Whether you have a permanent disability or a temporary injury, being able to use accessible parking spaces is a huge help. Though getting a handicap placard might seem like a challenge, don’t sweat it—we're here to simplify the process for your state.

We’ll cover all the basics: who’s eligible for a handicap placard in Maine, how you can apply, and what you should do once you have a handicap placard of your own.

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How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in Maine

Before you can park in a disabled space in Maine, you’ll need one of three types of placards:

A blue placard, issued to individuals with permanentconditions (renewable every four years)

A red placard, which is for people who have a temporary condition (for up to six months)

A green placard is given to organizations that are transportingpatients/clients

Each of these placards features the International Symbol of Access(ISA). You’re probably familiar with the symbol—it’s a

stick figure in a wheelchair

, often painted over accessible parking spaces.

Despite the symbol, you don’t need a wheelchair to get a handicap placard in Maine! Let’s take a look at the list of disabilities that will qualify you for handicapped parking privileges.

Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?

Though some of the criteria for a disabled placard can get a little technical, we’ll hit the highlights here. To be eligible for a parking placard, a licensed medical provider will need to testify that you have at least one of these conditions:

You can’t walk 200 feet without rest

You can’t walk without help from a brace, cane, crutch, or another device

You have certain types of lung disease

You use portable oxygen

You have a class three or class four heart condition

You can’t walk well because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

You’re recovering from childbirth

For a full breakdown of qualifying conditions, check out

this page

from Maine’s BMV. Remember—there are lots of ailments that could get you a handicap placard! Whether you have chronic asthma or you recently injured your ankle, you should look into getting a disabled parking pass.

How to apply

The first step towards getting a handicap placard is filling out the BMV’s

Application for Disability Plates/Placard

form. It’s a pretty straightforward form, but it does have a few different sections to be aware of.

Start by providing your identifying information like your name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number. Then, you’ll have to check a box for the type of permit you want:

A disability placard

Disability plates

A re-issue of a permanent placard

If you do choose to apply for plates instead of a placard, you’ll have to attach a copy of your car’s registration to the application form.

After you’ve filled out and signed your part, it’s time for the medical portion of the form to be completed. This can be done by a:

Physician

Physician’s assistant

Nurse practitioner

Registered nurse

Once your licensed provider has filled out their part, you’re good to go! You can submit the form in person, by fax, or by mail:

In-person, at your local BMV office

Byfax, to 207-624-9204

Bymail, to:

Disability Clerk

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

29 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0029

There is no fee required to submit your application. After you’ve submitted the form, you should receive your handicap placard in two to four weeks!

Renewing a disabled parking placard

Whether you have disability plates or a disability placard, you’ll still need to renew your placard every four years. Thankfully, the process is super simple!

Just take

the same form

that you used to apply the first time and fill out the top half. This time, you don’t need a licensed provider to confirm your condition, since it’s already on file with the BMV. Turn in the application to the BMV, and you’re all set.

Whenever you’re parked in an accessible space, hang the placard from your rearview mirror. Don’t forget to take it down when you’re driving—you wouldn’t want it to block your vision!

Key Takeaway To get a handicap placard in Maine, you’ll need a signed statement from a licensed medical provider to prove that you have a qualifying medical condition.

MORE:

Parking in a handicap spot without a permit

Guidelines for veterans with disabilities

Veterans with disabilities will be able to get the same privileges (and extra benefits)—but the process for applying is a little bit different.

You’ll need to bring two things to the BMV (or mail them in):

A copy of your vehicle registration

Certification from the

Veterans Administration

that your disability is connected to your military service

You can find the BMV main office at this address:

101 Hospital Street

Augusta, ME 04333-0029

Or use the mailing address instead:

Disability Clerk

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

29 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0029

That’s all there is to it! Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a

Disabled Veteran Plate

from the Maine BMV. With your new veteran plate, you won’t have to pay a vehicle registration fee—and you might be excused from excise tax, title fees, and sales tax as well.

Key Takeaway To get a Disabled Veteran Plate in Maine, you’ll need to submit your car’s registration and certification of your disability to the BMV.

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The best car insurance for military families and veterans

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