Obtaining a handicap placard in Tennessee is a process that can be finalized through the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR). In general, disability placards are issued to residents who have a qualifying medical condition certified by a licensed physician or health care practitioner. These credentials allow motorists to park vehicles in locations reserved for the disabled, among other benefits.

As such, applicants requesting a TN disabled person parking placard will need to provide the DOR with the corresponding application form and fees (if applicable), and prove that they meet the qualifications for such permit. For more information about how to apply for a disability parking permit, read the sections below.

Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Tennessee

If you are wondering what the qualifications for disability placards are, note that you must have an eligible disability verified by a licensed health care professional. Examples of such medical conditions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • You are not able to walk without making rest stops due to paraplegia or the amputation of a leg, foot or both hands.
  • You utilize helping devices such as braces, crutches or a wheelchair.
  • You are unable to walk 200 feet without having to rest.

The state Department of Revenue (DOR) imposes specific Tennessee disability placard requirements for the purposes of issuing such permits to eligible individuals. A mandatory part of the handicap placard application process is the submission of a completed application form that must include a medical certification. Payment for the relevant fees must also be submitted if it applies to your circumstances.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Tennessee

Submitting a disabled placard application in TN is a procedure that can be completed via two methods: by mail and in person through a nearby county clerk. Before furnishing their application for disability placards, disabled motorists will need to ensure that they have completed all the required information so as to avoid rejection of their requests. Overall, the DOR currently issues two types of permits: permanent badges valid for two years from the date of issuance and temporary placards valid for no longer than six months.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Tennessee by Mail

One of the ways for obtaining a disability parking permit in Tennessee is to submit the relevant application package via mail to your local county clerk. Your disabled placard application process will require you to provide the DOR with a filled out application form and fee payment (if applicable). Moreover, note that the application must be completed in the name of the disabled resident.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Tennessee in Person

In order to finalize your Tennessee handicap placard application procedure in person, you may visit a local county clerk office and submit the necessary documents. To do so, you will need to provide a completed application form along with the applicable fees (if required).

Moreover, remember that you must have a licensed health care professional sign the form, verifying your disability. Before requesting a TN DMV handicap parking permit in person, you may also contact the Department of Revenue to check whether you need to present any additional identification document, such as a driving license or an ID card.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Tennessee

Initiating a TN handicap placard renewal procedure will be necessary for continued use of the disability permits. As a general rule, permanent permits in Tennessee are valid for two years.

Conversely, temporary badges are only valid for up to six months. Disabled motorists wondering how to renew disability parking permit may receive a renewal notice one month before their permanent placard is due to expire, allowing them to complete this transaction through a local county clerk.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Tennessee by Mail

The process of renewing a Tennessee disability parking permit may be finalized via mail once applicants provide the DOR with the applicable paperwork. Prior to furnishing your handicap placard renewal documentation, you may need to inspect your renewal notice for detailed guidelines about the process. As such, the Department of Revenue will require you to provide a completed form that specifies your renewal request and indicates the type of placard you currently have.

If renewing a permanent disabled parking badge, you will not be required to obtain certification from a licensed medical doctor. On the other hand, renewing temporary handicap placard renewals will require you to submit medical certification every time that such permits are requested. Nonetheless, renewal applications will not be processed unless you provide payment for the applicable fees.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Tennessee in Person

Another way to complete your TN disability placard renewal includes submitting your application package in person to a nearby county clerk branch. The steps to require a renewed disability placard will generally include submitting a completed application form with medical certification (if necessary). Then, you must provide payment for the applicable fees. In any case, your renewal notice may include more specific details about finalizing such transaction within the state.

How to Replace Disability Placards in Tennessee

TN disabled person placard holders who are currently dealing with a lost, stolen or mutilated permit have the option to replace it through the state’s Department of Revenue. The application steps for obtaining a duplicate handicap placard will include the submission of an application form and payment for the set fees. Providing supplementary documents may also be necessary if the original placard is mutilated.

How to Replace Disability Placards in Tennessee by Mail

Disabled motorists wondering how to replace a handicap placard in Tennessee may be able to do so by mailing their application materials to a local county clerk. The disability placard replacement procedure will require them to submit a completed application form along with the corresponding fee payment.

If replacing a lost or stolen disabled parking badge, an affidavit must be attached to the application. The DOR also requires residents possessing a mutilated placard to submit the remaining part of the original document when requesting a replacement.

How to Replace Disability Placards in Tennessee in Person

If you are unable to submit a TN handicap placard replacement via mail, you may visit a nearby county clerk and present your application in person. An in-person procedure will require you to submit a paper application form along with the supporting documents such as an affidavit and the original mutilated permit (if applicable). In addition, arranging payment for the allotted disabled parking replacement fees is a mandatory step.

Tennessee Disability Placard Fees

Eligible motorists may wonder, “How much is a disability placard in Tennessee?” These applicants must note that prices will vary depending on the type of placard that they are applying for.

For example, motorists who wish to obtain a permanent handicap placard without a vehicle registration in their name will need to pay a particular fee. On the other hand, no handicap placard fees will apply if there is a car registration in the applicant’s name.

If requesting a temporary DMV handicap parking permit, drivers must be prepared to pay a service fee for issuing that credential. The same price will apply if requesting a temporary permit renewal.

On the other hand, in order to renew a permanent placard, disabled motorists will need to arrange payment for a fee. Furthermore, there is a cost for applying for a placard replacement. In any case, prices are subject to change without notice.

Last updated on Thursday, March 7 2019.