free handicap parking placard.

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Guidelines for veterans with disabilities

Kentucky resident veterans can qualify for Disabled Veteran Plates if they have a disability that is 50% to 99% service-connected and certified by the Veterans Association. Surviving spouses of former disabled veterans may also use the plates if they meet the eligibility requirements.

These plates are simply for military representation—all applicants must complete the standard

Form TC 96-204

to apply. If you wish to proceed, these special Disabled Veteran Plates will cost you $26.

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