Disability Plates and Placards in Indiana

SUMMARY: Indiana Disability Placards & Plates

If you are an Indiana resident with a qualifying disability, you can apply for a parking placard or license plate through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to obtain access to handicap parking. Information about disability parking placards and license plates, handicap parking regulations, applying for a handicapped parking placard or plate, and renewing and replacing disabled parking permits.

Types of Disability Permits in Indiana

The IN BMV offers several types of permits for disability parking:

  • A handicap placard is a visible sign that hangs from your rearview mirror. It is issued to those with permanent or temporary disabilities.
  • A disability license plate replaces a standard plate. It is issued to those with permanent disabilities ONLY.

Both placards and plates require medical certification.

Disabled Parking Rules in Indiana

The handicapped parking placard or license plate allows you to park in areas or spaces designated for people with disabilities.

You are NOT allowed to park in areas that read “no parking or standing any time."

Visitors with Disabilities

If you are visiting Indiana from another state, you may use your out-of-state handicap parking placard or license plate in IN. You do not need to apply for an Indiana placard.

Apply for a Disability Permit in IN

You can apply for a disabled placard or license plate:

  • By mail.
    OR
  • In person.

You will need to:

You'll then submit your application in person to an IN BMV branch office or by mail to the address on the form.

Disabled Veteran Plates

If you are a disabled veteran, you can apply for the Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate. You'll need to visit an Indiana BMV office in person and submit:

Renew an IN Disability Placard or Plate

All disability parking placards and license plates have an expiration date:

  • Temporary placards are valid for 1 year.
  • Permanent placards DO NOT expire and do not need to be renewed UNLESS your physician certifies that you no longer have a disability.
  • License plates are valid as long as your vehicle registration is up to date.

If your temporary placard expires but you still need it, you must apply for a new one by submitting the following to the IN BMV either in person or by mail to the address on the form:

To renew your handicap license plate, simply renew your vehicle registration.

Replace an Indiana Disability Permit

If your disability placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to:

NOTE: The expiration date for the replacement will be the same as the original.

To replace a license plate that is lost, stolen, or damaged, see our page about lost registration in Indiana.

Forms

42070
Application For Disability License Plate or Parking Placard
Use this BMV form to apply for permanent, temporary, OR company Indiana disability license plates OR placards. Must be completed by your doctor.
32584
Certification of Eligibility for Veteran License Plates
Use this form to certify your eligibility for IN veteran license plates. Must include proof of your veteran status and/or military awards.
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