An Alabama handicap placard gives qualifying residents access to designated accessible parking spaces — reducing the physical demands of everyday activities. In Alabama, handicap parking permits are issued through the county probate office or license plate-issuing official, not a central state DMV. Knowing exactly where to go and what to bring saves time and simplifies the process. Here’s everything you need to apply.
Alabama Handicap Placard Eligibility Under Alabama Code § 32-6-231
To qualify for an Alabama handicap placard, an authorized medical professional must certify that you have one or more of the following conditions (under Alabama Code § 32-6-231):
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
- Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.
- Use portable oxygen.
- Have a cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV per the American Heart Association.
- Are severely limited in walking ability due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.
Who Can Certify? Your application can be certified by a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.), a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), or a Certified Nurse Midwife.
Types of Alabama Handicap Placards
| Permit Type | Validity |
|---|---|
| Permanent Placard (Blue) | Issued to permanent disability holders. Valid for 5 years. |
| Temporary Placard (Red) | Issued for temporary conditions (e.g., surgery recovery). Valid up to 6 months. |
| Disability License Plate | Vehicle-specific alternative to a placard. |
No Free Metered Parking: If you are moving to Alabama or traveling from out of state, be aware of a critical rule difference: Unlike many other states, an Alabama disabled parking permit does NOT exempt you from paying parking meters. If you park in a metered, on-street space in Alabama, you must pay the meter fee just like any other driver.
How to Apply for an Alabama Handicap Placard (Form MVR 32-6-230)
Step 1: Obtain the Form Download the Application for Disability Access Parking Credentials (Form MVR 32-6-230) from the Alabama Department of Revenue website (revenue.alabama.gov) or pick it up from your local county probate office.
Step 2: Medical Certification Take the form to your licensed medical professional. They must complete the medical certification section, which includes their medical license number, the qualifying diagnosis, whether the disability is permanent or temporary, and their signature. Without an authorized signature, your initial application will be rejected.
Step 3: Applicant Information Complete your portion of the form with your full name, physical address, date of birth, and Alabama driver’s license or ID number.
Step 4: Submit at Your County Probate Office Alabama issues standard handicap placards completely free of charge. However, the state processes applications through the county probate judge’s office or the county’s designated license plate-issuing official. Locate your specific county office and submit the form in person. (If you opt for a disability license plate instead of a placard, standard vehicle registration fees apply).
Note: Eligible applicants may receive up to two (2) placards if they do not get a disability license plate, or one (1) placard and one (1) license plate.
How to Renew Your Alabama Handicap Placard Online
Permanent Alabama handicap placards are valid for 5 years. The state has recently made the renewal process incredibly simple: You do not need a doctor’s signature to renew a permanent placard.
When your 5-year placard is nearing expiration, you simply submit a new Form MVR 32-6-230 to your county office and check the “Self-Certification” box to confirm your disability persists. Eligible individuals can even complete this renewal online through the Alabama Motor Vehicle portal (myalabamavehicle.com) if their information is current.
Note: Temporary placards (valid for up to 6 months) cannot simply be renewed. If your temporary condition persists, you must apply for a new placard with a fresh medical certification.
Alabama Handicap Placard Rules and Misuse Penalties
Alabama handicap placards are issued to the individual and can be used in any vehicle — your own, a friend’s, or a rental — as long as you are present in the vehicle when parking in the accessible space.
Important rules:
- Display the placard from the rearview mirror when parked; remove it while driving so it doesn’t obstruct your view.
- Do not allow another person to use your placard in your absence.
- Misuse of an Alabama handicap placard is a misdemeanor under state law. First offenses carry a minimum $50 fine, jumping to $200 for a second offense, and $500 for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Alabama law allows Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) and Certified Nurse Midwives to certify handicap placard applications alongside licensed physicians.
Applications are processed at your local county probate judge’s office or the county’s designated license plate-issuing official — not a state DMV office.
Your placard remains valid regardless of which county you move to within Alabama. When it is time to renew your 5-year placard, simply do so through the probate office in your new county of residence.
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama handicap placard, simply complete a new Form MVR 32-6-230 with the “Replacement” section filled out and take it to your county probate office. You do not need a new doctor’s signature to replace an active, lost placard.
Conclusion
Getting an Alabama handicap placard means working through your county probate office rather than a state DMV — a distinction that catches many new residents off guard. Once you know where to go, the process is straightforward and completely free. Get your medical professional’s certification on Form MVR 32-6-230, submit it to your county office, and you’re set for the next five years. When it comes time to renew, take advantage of Alabama’s self-certification shortcut so you can skip the doctor’s visit and keep your mobility secure.
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