The application process may vary from state to state. Please check the guidelines under the state of residence. In the state of Alabama, public parking areas are required to contain some parking spaces designated for disabled persons. It is against the law to park in a disabled parking space without an official placard or license plate. Many disabled persons fail to apply for a parking permit due to hidden impairments, embarrassment or lack of knowledge. 

In Alabama, persons with impaired mobility functions or with a health condition that interferes with mobility may apply for a permit to park in public spaces designated for disabled persons. Persons with cardiac conditions that meet American Heart Association standards or lung diseases that restrict mobility may apply for a permit. Arthritic, neurologic or orthopedic conditions that impede mobility may warrant a parking permit. Persons restricted to portable oxygen tanks may be eligible for disabled parking permits.

A Disability Access Parking Privileges Application may be picked up at the Revenue Commissioner’s Office/Automobile Registrar in the county of residence or downloaded on-line. The Doctor’s Certification of Disability portion of the Disability Access Parking Privileges Application form must be signed by the patient’s physician. The completed application and registration proving the vehicle is registered in the patient’s name to the local county office. All fees must be up-to-date on the vehicle at the time of application.

The state of Alabama issues either disability parking placards or disability parking license plates for permanent and temporary disabilities. The disability parking license plate or placard is valid for up to five years for Alabama residents. Person’s that are permanently disabled may check the long term disability option on the renewal application. A fee of $1.25 is charged for the parking placard and a fee of $23.00 plus $1.25 is charged for a license plate.

Sometimes disability parking placards and license plates are stolen. If the disabled person’s parking placard or license plate is stolen, it may be replaced by downloading a replacement application on-line. The replacement application should be submitted to the Revenue Commissioner’s Office/Automobile Registrar in the county of residence within the state of Alabama.