Disability Placards in New Mexico
Disabled drivers can apply for a handicap placard in New Mexico by submitting a paper application to the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). As a general rule, disability placards are types of permits that allow vehicles to be parked in spaces that are designated for residents with disabilities. As such, a disabled person placard must only be used when the vehicle is parked, unlike handicapped license plates, which must be affixed on the vehicle at all times as proof of a valid car registration.
The NM disability placards offered by the state MVD, also known as parking placards, are available as both temporary and permanent credentials. To learn who is eligible for handicap placards in NM and how to apply for one, read the following sections.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in New Mexico
In order to successfully obtain a disabled person parking placard in New Mexico, applicants will be required to meet certain disability placard requirements, such as meeting certain eligibility criteria and submitting the necessary paperwork. Generally, the only document needed to apply for a disability parking permit in NM is a filled out eligibility certificate form.
Disabled drivers are not typically required to submit a physician’s statement and certification, since the form contains a separate section for that purpose. On the other hand, if applicants who meet the qualifications for disability placards are required to apply in person, they need to also present an official photo ID, such as a driving license.
The state MVD will process an application for an NM disabled parking placard only if the applicant meets the criteria regarding a significant mobility limitation. If you are applying for a disability placard, you must fulfill one or several of the following NM handicap placard requirements:
- You are using a portable oxygen tank.
- You have a serious cardiac illness.
- You cannot go up or down the stairs due to a restrictive condition.
- You are unable to walk at least 100 feet without resting.
- You cannot walk without using a helping device, such as a cane, a brace, a crutch or a wheelchair.
- Your breathing is restricted by lung disease.
Drivers who were issued these credentials must abide by certain handicap placard rules. For instance, a DMV handicap parking permit can only be utilized by residents who submitted these requests and qualified for these credentials. Furthermore, the placard must either be placed on the vehicle dashboard or hung from the rearview mirror.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in New Mexico
The process of submitting a New Mexico disabled placard application can be completed in person through a nearby MVD field office. Prior to submitting the application for disability placards, which was detailed in previous sections, you must consult with your physician about whether you should apply for a permanent or a temporary placard. Once your physician signs and dates your NM handicap placard application, you can deliver it to a local MVD branch.
Note that the division will not process photocopied application documents, nor forms that were incorrectly filled out. Otherwise, you will receive a new disabled parking permit once your request is approved. In any case, the validity of the NM handicap placard will vary depending on whether you were issued a temporary or a permanent badge.
Note: The state MVD will revoke any placards that were manufactured erroneously, as well as placards that are used by individuals who are no longer eligible for a disability badge.
How to Renew Disability Placards in New Mexico
Disabled drivers can complete the New Mexico handicap placard renewal process by submitting the same application form mentioned in previous sections. However, the procedure to renew a disability placard is only available to applicants who were issued permanent permits with a validity period of four years. For that reason, disabled motorists who hold a temporary handicap placard in NM will be required to obtain a new physician’s certification and reapply for a new badge.
If you are wondering how to renew disability parking permit badges, note that you will be required to fill out the self-certification section on the application form and enter the current disability permit number and expiration date. When completing the disability placard renewal transaction, you may also be required to surrender your expired placard, if available.
How to Replace Disability Placards in New Mexico
If you are wondering how to replace a handicap placard in New Mexico and which application form to use, it is important to note that the division utilizes the same form for every transaction involving disability placards. Therefore, in order to get a disability placard replacement, applicants will be required to fill out the standard eligibility certificate document, check the replacement box and submit it in person through an MVD location.
However, when replacing a disability parking permit in NM, customers will also be required to surrender their old badges or fill out the placard number and expiration date. Motorists who have lost their disability placards and cannot remember these required pieces of information will be required to reapply for a new disabled parking badge.
New Mexico Disability Placard Fees
Prior to applying for a New Mexico disabled person placard, applicants must inquire about the applicable handicap placard fees. While the MVD does not currently charge a fee for the issuance of disability parking permits in NM, certain service fees may still apply. Therefore, prior to making your office visit to request a handicapped placard, contact the division to verify this information.
Note that these types of plates are also issued at no additional cost in certain cases. On the other hand, the standard vehicle registration fees typically still apply for disabled motorists.