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Information for Disabled Drivers in Indiana

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

In Indiana, 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 have

  • A permanent disability that requires the use of a wheelchair, walker, braces or crutches.
  • Permanently lost of the use of one or both legs.
  • Permanent restriction of mobility due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, arthritic condition, orthopedic condition or neurological impairment.
  • Been certified as permanently blind or visually impaired as defined by state law.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disability Parking placard or disability license plates. These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons, whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. Misuse or abuse of these privileges is a misdemeanor; offenders can be subjected to fines, imprisonment, or suspension of your special parking privileges. Forgery and/or trading in counterfeit or genuine placards invite higher penalties, including time in state prison.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

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

Duration of status

Disability license plates are available only to those who are permanently disabled.

Disability placards may be issued to those with permanent or temporary disabilities:

  • Placards for the permanently disabled are valid for 4 years and expire on the applicant's birthday.
  • Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months or the date noted by your physician, whichever is lesser.

How to apply for DP license plates or a DP placard

To obtain disability license plates:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Disability Parking Placard or Disability License Plate.
  2. Have a licensed physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, advanced practice nurse, or optometrist or ophthalmologist (in case of those with visual impairments) complete and sign Section 3 of the form.
  3. Submit the form in person at the nearest License Branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in your county of residence.
To obtain a disability parking placard:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Disability Parking Placard or Disability License Plate.
  2. Have a licensed physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, advanced practice nurse, or optometrist or ophthalmologist (in case of those with visual impairments) complete and sign Section 3 of the form.
  3. Present the form at the nearest License Branch of the BMV.

FEE

A permanent disability parking placard is free. A fee of $5 is charged for temporary disability parking placards. A $5 fee is also charged for replacement placards. There is no fee for disability license plates.

RENEWAL

Once the 4 year validity of permanent DP placards is over you can apply for another placard.
  1. You can apply for renewal by downloading and completing the Application for Disability Parking Placard or Disability License Plate.
  2. Holders of permanent placards do not require recertification by a doctor.
  3. Present the form at the nearest License Branch of the BMV.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates go to the nearest License Branch of the BMV.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION