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Applying for a Handicap Parking Permit in Georgia

3 min read

Georgia residents with qualifying disabilities can apply for handicap parking permits to ensure accessible parking options. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, renewal procedures, and important regulations associated with obtaining a handicap parking permit in Georgia.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a handicap parking permit in Georgia, an individual must meet one or more of the following conditions:

  • Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • Requirement of assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
  • Lung disease restricting forced respiratory volume to less than one liter or arterial oxygen tension less than 60 mm/hg on room air.
  • Use of portable oxygen.
  • Cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
  • Visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.
  • Severe limitation in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • Hearing impairment that prohibits understanding oral communication in a normal conversational tone.

Note: The disability must be expected to last for more than 180 days to qualify as permanent.

Types of Permits

Georgia offers several types of handicap parking permits:

  • Permanent Placard (Blue): Valid for four years.
  • Temporary Placard (Red): Valid for 180 days; non-renewable.
  • Special Equipment Permanent Placard (Gold): For individuals with permanent disabilities requiring specially equipped vehicles.
  • Disabled Person’s License Plate: Available for individuals with permanent disabilities who own a vehicle.

Application Process

  1. Obtain Form MV-9D: Download the Disabled Person’s Parking Affidavit (Form MV-9D).

  2. Complete the Form: Fill out the applicant section and have a licensed medical professional (doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine, podiatrist, optometrist, or chiropractor) complete and sign the medical certification section.

  3. Submit the Application: Bring the completed form to your local County Tag Office. Find your local office here.

Note: There is no fee for placards. However, a $20 fee applies for a disabled person’s license plate.

Renewal Process

  • Permanent Placards: Valid for four years. To renew, submit a new Form MV-9D to your local County Tag Office. A new medical certification is not required for renewal.

  • Temporary Placards: Valid for 180 days and cannot be renewed. If the disability persists, a new application with updated medical certification is required.

  • Disabled Person’s License Plates: Renewed annually with a $20 fee. Renewal can be done through the standard vehicle registration process.

Important Regulations

  • Display of Placard: Hang the placard from the rearview mirror when parked. Remove it while driving.

  • Non-Transferability: Placards and license plates are issued to individuals and cannot be transferred to others.

  • Misuse Penalties: Unauthorized use of a handicap parking permit can result in fines and revocation of the permit.

  • Out-of-State Permits: Georgia recognizes valid handicap parking permits from other states.

For more information on Georgia's driving regulations and safety, consider exploring these resources:

For official information and forms, visit the Georgia Department of Revenue's Disabled Persons License Plates and Parking Permits page.