In Alabama, drivers certified by licensed health personnel to have impaired mobility or a condition which substantially interferes with mobility may qualify for "Disabled" status.

You are also considered a disabled driver if you:

• Are unable to walk 200 m without resting due to orthopedic, arthritic or neurological condition.
• Need to use another person, support, a prosthetic device or a wheelchair.
• Have a disabling cardiac condition as per the American Heart Association standards.
• Have a disabling lung disease or need to use portable oxygen.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disabled Person (DP) placard or DP license plates after being certified by a doctor. These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons, whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. To avail these parking privileges you need to submit the Disability Access Parking Privileges Application.

Under the Alabama law, misuse or abuse of these parking privileges is a Class B misdemeanor.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

You are considered to have disabled status when you acquire a DP placard or license plates. The procedure to acquire these is explained below.

Duration of status

DP placards or license plates may be issued to those with permanent or temporary disabilities:

• DP placards or license plates are valid for up to five years.
• For the permanently disabled, the first five periods requires a physician's certificate. However, for consecutive renewals self-certification is valid by choosing the long-term disability option in the Renewal Application.
• DP licenses or plates issued in other states are acknowledged across the state of Alabama. So, motor vehicles bearing a valid DP license plate or placard issued in other states are accorded the parking privileges until residency is established.

How to apply for DP license plates or a DP placard

To obtain DP license plates or placards:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges.
2. Have a licensed physician sign the Doctor's Certification of Disability portion of the form.
3. Provide the current registration card in your name, or documents that prove the vehicle is registered in your name; as well as any registration fees due on the vehicle.
4. Submit the completed form, along with fees, to the local County Office.

EXEMPTIONS

You do not need a doctor's certificate, if:

• You have a permanent disability and are re-applying for the DP license plate or placard after having completed the first five year period, which requires a physician's certificate.

FEE

An issuance fee of $1.25 is levied for the DP placard, while the DP license plate fee is $23, in addition to the issuance fee ($1.25). For getting a motorcycle DP license plate the fee is $15.

RENEWAL

Once the 5 year validity of DP license plates or placards is over:

1. You need renew it by submitting the Renewal Application at your local County Tag Office.
2. Individuals with permanent disability do not require recertification by a doctor.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates:

1. Download and complete the Application for Replacement.
2. Submit the application at your local County Tag Office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Alabama DMV offices.