can present special challenges—especially if you have to go through the trouble of navigating a busy parking lot. Whether you have a lifelong condition or a more recent injury, a handicap placard can make your life a whole lot easier.

Thankfully, when using this guide, getting a handicap placard in New Jersey is a simple process. We’ll break it all down: who’s eligible for a disabled parking pass, how to apply for one, and what to do once you’ve received your New Jersey handicap placard.

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How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in New Jersey

There are two main types of disability placards in New Jersey: a temporary placard and a permanent placard. Both placards will have the International Symbol of Access(ISA) on them (you’re probably familiar with it—it looks like a

stick figure in a wheelchair

). This will allow you to use accessible parking spaces wherever you go.

In this section, we’ll go over the steps to getting each one—but first, let’s take a look at the conditions that qualify you for a handicap placard in the Garden State.

Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?

Generally speaking, you’ll be eligible for a disabled parking placard if one of the following is true for you:

You’ve lost the use of one or more of your limbs

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

You have a lung disease that impairs your ability to breathe

You use portable oxygen

You have a Class III or Class IV cardiaccondition

You can’t walk more than 200 feet without stopping for rest

You have a permanent sight impairment of both eyes (only a placard, no plates)

For a full run-through of qualifying conditions, check out the MVC’s

instruction checklist

. It’s the best way to make sure that you’ve got everything you need for a seamless application.

Remember, your condition will need to be certified by a qualified medical provider! Qualified providers must be from New Jersey (or a neighboring state), including providers stationed at military locations. Here are some examples:

Physicians

Physician’s assistants

Podiatrists

Chiropractors

Nurse practitioners

If you’re still not sure whether your condition meets the criteria, give the NJ MVC a quick call at 1-(609)-292-6500. They’ll get you on the right track and help you fill out the right application.

How to apply

There are two types of handicap placards you can apply for: a temporary placard or a permanent placard.

To get a temporary placard, complete the

SP-68 application form

and pay a $4 fee to the New Jersey MVC. The form is pretty simple—all you need is personal information (for example, your name, address, and driver’s license number) and medical certification.

Once your application is approved by the municipal Chief of Police, you’ll get disabled parking privileges for six months, with the option to renew your placard for one more six-month period.

For a permanent placard, the process is a bit more involved—but not by much! Start by filling out the

SP-41 application form

. You’ll need to indicate whether you’re applying for a handicap placard, disabled plates, or both. If you want disabled plates, you’ll have to include a copy of your car’s registration with your application.

After that, fill out your info, and have the form completed and signed by a licensed medical provider. Then, swing by an

MVC office

to drop it off or mail the form to this address:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission

Special Plate Unit

225 East State Street

PO Box 015

Trenton, NJ 08666-0015

And, voila! Within four to six weeks, you should receive your handicap placard (or plates) from the MVC. Plus, you don’t have to worry about paying an application fee.

Renewing a disabled parking placard

Under New Jersey law, you need to renew your handicap placard or plates every year. Though that might sound like a bit of a pain, don’t stress—the process is simple!

Just mail the

recertification application

to the NJ MVC. You’ll also need to have your medical condition recertified every three years, so you should stay in touch with a provider who can confirm your disability. Your medical certification has to reach the MVC within 60 days of submitting your application.

As with the permanent placard application, there is no recertification fee!

Key Takeaway You can get a temporary or permanent handicap placard in New Jersey by submitting an application with certification of your condition by a licensed medical provider.

MORE:

Parking in a handicap spot without a permit

Guidelines for veterans with disabilities

Disabled veterans can get the same benefits as a handicap placard carrier by following a slightly different process. To get a disabled veteran placard, you must be the owner and driver of the car where the placard will be displayed.

Then, you’ll need to present two things to the NJ MVC:

An Award of Disability letter from the

Veterans Administration

A DD-214 or DD-215 form from the

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Not only will you get to use accessible spaces as you would with a handicap placard—under New Jersey law, you also get free parking for 24 hours at any municipal parking meter!

Key Takeaway By submitting an Award of Disability letter and a DD-214 or DD-215 to the New Jersey MVC, veterans can gain access to disabled parking spaces and other benefits.

MORE:

The best car insurance for military families and veterans

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