Disability Placards in Montana
Disabled residents may submit a disabled placard application in Montana through the methods offered by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the state’s Department of Justice (DOJ). In general, motorists may obtain a handicap placard as soon as they are determined as individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities. Furthermore, it is important to note that the disabled person parking placard in MT is better known as a disability permit, and that drivers are only eligible to receive one permit.
A disability parking permit is issued to eligible residents in order to enable them to park their vehicles in designated parking places marked for people with disabilities. In order to obtain a disabled person placard, motorists need to satisfy certain eligibility criteria first.
Furthermore, a handicap placard renewal procedure must be performed whenever these credentials approach their expiration dates. To find out more information about Montana disability parking permits, as well as their requirements and procedures, continue reading the sections below.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Montana
Motorists who are wondering how to qualify for handicapped parking in Montana need to satisfy certain eligibility criteria prior to applying for placards. Moreover, to obtain disability placards, residents need to be able to prove that they have a temporary or permanent disability. As such, they need to prove that they have one of the following conditions:
- Inability to walk for 200 feet without rest.
- Severe limitation in the ability walk due to lung disease or an arthritic, orthopedic or neurological condition.
- Severe disability to walk without the help of another person or without the use of a wheelchair, brace, cane, prosthetic device or another assistive device.
- Usage of portable oxygen.
- Cardiovascular disease or cardiac condition classified as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.
- Disability resulting from an acute sensitivity to automobile emissions or from other diseases or physical conditions that impair the driver’s mobility.
After satisfying the qualifications for disability placards in Montana, motorists need to prepare an application form with medical certification in order to apply for disability placards.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Montana
Motorists may apply for a Montana disability parking permit after having been diagnosed to have a permanent or temporary disability. Upon requesting these credentials, drivers need to complete and sign the appropriate application form.
Then, applicants for handicap placards need to have a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, chiropractor or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to complete and sign the medical certification section in the form. Once the application for disability placards is completed, motorists need to send it by mail to the MT MVD office address written on the form.
Note: Drivers may use the same disabled placard application form to obtain disability license plates.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Montana
Drivers need to perform a Montana handicap placard renewal procedure when these documents approach their expiration dates. As such, the validity period of these placards is determined based on the driver’s permanent or temporary disability. In MT, the permanent disability parking permit is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed. Conversely, temporary disability placards may be valid either for six months or for a period between six months and two years, as the driver’s condition is supposed to improve within that timeframe.
Holders of handicap placards are expected to renew them prior to the expiration of these credentials. In order to perform a handicap placard renewal, motorists need to complete and sign a new application form and have a licensed physician complete the medical certification section of the document.
Note: Drivers do not need to renew permanent disability parking permits in Montana if they are issued prior to October of 1993.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Montana
A Montana disability placard replacement process must be performed when drivers lose their current and unexpired disability placard. Drivers must replace their placards with new ones if they want to uphold the parking privileges they are eligible for. For more information and instructions about the procedure for replacing disability placards, you may read the second page of the application form or contact the MVD.
Montana Disability Placard Fees
Disabled drivers in MT are not required to pay handicap placard fees, regardless of whether they are renewing, replacing or applying for new disability permits. On the other hand, residents who want to obtain disability license plates by completing the disabled placard application form will be mandated to pay the standard vehicle registration fees.