How to Get a South Dakota Handicap Placard (and Who’s Eligible)

With proper medical clearance, South Dakota residents can apply for a handicap placard to get accessible parking.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Per handicap placard regulations in South Dakota, you can apply for accessible parking if a licensed physician deems you have a physical disability that limits or impairs your ability to walk.
Sometimes, the last spot in the back of the parking lot just isn’t a feasible option for those who are a part of the disabled community. That’s why states, including South Dakota, provide accessible parking to those with mobility challenges.
If you’re looking for more information, you’ve come to the right place. We've curated this guide to help the 12.3% of disabled South Dakota residents understand the handicap placard application process. 
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How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in South Dakota

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the application process and eligibility, here’s how South Dakota categorizes its disability placards or plates:
  • Permanent placards: Issued for more than one year and not to exceed five years
  • Temporary placards: Issued for less than one year
These categories enable accessibility for those with a lifelong condition or those simply working through a short-term rehabilitation stint. Both can receive a handicap placard labeled with the International Symbol of Access (ISA), which is the little stick figure in a wheelchair.
Don’t panic, you don’t have to be in a wheelchair to qualify—it’s purely symbolic! Speaking of eligibility, let’s break down the requirements in South Dakota.

Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?

To qualify for a disabled parking placard, you must fall into one or more of the following legal definitions:
  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Cannot walk without using an assistive device like a cane, crutch, wheelchair, etc.
  • Having a lung disease that restricts respiration to a certain extent
  • Uses portable oxygen
  • Having a cardiac condition that restricts function to a certain extent
  • Walking is severely limited due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
These definitions leave plenty of room for nuance, so it’s worth speaking to your licensed physician if you think you could be eligible. One thing to note is that blindness or impaired vision alone is not a valid criterion for receiving disabled parking privileges in South Dakota.

How to apply

If you think you qualify for a South Dakota handicap placard, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Both placards and license plates are free of charge, aside from some standard processing fees associated with license plates.
Unfortunately, you cannot submit completed applications online. You will need to bring your paperwork to your
county treasurer's office
to get the ball rolling.

Renewing a disabled parking placard

Renewing your parking placard depends on how your disability was categorized, permanent or temporary. Both processes follow the same steps as the initial application and you can initiate your renewal within 90 days of the expiration date.
If you currently have a permanent parking placard, you must renew it every five years—but this is more of a formality. You do not require doctor certification, this renewal is simply to keep the books at the treasurer’s office up to date.
Temporary placards are issued for short-term rehabilitation stints that don’t exceed 12 months. Your expiration date is tied to your expected recovery date, as determined by your licensed physician. Extensions may be available if your condition has not improved.
Permits for individuals who are deceased or no longer disabled must be surrendered to the county treasurer within 30 days.
Key Takeaway Temporary and permanent parking placards are available to those with walking limitations as determined by a licensed physician.
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Guidelines for veterans with disabilities

Disabled Veteran plates are available to the honorable soldiers who have sustained a disabling injury in a military mission involving armed conflict. The Veteran's Administration in Sioux Falls, South Dakota must validate this disability.
In addition to this general eligibility, a South Dakota veteran must also be the recipient of a(n):
  • Veterans' Administration K Award
  • Automobile under Public Law 187
  • Statutory benefit for loss or loss of use of one or more extremities
  • Veteran's allotment for total disability which is a service-connected injury
If you fit these eligibility requirements, you can complete an
Application for South Dakota Military License Plate Application
(Form 1303) to get the process started. You’ll need to pay a $10 annual fee to maintain the customized disabled veteran plate, as well as a $5 mailing fee.
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How to find savings on car insurance in South Dakota

A handicap parking placard is to make the lives of the disabled community a little bit easier. Well, the
Jerry
app is here to double down! Jerry’s innovative platform is designed to quickly find you the cheapest
car insurance
quote available.
In less than one minute, Jerry will browse rates from more than 50 top providers and match you with a few customized policies that best meet your needs. Then, Jerry will help you switch over to your new and more affordable policy! Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls—you get all of the savings and coverage without the hassles.
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FAQs

You can download your renewal application online, but you can’t submit it there. Instead, bring the completed paperwork down to your local county treasurer’s office.
Handicap placards are free of charge in South Dakota. License plates are also free aside from some processing fees.
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