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Become disabled, you enter a whole new world where disabled parking badges are a common sight. while there are many different types of handicap parking permits, there really is only one for disabled veterans.
You can get permanent plates, temporary placards, handicap stickers, and ore but for the disabled veteran, there is only the disabled veteran’s plate. The good news is that disabled vets can go to any state they live in and apply for one.
Medical content reviewed by Dr Eric Jackson-Scott MD, Chief Medical Officer
When you get your DMV disabled veteran plates you are not showing off, telling everyone you were in a conflict or that you are a hero. Instead, you are getting something you deserve.
Not only a handy parking spot but respect for the sacrifice you made for your country. As a disabled veteran, you may qualify for one of these plates and do not know it. What follows is all the information you need to know to see if you can get your disabled veteran’s license plate.
Qualifying conditions
The first step in getting a regular disabled handicap parking permit requires a person to go to their medical doctor. The doctor has to fill out part of the application form telling the DMV that you are disabled and qualify for the permit.
However, for veterans, the Dept. of Veteran Affairs already has your records and will list your disability. All you need to do is go to your nearest DVA office and have a representative verify your disability.
The good part is, your disability does not have to have occurred on active duty. While this requirement varies from state to state, generally your disability only has to be 50% related to your military service.
Then in some states, it is only 40% if one of your legs was amputated. Click here to explore how disabled persons can stay on the right side of the law easy.
The most common service related physical disabilities that qualify a veteran to use a disabled veteran’s disability license plate
- any condition that makes you stop for a rest after a certain distance while walking
- any condition that makes a crutch, cane, wheelchair, brace, etc., mandatory for movement
- Class III or IV heart disease as categorized by the American Heart Assoc.
- Chronic back pain or spinal injuries
- amputation of a limb or part of a limb
- any condition that requires the use of a portable oxygen tank
- lung disease
- cancer
- disability through exposure to Agent orange
- disability due to exposure to toxic elements
- Diabetes & disabilities due to contaminated groundwater exposure
Rights of Disabled Veterans Plate Holders
When your application is successful, your new disabled veteran’s license plate entitles you to park in all handicapped parking spots marked by the blue and white wheelchair sign. Many of these parking zones are also painted in blue and white.
Then in most states, you can park in metered, time-restricted, on-street parking spaces for free. Plus, there is no time restriction which means you can park there all night if the need arises.
Disabled Veterans Travelling Outside of their Home State
The news continues to stay good here. Your new disabled veteran's license plate enables you to park in all handicap parking spots reserved for all disabled people no matter which state you are traveling to, passing through or stopping for a short time. In fact you can get a handicapped parking space in front of your house.
However, not every state has the same regulations so before you travel, you need to contact the DMV departments in the states you will be in to see what they do and do not allow. Get the details before you are surprised on the road.
Applying for a disabled veteran’s plate
Again,, each state will have its own procedure so you need to check with your local DMV offices to see what they will require. They also have their application form style and that form can be downloaded from your local DMV office or the State Tax Collector’s Office
You will need to fill out your section of the application form, then a representative of the DVA will have to fill out the section reserved for him or her. Once that is completed, you need to either mail it in, include a copy of your driver’s license or appropriate i.d., or take it to your nearest DMV office or State tax Collector’s office.
Make sure to bring your driver’s license or appropriate i.d. in with you when you go in person. Also, you will need to bring or include the appropriate fee.
Cost and Fees
The exact amount you will pay differs from state to state. Some states do not charge their veterans, others will charge $1 and still more will charge between $10 and $20. Check with your state to see how much you have to pay.
Personalized License Plate Options
There is a chance that you can personalize your disabled veteran's license plate. But you will have to check with your local DMV to see what restrictions apply and how much it will cost you
Renewing or Replacing Disabled Veterans plates
Like other aspects of this process, the expiration date will vary from state to state. make sure to ask when they expire when you turn your application in. To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged plate, contact your local DMV office and be prepared to pay a small fee. The Disabled Veteran's plate comes in handy when you need it most
