If you or a family member has a qualifying disability, an Alaska handicap placard grants access to designated accessible parking spaces—reducing the physical strain of navigating parking lots and getting to destinations safely. Alaska’s application process is managed by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and once you understand the requirements, it is relatively simple to complete.
What Qualifies You for a Handicap Placard in Alaska?
Under Alaska law, the state issues disability parking placards to individuals who meet one or more of the following medical criteria:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk safely without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
- Are restricted by severe lung disease (e.g., forced expiratory volume for one second is less than 1 liter, or 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 by the American Heart Association.
- Are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
A licensed medical professional must certify that you meet at least one of these conditions. Self-certification is not accepted.
Types of Alaska Disability Parking Placards: Permanent (2-Year) vs. Temporary (6-Month)
| Placard Type | Who It’s For | Validity Period | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Persons with a permanent qualifying disability | 5 years | Free |
| Temporary | Persons with a temporary qualifying condition | Up to 6 months | Free |
| Disability License Plates | Vehicle owners with a permanent disability | Registration renewal cycle | Free* |
Note: Individuals with a permanent disability are eligible to receive one free vehicle registration for a vehicle they own. If you want disability plates on additional vehicles, standard registration fees apply.
How to Apply for an Alaska Handicap Placard
The application process involves three steps: obtaining the correct form, getting a medical certification, and submitting your paperwork.
Step 1: Get the Application Form
Download Form 861 (Special Disability Parking Permit) from the Alaska DMV website (dmv.alaska.gov) or pick up a physical copy from any Alaska DMV office.
Step 2: Obtain Medical Certification
An authorized medical professional must complete and sign Part 2 of Form 861. Alaska accepts certifications from a licensed:
- Physician
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Podiatrist
- Chiropractor
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech-Language Pathologist
Important Note: If your form is completed by an out-of-state doctor, the DMV will only issue you a temporary permit valid for up to 6 months, even if the condition is permanent.
Step 3: Submit the Application
There is no fee to obtain a disability parking placard in Alaska. You can submit your completed Form 861 in three ways:
- By Email (Fastest): Scan or take a clear photo of your completed form and email it directly to
[email protected]. The DMV will review it and typically mail your permit within 1 week. - In Person: Drop it off at any local Alaska DMV office.
- By Mail: Send it to the State of Alaska DMV headquarters (check the form for the most up-to-date mailing address).
How Do I Renew My Handicap Placard in Alaska?
- Permanent Placards: Expire every 5 years on the last day of the month indicated on the placard. You can easily renew a permanent placard online through the Alaska DMV website, provided your information matches the Alaska Driver’s License or ID card on file. (You must renew within 90 days of expiration).
- Temporary Placards: Expire when the physician-specified period ends (maximum 6 months). Temporary placards cannot simply be extended. If your condition persists, your doctor must complete a brand-new Form 861 certifying the continued need.
How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Alaska Placard at No Cost
If your Alaska handicap placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at no cost. You can request a free replacement online via the DMV website. Alternatively, you can submit Form 861, checking the “Replacement” box; medical recertification is not required if your current permit has not yet expired.
Alaska Disability Parking Rules You Should Know
- Display: Hang the placard from your rearview mirror only when the vehicle is parked in a designated accessible space.
- Driving: You must remove the placard while driving, as it can illegally obstruct your line of sight.
- Authorized Use: The placard is tied to you as an individual, not to a specific vehicle. You may use it in any vehicle you are traveling in, whether you are the driver or a passenger. Anyone transporting you may park in designated spaces while you are entering or exiting the vehicle.
- Penalties: Lending your placard to another person to use when you are not physically present is a citable offense. It can result in the immediate revocation of your parking privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The placard is issued to you personally and is valid only when you are present in the vehicle. Allowing a family member or friend to use your placard when you are not with them is illegal and abuses the system.
Yes, but not automatically. If your temporary condition persists beyond the initial period, you must submit a new application (Form 861) with a fresh medical certification from your doctor. Each temporary placard is valid for up to six months at a time.
No. Alaska issues both temporary and permanent disability parking placards completely free of charge, including replacements.
In most public areas (like shopping centers and hospitals), yes. Additionally, some municipalities in Alaska waive metered parking fees for permit holders. However, this is not universal. You may still be required to pay in privately owned lots, certain state parks, or specific metered zones—always check posted signs and local city ordinances.
Conclusion
Getting your Alaska handicap placard is a one-time process that opens ongoing access to accessible parking across the state. If your condition changes or your placard expires, keep your medical provider informed and submit a new Form 812 promptly to avoid any gap in access.
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