Disability Placards in Iowa
A disability parking placard in Iowa may be obtained from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Disabled drivers may apply for a placard only if it is medically certified that they have a temporary or permanent disability that impacts their ability to operate a motor vehicle.
The disability placards, better known as disability parking permits, are used for parking a vehicle in designated places that are marked for those with disabilities. In order to apply for a permit, motorists first need to satisfy a set of eligibility criteria and submit certain documentation to the MVD, regardless of whether they want to obtain temporary or permanent placards.
Once drivers are considered eligible for a disabled parking permit application, they may continue with the application procedure. Eventually, motorists will also need to complete a handicap placard renewal when approaching the expiration date on the placard.
Moreover, disabled drivers may also need to apply for a disability parking sticker replacement if their current documents gets lost or stolen. To learn who is eligible for handicap parking tags in Iowa or what methods are offered for renewal or replacement procedures, review these sections.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Iowa
Disabled motorists need to follow the Iowa handicap parking permit rules before applying for one. Drivers can obtain a removable windshield handicap car sticker, placard or license plate, as long as they are considered as people with disabilities.
These individuals need to satisfy certain disability parking tag requirements in order to be eligible to apply. To obtain an Iowa disability parking permit, motorists need to have at least one of the following conditions:
- Inability to walk for 200 feet without rest.
- Inability to walk without the assistance from another person, crutch, brace, wheelchair, prosthetic or other assistance device.
- Lung disease.
- Condition where a portable oxygen becomes necessary.
- Cardiac condition classified in severity as Class III or IV, according to the standards of the American Heart Association.
- Limited ability to walk as a result of a neurological, arthritic or orthopedic condition.
Disabled people who satisfy the eligibility requirements for a handicap placard may continue with the application process and may be issued two removable windshield placards. When applying for disability parking tags, motorists will be only required to submit an Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents (form 411055) and a medical statement from a physician. For a more detailed description of the application procedure, read the following section.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Iowa
Prior to completing an Iowa disabled placard application, disabled motorists need to take several steps. A placard may be obtained only by applying in person at the IA DOT and after motorists:
- Obtain an Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents (form 411055) from the Iowa DOT office, from a county treasurer’s office or from a full-service driver’s license issuance site.
- Complete the application form in its entirety by following the information and guidelines written on it.
- Provide a medical statement completed and signed by a licensed physician.
- Submit the application form and medical statement to a local IA DOT branch.
After completing the required steps in the disabled parking permit application process and obtaining the removable windshield placard, drivers need to provide their signatures on the placard in order to make it valid. Otherwise, motorists will not be able to park in the marked parking spaces.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Iowa
Drivers with disabilities need to know that a renewal must be performed when approaching the expiration date of the placard. The disability parking permits are valid for varying amounts of time, depending on the type of disability that the drivers have.
For instance, a temporary handicap parking tag is valid for six months, while the permanent one has a validity period of five years. Disabled drivers need to renew their placards before they expire. Motorists who are still wondering how to renew a disability parking permit in Iowa may contact the IA DOT and find out what methods are available for renewal.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Iowa
Motorists need to request an Iowa disability placard replacement when their current placards get lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged. In order to replace their disability parking tags, motorists are required to complete the same Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents form, paying special attention to the final section. Moreover, drivers will need to provide the permit number on the application form. To find out how to replace a placard in Iowa, contact the state DOT.
Note: If the handicap placard had been damaged, it must be returned to the IA DOT when applying for a replacement.
Iowa Disability Placard Fees
Those wondering how much is a disability placard in Iowa will be glad to know that the placards are issued at no cost. The same applies when applying for a disabled sticker or plate.
Motorists will not be required to pay handicap placard fees no matter whether they want to renew, replace or apply for new placards. However, disabled drivers will still have to continue paying their annual vehicle registration fees and a $25 fee when applying for personalized license plates.