Information for Disabled Drivers in Louisiana
The state Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) issues Louisiana disability placards designed to be displayed from the vehicle’s rear-view mirror or on the dashboard. A placard, also known as a mobility impaired hang tag, typically provides its owner with specific parking benefits, such as the ability to park in locations that are specially designated for the disabled. The procedure of applying for an LA DMV handicap parking permit will require disabled drivers to furnish the relevant documentation along with the applicable fees to a nearby OMV office.
Before sending an application for new disability parking tags, individuals must check whether they qualify for such a permit in the first place. If you are still wondering, “What is a disability placard?” and want to know how to obtain one, continue reading below.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Louisiana
Meeting the Louisiana disability hang tag requirements is mandatory for individuals who wish to obtain a placard in the state. The application procedure for obtaining a handicap parking tag will require disabled motorists to submit a completed and recently dated Medical Examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment (form DPSMV 1966).
Additional document requirements may apply depending on the circumstances. Since disabled drivers may generally request a hang tag in person, they (or the person applying on their behalf) may need to furnish some form of identification, such as an LA driving license or ID card, color photograph and payment for the applicable fees.
If you are wondering: “Who is eligible for handicap placards in LA?” note that you will be considered an impaired person if you meet one of the following conditions:
- You cannot walk more than 200 feet without having to rest.
- You are unable to walk without the help of another individual or an assistance device such as a walker, cane, crutches, braces, etc.
- You are restricted by a lung disease or use a portable oxygen tank.
Note: The above list is not all-inclusive and additional disabilities like having a cardiac condition may allow you to apply for an hang tag.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Louisiana
In order to submit your LA application for disability placards, you will need to visit a nearby OMV location in Louisiana. A mandatory part of your disabled parking tag application is a dated form DPSMV 1966 completed by a licensed medical examiner verifying your condition. Note that this form must indicate your type of disability: a permanent condition or a temporary disability. In-person applications for Louisiana disabled parking hang tags may also require you to provide the state OMV with a specific form of identity (a valid driving license or ID card) and a color photograph.
If you are unable to personally go to a local branch to turn in your handicap placard application documents, you may authorize another person to apply on your behalf. In this case, your designee will need to present a color photograph of you along with the other relevant documents (a separate medical certification indicating the applicant’s inability to visit an office may also be necessary). Be prepared to pay the applicable fees when in the office.
Note: If you are applying as a disabled veteran, you will also need to present a decision letter or an affidavit from the Veterans Affairs Office attesting to your disability.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Louisiana
The Louisiana handicap placard renewal process will also require you to visit your local Office of Motor Vehicles and present the relevant paperwork. If you would like to know how to renew disability parking permit tags, note that the OMV requires you to provide a current identification card or license and payment for the allotted cost.
If you are currently holding a permanent disability car tag (valid for four years), a physician’s recertification will not be required. Temporary tags are valid for one year and they require an additional verification by your licensed physician. The OMV allows only one renewal for temporary tags.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Louisiana
Obtaining a disability placard replacement in Louisiana is an option for disabled motorists whose original documents have been lost, stolen or mutilated. Applicants who would like to know how to replace a handicap parking permit will need to contact their nearby OMV branch in a timely manner. Duplicates of lost or stolen handicap placard tags are issued by providing the OMV with an application and a statement attesting to mutilation, loss or destruction of the original document.
Disabled motorists who already have an LA ID card or license to drive with a valid photo, as well as a Social Security Number (SSN) on file with the OMV, will not be obliged to furnish additional identification documents. Otherwise, the identification requirements are the same as when applying for a duplicate driving license. LA disability placard replacement transactions may not be processed unless applicants provide payment for any fees.
Louisiana Disability Placard Fees
Submitting payment for the applicable Louisiana handicap placard fees is a mandatory part of the application process. Disabled drivers wondering, “How much is a disability placard?” will need to pay a $3 fee, regardless of whether they request a permanent hang tag or a temporary placard. The same price will apply to individuals renewing their expired tags or requesting a copy of their lost or stolen permits.
Disabled veterans may not be subject to any fees in this case. In addition to the disability parking permit tags, disabled individuals may also request handicap license plates for a fee of $10, valid for a two-year time period. Additional handling costs may apply in such case as well. Prices are subject to change without notice.