Disability Placards in New Hampshire
Motorists may apply for disability placards in New Hampshire through the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) once they prove their eligibility for such credentials. A handicap placard is generally issued to individuals with a specific disability that limits or impairs their capability to walk. As a general rule, NH disabled parking tags need to be displayed on the vehicle’s rearview mirror, thus granting their holders permission to park in designated spots.
However, these placards must be removed from vehicles in motion. In any case, disabled motorists who wish to apply for a DMV handicap parking permit will need to provide the division with the applicable documents and placard fees. Learn more about the disabled person placard application procedures in the state by reading the sections below.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in New Hampshire
The application process for obtaining a disability placard in NH requires disabled drivers to provide the relevant documents to the state DMV in due time. As such, in order to meet the set disability placard requirements, applicants must be prepared to properly fill out and submit an application form along with the set payments. This form will require the applicant to enter specific personal details such as his or her name, date of birth and mailing address.
The application for a New Hampshire disability parking permit must also include a brief description of the applicant’s medical condition, and it must display the signatures of both the applicant and his or her licensed physician. For that reason, motorists wondering how to qualify for handicapped parking tags will need to have a licensed physician confirm that they have one of the following types of disabilities:
- They are unable to walk without the assistance of another person, a cane, brace, crutch, wheelchair or other assistive devices.
- They utilize a portable oxygen tank.
- Their ability to walk is severely limited as a result of an orthopedic or an arthritic condition among others.
- They have a cardiac condition or a limiting lung disease.
There are two types of handicap placards issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). As such, the issuance of these credentials depends on each applicant’s condition. For instance, temporary permits are valid for up to six months, whereas permanent placards are valid for up to five years and expire at the same time as the motorist’s driver’s license or ID card.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in New Hampshire
The state DMV currently offers two New Hampshire disabled placard application methods: by mail and in person. Both methods to obtain a new disability placard will require applicants to submit the applicable paperwork and provide payment for the established fees. For more detailed information about how to complete a disability tag application transaction, continue reading below.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in New Hampshire by Mail
Prior to submitting a mail-in application for disability placards, you must make sure that your form includes all the required details. Otherwise, your request may be rejected by the DMV. However, before you send your NH disabled placard application to the address provided on the application form, you must complete its first section with your personal information.
Then, you must ask your medical provider to fill out the second section, which verifies your disability. Furthermore, remember to include an acceptable payment method for the applicable fees, which does not include cash.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in New Hampshire in Person
The procedure of applying for a disability parking permit in person can be finalized through a local New Hampshire DMV registration office. The in-person disabled placard application steps are generally the same in comparison to mail-in requests. Once in the office, applicants will need to submit a completed application form and pay the set costs for such credentials.
On the other hand, before visiting an office, it is best for applicants to contact the DMV and check whether or not they need to present some form of identification. For example, a valid ID card or driving license may be required in certain cases.
Note: The Division of Motor Vehicles may issue two handicap placards instead of one. However, you will not be eligible for two permits if you already have or are applying for disability license plates.
How to Renew Disability Placards in New Hampshire
Initiating an NH handicap placard renewal process will be necessary for disabled drivers with an expired permit or a placard that is about to expire. As such, disability placard renewals may be completed through a nearby DMV registration office. However, applicants wondering how to renew disability parking permit badges will need to contact the DMV and ask for detailed instructions, as well as any applicable paperwork that must be submitted.
While temporary permits are valid for no longer than six months, the validity period of permanent placards is five years and coincides with the expiration date of NH driver’s licenses and ID cards. Note that periodic New Hampshire handicap placard renewals may also require recertification of the applicant’s condition or disability.
How to Replace Disability Placards in New Hampshire
You may wonder how to replace a handicap placard in NH if the original credential has been lost or stolen. If that is your case, note that this transaction can be completed through the DMV by furnishing the relevant documentation. To obtain a disability placard replacement, you will need to send a letter to the division including details about what happened to the original placard.
The letter must include your name, date of birth, mailing address and a phone number, and it will require your signature as well. If you currently hold two permits and are requesting a disability placard replacement due to loss or theft, include the number on the placard that you still have so that the division can invalidate the missing tag. Your request for a duplicate disabled person parking placard will be processed once you submit payment for the established fees.
New Hampshire Disability Placard Fees
As of January 1, 2017, disabled drivers must provide payment for the NH handicap placard fees set forth by the state DMV. As such, applicants have to incur a cost when requesting a new, renewed or duplicate handicap placard. Moreover, the fee is charged per permit, regardless of whether applicants have a temporary disability or a permanent condition.
Motorists also have the option to apply for a disability license plate by providing payment for a fee in addition to the other relevant documents. Furthermore, be mindful that prices are subject to change without notice.