Struggling to walk across a massive parking lot isn’t just an inconvenience—for many, it’s a barrier to independence. Whether you are recovering from surgery or managing a long-term condition, an Indiana handicap placard turns a physically exhausting trip into a manageable one.
Getting this access isn’t automatic, though. It requires specific medical certification and the correct paperwork. This guide cuts through the noise to tell you exactly how to get your placard, what it costs, and the specific rules you must follow to keep it.
Who Qualifies for an Indiana Handicap Parking Placard?
You cannot simply “claim” a disability; a licensed health care provider must certify it. In Indiana, this can be a physician, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, or advanced practice registered nurse.
They must attest that you meet specific criteria, such as:
- Mobility Reliance: You cannot walk without a wheelchair, walker, crutches, braces, or another person.
- Respiratory Restrictions: You require portable oxygen or have a severe lung disease.
- Cardiac Conditions: You have a Class III or IV cardiac impairment (American Heart Association standards).
- Visual or Orthopedic Impairment: You are legally blind or have lost the use of one or both legs.
Permanent vs. Temporary: Which One Do You Need?
Indiana separates placards based on recovery time. Knowing the difference saves you from reapplying unnecessarily.
| Feature | Permanent Placard | Temporary Placard |
| Color | Blue | Red |
| Cost | Free | $5.00 |
| Duration | Does not expire (unless condition improves) | Up to 1 year (or date set by doctor) |
| Use Case | Chronic conditions, blindness, lost limbs. | Post-surgery recovery, broken bones, short-term illness. |
Note: While a permanent placard technically does not expire, the BMV may require recertification if a doctor later reports your condition has improved.
How to Submit the Indiana Handicap Placard Application
To get your placard, you need to file State Form 42070 (Application for Disability License Plate or Parking Placard).
- Download the Form: Get the latest version of Form 42070 from the BMV website.
- Medical Signature: Complete Section 1 yourself, but you must have your doctor fill out and sign Section 4. The BMV will reject the form without this medical signature.
- Submit the Form:
- By Mail: Send the form (and $5 check if applying for a temporary placard) to the Winchester Mail Processing Center.
- In-Person: Visit a branch. To avoid waiting in line with a medical condition, you should Schedule an Indiana BMV Appointment ahead of time.
Crucial Step for Mail Applicants: If you choose to mail your application, ensure your address on file is current. The BMV will mail the placard to the address in their database, not necessarily the one on the form. If you have moved recently, complete an Indiana BMV Change of Address online before you submit your paperwork to prevent your placard from getting lost.
Rules for Using an Indiana Disability Parking Placard
Possessing a placard comes with strict legal responsibilities. Misuse is a Class C misdemeanor in Indiana and can result in fines or placard confiscation.
- It’s Yours, Not the Car’s: The placard is assigned to you. You cannot lend it to your spouse or child to use when you are not in the vehicle.
- Display Correctly: Hang it from the rearview mirror when parked, but remove it while driving. It obstructs your view and is illegal to have up while the vehicle is in motion.
- Valid License/ID: While the placard is for parking, the BMV links it to your profile. If you have administrative issues, such as a Reinstate the suspended license in Indiana, it might complicate verifying your identity at the branch, even though parking privileges are separate from driving privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot “renew” a temporary placard. You must submit a new application (Form 42070) with a new doctor’s certification proving you still need it, and pay the $5 fee again.
Yes. You can request a license plate on the same form (42070). However, if you recently bought a vehicle and are waiting on plates, you might need to ask about how this integrates with a temp tag in Indiana to ensure you remain legal while the permanent disability plate is processed.
Essentially, yes. Indiana law states a permanent placard does not expire unless a healthcare provider certifies your disability is no longer permanent. However, check the placard itself for any administrative dates or renewal stickers that might apply to specific validation periods.
Conclusion
Don’t let the paperwork intimidate you. If you have a qualifying medical need, the Indiana BMV handicap placard is a right, not a luxury. Focus on getting your doctor’s signature on Form 42070 first—that is the most critical step. Once that is done, a quick appointment or a mailed form is all that stands between you and safer, more accessible parking.
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