In Ohio, 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 to be disabled if you:

• Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Cannot walk without assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
• Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm of mercury on room air at rest.
• Use portable oxygen.
• Have a severe Class III or Class IV cardiac condition according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
• Are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
• Are blind.

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 get fines of $250-$500. 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 to those who are permanently disabled and own a vehicle, or for a vehicle that has been modified to transport disabled persons.

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

• Placards for the permanently disabled are valid for 5 years.
• Temporary placards are valid up to the date noted by your physician.

How to apply for disability license plates or a disabled parking placard

To obtain disability license plates:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disability License Plates.
2. Have a licensed physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice nurse complete and sign the Certification of Disability portion of the form.
3. If you are applying for a new license plate, complete the other formalities for vehicle registration. If you have regular license plates you can exchange them for disability license plates.
4. Submit the application and documents in person at the nearest Deputy registrar agency or mail them, with a check for applicable fees, to the following address:

   Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   P.O. Box 16521
   Columbus, OH 43216-6521    

5. For additional information call (800) 589-8247.

To obtain a disability parking placard:

1. Download and complete the disability placard.
2. Have a licensed physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice nurse complete and sign the Certification of Disability portion of the form.
3. Submit the application in person at the nearest Deputy registrar agency or mail them, with a check for applicable fees, to the following address:

   Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   Attn.: Registration Section
   P.O. Box 16521
   Columbus, OH 43216-6521    

EXEMPTIONS

You do not need a doctor's certificate, if you submit a letter from the veteran's Administration stating your name, percentage of service connected disability, how long the disability is expected to last, and qualifying disabling condition along with your application.

FEE

Both temporary and permanent placards cost $3.50. Replacements and renewals also cost $3.50. There are no additional fees for stock disability plates other than the normal registration fees. Reserved or personalized disability plates will attract additional fees ranging from $10 to $35.

RENEWAL

Once the 5 year validity of permanent disability parking placards is over:

1. The BMV will automatically mail you a renewal form 60 days prior to expiry of your placard. Change in address must be informed to the BMV by this address change card.
2. Have a licensed physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice nurse complete and sign the Certification of Disability portion of the form.

[http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/pdf_forms/bmv5756.pdf ]

1. Submit the application in person at the nearest Deputy registrar agency or mail them, with a check for applicable fees, to the following address:

   Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   P.O. Box 16521
   Columbus, OH 43216-6521    

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disability Plates.
2. Complete the top portion of the form mentioning your lost placard number.
3. Submit the application in person at the nearest Deputy registrar agency or mail them, with a check for applicable fees, to the following address:

   Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   P.O. Box 16521
   Columbus, OH 43216-6521    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Ohio BMV offices.