Idaho’s disability parking placard program is administered by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and issued locally through county DMV offices or directly via mail and email. If you or someone you care for has a qualifying disability, this guide explains exactly who qualifies, how to apply, and the rules you need to follow.
Who Qualifies for an Idaho Handicap Placard Under Idaho Code § 49-213?
Under Idaho Code (§ 49-117), you are eligible for a disability parking placard if you are unable to walk 200 feet or more unassisted by another person or without the aid of a walker, crutches, braces, prosthetic device, or a wheelchair; or without great difficulty or discomfort due to any of the following impairments:
- Neurologic
- Orthopedic
- Respiratory
- Cardiac
- Arthritic
- Blindness
- The loss of function or absence of a limb or limbs
Your qualifying condition must be certified by an authorized medical professional before your application can be approved.
Types of Idaho Disability Parking Placards: Permanent (4-Year, Free) and Temporary (6-Month, Free)
| Placard Type | Color | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Blue | Never Expires | Free |
| Temporary | Red | Up to 6 months | Free |
| Disability License Plates | N/A | Annual (with registration) | Standard registration fees |
(Note: While hanging placards are completely free, regular disability license plates cost the standard vehicle registration fee. Personalized disability plates have an extra $25 initial fee).
How to Apply for an Idaho Handicap Placard
Step 1: Download Form ITD 3392
Obtain Form ITD 3392 (Disability License Plates and Placards) from the Idaho Transportation Department website (dmv.idaho.gov) or pick up a physical copy at your local county DMV office.
Step 2: Obtain Medical Certification
An authorized medical professional must complete and sign the Medical Certification section of the form. In Idaho, this strictly includes:
- Licensed Physician (MD or DO)
- Licensed Physician Assistant (PA)
- Licensed Advanced-Practice Professional Nurse (APPN / NP)
An incomplete or unsigned medical section will result in your application being rejected.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Unlike some states, Idaho gives you multiple convenient ways to submit your application. There is no fee for a standard permanent or temporary placard.
- By Email (Fastest): You can scan or take a clear photo of your completed, signed form and email it directly to
[email protected]. - By Fax: Fax the application to (208) 334-8542.
- By Mail: Send it to Idaho Transportation Department, Vehicle Services – Special Plates, PO Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.
- In Person: Drop off the completed form at your local county DMV office.
How To Renew Your Idaho Handicap Placard
- Permanent Placards: Good news! In Idaho, permanent disabled placards do not expire and do not need to be renewed. Once you have it, it is valid indefinitely.
- Temporary Placards: Valid for a maximum of 6 months. If your condition persists beyond the initial 6 months, you cannot simply extend the placard. You must submit a brand-new Form ITD 3392 with a fresh medical certification from your doctor.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Placard
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Idaho disability parking placard, you must submit a new Form ITD 3392.Replacement placards are issued free of charge. If your placard was stolen, you can optionally report it to local law enforcement to prevent misuse. Submit your replacement request in person at the county DMV or mail/email it to the ITD Special Plates unit.
Idaho Disability Parking Rules
- Display: Hang the placard from the rearview mirror so the expiration date (if applicable) and placard number are visible from outside the vehicle. If you do not have a rearview mirror, place it clearly on the dashboard.
- Driving: You must remove the placard while driving to maintain clear sightlines through your windshield.
- Free Metered Parking: Idaho law allows disability placard holders to park in public metered parking spaces without being required to pay the meter fee, and to park for unlimited periods in otherwise time-restricted zones (unless the zone prohibits parking entirely or is reserved for special vehicles).
- Authorized Use: The placard is person-specific, not vehicle-specific. You may use it as a driver or passenger in any vehicle you are traveling in.
- Penalties: Misuse of a disability parking placard by someone who does not have a qualifying disability is an infraction punishable by a $100 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can submit your completed Form ITD 3392 in person at your local county DMV office. However, you can also easily submit it from home by emailing it to [email protected], faxing it, or mailing it to the ITD Special Plates unit in Boise.
No. Idaho issues disability parking placards completely free of charge, including replacements. Both permanent and temporary placards are free. (Disability license plates, however, carry standard vehicle registration fees).
Permanent disability placards in Idaho do not expire. You never need to renew a permanent placard.
Yes. All 50 states recognize Idaho disability parking credentials under reciprocal agreements. Your Idaho placard gives you access to accessible parking spaces in other states, though specific benefits (like free meter parking) vary by local state laws.
Conclusion:
Idaho makes the disability parking placard process simple and cost-free. The key is knowing to go to your county assessor’s motor vehicle office with your completed ITD 3155 and your healthcare provider’s certification. From there, you can typically walk out the same day with your placard in hand.
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