Information for Disabled Drivers in Minnesota
Obtaining a Minnesota disabled parking permit is an available option for motorists who have a qualifying medical condition. The state Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues disability placards to eligible drivers, thus granting them permission to park their motor vehicles in designated disability parking locations, as well as in a non-restricted metered parking space without paying any fees.
There are several types of MN disabled parking certificates, depending on the applicant’s disability. These include temporary and permanent placards. Eligible individuals can obtain such certificates by submitting the applicable paperwork to the DPS. To learn more about how to apply for a DMV handicap parking permit in Minnesota, continue reading below.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Minnesota
If you are wondering how to qualify for a handicapped parking permit, carefully examine the below list of qualifying medical conditions as set by the state DPS. In order to obtain a permit, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You have a cardiac condition that classifies in severity as Class III or IV.
- You utilize a portable oxygen tank.
- You cannot walk without the aid of another person, a cane, braces or another assistive device due to your medical condition.
- You have lost an arm or a lower extremity and do not or cannot have an artificial limb.
Note: The above list is not all-inclusive. Ultimately, your medical condition must be verified by a health professional before you can get a permit.
Part of the Minnesota disability placard requirements include providing the DPS with a properly filled out Application for Disability Parking Certificate (form PS 2005-31). The initial application form will need to include medical certification confirming your eligibility for such a certificate. Depending on the placard you wish to obtain, you will also be required to arrange payment for the applicable fees.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Minnesota
The state Department of Public Safety currently accepts disabled placard application packages submitted via two methods: by mail and in person. Prior to providing the DPS with their placards using either of these methods, applicants must ensure they have filled out the relevant form completely and correctly. In addition to their personal details, applicants must be ready to provide specific identification documents, such as their MN driving license or ID card number (if available), among other information.
A health professional must also submit the required details. Otherwise, the department may not process the request. There are four types of disabled parking certificates issued at the moment: temporary (valid from one to six months), short-term (valid from seven to 12 months), long-term (from 13 to 71 months) and permanent (valid for up to six years).
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Minnesota by Mail
If you decide to submit your Minnesota disabled placard application by mail, send it to the address provided on your application form. Your application package must include a properly completed Application for Disability Parking Certificate (form PS 2005-31) along with payment for the necessary fees (if any are required). Remember that your medical certification must be completed by a licensed health professional.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Minnesota in Person
If you are unable to send your request for disability placards by mail, then you may go to a nearby deputy registrar office in Minnesota in person to present your application documents. Be prepared to provide a filled-out form PS 2005-31 along with the applicable fees (if necessary). Before applying for an MN disabled parking permit, you can also contact the department to check whether any additional requirements apply to your circumstances.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Minnesota
Disabled drivers who would like to know how to renew a disability parking permit in Minnesota will need to follow the specific guidelines enforced by the state Department of Public Safety. The requirements for finalizing a handicap placard renewal will depend on the type of certificate applicants are currently requesting.
For instance, those with non-permanent disabled parking tags (temporary, short-term and long-term badges) will need to have their disability recertified before a subsequent tag will be issued. If renewing a permanent tag, on the other hand, the process does not require a health professional’s signature.
However, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has the authority to select applicants randomly for the purposes of recertifying their disability. Eligible individuals may be able complete their MN disability parking tag renewal by submitting the corresponding application form with any necessary medical certification and payment for any fees.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Minnesota
Completing an MN disability placard replacement is important in the event of a lost or stolen original certificate. Disabled motorists dealing with loss or theft of their placard will need to complete section A of the form PS 2005-31 and provide it to the DPS.
In the event of a lost certificate, applicants who report their case may also be required to identify certain measures they have taken to prevent future losses. If reporting a stolen certificate, drivers may need to submit a copy of the police report pertaining to the theft.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Minnesota by Mail
Once applicants requesting a duplicate of their lost or stolen disabled person placard in Minnesota fill out the relevant application form, they may send it to the address provided. When completing their replacement requests, they must not forget to check the reason for initiating the process on the application document. Providing payment for a specific duplicate fee may also be necessary in this case.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Minnesota in Person
The procedure of presenting a completed form PS 2005-31 for the purposes of ordering a handicap placard replacement may also be finalized in person through a local deputy registrar office. The application steps for replacing your lost or stolen DMV handicap parking permit in MN will be the same as those that apply for by-mail transactions.
Be prepared to provide your application form and to arrange payment for any necessary fees. You may also be required to provide the department with a copy of your police report in case of a stolen parking certificate.
Minnesota Disability Placard Fees
If you are wondering whether any Minnesota handicap placard fees apply to your case, note that this will depend on the type of certificate you are requesting. For example, if you apply for a temporary or short-term handicap placard, you must arrange payment for a $5 fee. However, long-term and permanent disabled person parking tags are issued free of charge.
Also, no fee will apply if a health professional extends the length of your medical condition and clearly states it when requesting a subsequent (renewed) certificate. Prices are subject to change without notice.