How to Apply for an Arizona Disabled Person License Plate: Eligibility and Benefits
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Whether you're dealing with a temporary handicap or a permanent one, you'll want to take advantage of more convenient handicapped parking. While many states offer temporary handicapped parking access in the form of a placard to hang from a rearview mirror, an Arizona disabled person license plate is a more reliable, permanent way to enjoy essential parking privileges.
Arizona offers both placards and plates, but plates are a much better solution if you have a long-term or permanent disability.
Introduction to Disabled Person License Plates in Arizona
An Arizona disabled license plate or placard permits the holder to park in specially marked spaces reserved for people with a disability. The person with a disability must be the driver or a passenger in the vehicle when the space is used.
In Arizona, a temporary disability placard is valid for six months and permanent placards are valid as long as the holder qualifies. Plates are valid for the duration of the vehicle's registration and you can opt to get a personalized plate with a disability symbol as one of the seven characters.
Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Person License Plates
To be eligible for an Arizona disabled person license plate, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Permanent or temporary physical disability
- Hearing impairment
- Medical certificate of 100% disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Medical condition that prevents you from walking 200 feet without rest
- Medical condition that requires you to use an assistance device, like a brace, crutch, cane, or wheelchair
- Class III or Class IV cardiac condition, as defined by the American Heart Association
- Lung disease meeting certain criteria
- Using portable oxygen
- Arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition severely restricting ability to walk
Unlike auto insurance in Arizona, which is mandatory, eligibility requirements for disabled person license plates are more strict.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
To apply for either a temporary placard or disability plates in Arizona, you can find the application form online or at your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). The process looks like this.
- Complete the Arizona Disability or Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application (Form 96-0104)
- Get the form signed by a medical professional
- Provide your vehicle's VIN number
- Submit the application by mail or in person
Disability plates are only issued to applicants with a permanent disability. You can still get a disability parking placard if you have a temporary physical disability, but it is only valid for six months.
Fees and Costs Involved
The fee to apply for an Arizona disabled person license plate is $25. If you mail in your application, you must pay an additional $1.96 postage fee. If you'd like to personalize your license plate, it's $25 per year for standard personalization and $50 per year for speciality personalized plates.
Getting a disabled parking permit may impact your car insurance in Arizona, so remember to check if this change will have any effect on your insurance premiums.
Renewal Process and Duration
Disabled person license plates are as permanent as standard license plates, so there should be no need for renewal. And as of 2019, permanent disabled plates no longer require renewal either. They don't expire and do not require re-certification. Temporary disability placards, however, expire after six months and require a new certification form. That includes needing to get approval from a medical professional again.
If you lose a permanent license plate or placard, you can apply online at ServiceArizona.com and click on the "License Plate Replacement" or "Permanent Placard Replacement" link, depending on your needs. There's a $5 fee to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated disability plate, but no fee to replace a placard.
Benefits of Disabled Plates and Parking Privileges
Arizona disabled person license plates provide exclusive parking privileges. Whether you're in Phoenix or Prescott, handicapped parking is virtually always available. This preferred parking allows you to park closer to grocery stores, doctor's offices, restaurants, or anywhere else you need to go in your day-to-day life. It can make your life much easier if you're living with either a temporary or permanent disability.
Resources and Application Links
All of the resources you need to apply for a disability placard or license plate is available at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division's website. There, you'll find eligibility requirements, necessary documents and forms, and information about where to find your local MVD. You can also skip a step and access the Arizona Disability or Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application (Form 96-0104) here.
Ensure Your Coverage While on the Road
If you're driving with a temporary or permanent disability, you're even more vulnerable in the event of a car accident. Beyond damage to your car, you could face more exorbitant medical bills to treat exacerbated injuries. That's why it's vital to have the best car insurance you can get within your budget. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to explore the best insurance providers and compare coverages and prices to ensure you have adequate protection and cheap car insurance in Arizona.