In Utah, 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

• Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping or if you need the support of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair or another person.
• Restricted walking due to arthritis, neurological or orthopedic conditions.
• Suffer from lung disease or use portable oxygen.
• A cardiac condition classified by the American Heart Association as Class III or Class IV.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disabled Person (DP) placard or DP 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 $125. Also, any person who willingly allows someone else to use his parking privileges may have his/her parking privileges revoked by the DMV.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

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

Duration of status

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

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

• Placards for the permanently disabled are valid for 2 years.
• Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months.

How to apply for DP license plates or a DP placard

To obtain DP license plates:

1. Download and complete the Disabled Person and Physician Disability form (TC-842).
2. Have a licensed physicians or surgeon sign the Physicians Disability Certification for Individual Applicants portion of the form.
3. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the following address:

   Division of Motor Vehicles
   Mail and Correspondence
   210 North 1950 West
   Salt Lake City, UT 84134    

To obtain a DP placard:

1. Download and complete the Disabled Person and Physician Disability form (TC-842).
2. Have a licensed physicians or surgeon sign the Physicians Disability Certification for Individual Applicants portion of the form.
3. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the following address:

   Division of Motor Vehicles
   Mail and Correspondence
   210 North 1950 West
   Salt Lake City, UT 84134    

Alternatively, to obtain either the plates or the placard, take the form to a local DMV office. You will receive your placard (or plates) within approximately two weeks.

FEE

A permanent DP placard is free. There is also no fee for replacement. A fee of $6 is charged for a temporary placard. There is a $15 fee for permanent DP plates and an additional $3 if you want it mailed to you.

RENEWAL

Once the 2 year validity of permanent DP placards is over, you can renew it any local DMV office. Holders of permanent placards do not require recertification by a doctor. Temporary cards are valid only for 6 months and cannot be extended. If you need it for more than 6 months, you have to apply again with the physician's certification.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates, you have to apply in person at any local DMV office or mail to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Mail and Correspondence
210 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84134    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Utah DMV offices.