Louisiana residents with qualifying disabilities can access designated accessible parking through a disabled person’s license plate or a disabled parking permit (officially called a “Hang Tag” in Louisiana). Both are issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and require certification from a licensed medical professional. This guide covers who qualifies, the exact application steps, renewal timelines, and what to do if your permit is lost.+1
Who Qualifies for a Louisiana Handicap Placard?
To be eligible for a Louisiana handicap hang tag, a licensed medical professional must certify that you have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without the assistance of another person, walker, cane, crutches, braces, prosthetic device, or wheelchair.
- Lung disease restricting forced expiratory volume to less than 1 liter per second, or arterial oxygen tension below 60 mm/hg at rest.
- A cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
- An orthopedic, arthritic, or neurological impairment that severely affects mobility.
- Use of portable oxygen.
Who Can Certify? The certifier must be a Doctor (MD or DO), Chiropractor, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or Physical Therapist licensed by their respective Louisiana state board.
Types of Permits Available in Louisiana
| Permit Type | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Hang Tag (Blue) | For individuals with permanent disabilities. Valid for 4 years. | $3.00 |
| Temporary Hang Tag (Red) | For individuals with temporary impairments (e.g., surgery). Valid for 1 year. | $3.00 |
| Disabled License Plate | Vehicle-specific plate for permanent disabilities. (Renewed annually). | $10.00 |
| Disabled Veterans Plate | For veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 50% confirmed by the VA. | Free (+$8 initial handling fee) |
The “2 Extra Hours” Parking Rule
If you are wondering whether your Louisiana hang tag exempts you from paying parking meters, the answer depends on the city. Under Louisiana law (R.S. 40:1745), individual cities have the right to waive meter fees, so you must always check local signs (for example, New Orleans offers specific free parking zones).
However, state law does grant a massive, universal perk: any vehicle bearing a mobility-impaired hang tag or license plate is legally permitted to park for two (2) hours in excess of the legal parking time limit permitted by local authorities.
How to Apply for a Louisiana Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Obtain Medical Certification (Form DPSMV 1966) The core document for your application is the Medical Examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment (Form DPSMV 1966). Have your doctor, chiropractor, APRN, or physical therapist complete this form. The OMV will reject your application without this certification.+1
Step 2: Complete the Application (Form DPSMV 4223) Obtain the Application for Mobility Impaired License Plate and Hang-Tag (Form DPSMV 4223) from the Louisiana OMV website (expresslane.org) or your nearest OMV office.Complete the personal information sections.
Step 3: Submit to the Louisiana OMV You can submit your application, your medical certification, your Louisiana ID, and the $3.00 fee in two ways:
- In Person (Recommended): Visit a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location. You will usually receive your hang tag on the spot. (Note: If your doctor faxes Form 1966 directly from their office to the OMV branch you are visiting, that is acceptable).
- By Mail: Mail your completed forms and payment to the Louisiana OMV Headquarters: P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.
How to Renew a Louisiana Handicap Placard
Louisiana handicap hang tags are valid for 4 years. The state has made the renewal process incredibly easy for residents with permanent, lifelong disabilities: You do not need a new doctor’s signature to renew a permanent hang tag.
When your blue hang tag is about to expire, you simply bring your current placard, your Louisiana ID, and the $3.00 fee to an OMV office to receive your new one. You skip the doctor’s waiting room entirely!
Note: Temporary (Red) hang tags require re-application with a brand-new physician’s certification. Temporary placard holders can only renew once if their impairment remains temporary.+1
Display Requirements & Rules
- The Louisiana hang tag must be hung from the vehicle’s rearview mirror. If the vehicle has no rearview mirror, you may display it clearly on the dashboard.+1
- Remove the placard when the vehicle is in motion so it does not obstruct your vision.
- The placard belongs to you, not the vehicle. You may use it in any vehicle when you are the driver or a passenger.Do not lend it to friends or family members when you are not traveling with them.+1
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Once a disabled veteran has their license plate, they can request a free hang tag from the OMV to use when riding in other vehicles.
Yes. Louisiana recognizes valid disabled parking placards and license plates from all other U.S. states.
If your Louisiana hang tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, you do not need to go back to the doctor. Simply bring a written explanation of the situation and the $3.00 replacement fee to your local OMV office. A new hang tag will be issued immediately. If you are physically unable to visit an OMV office, you may send a representative with your signed written statement and a copy of your ID.
Conclusion
Getting a Louisiana handicap hang tag is an affordable and straightforward process. Just take Form DPSMV 1966 to your doctor, fill out your application, and bring your $3.00 fee to your local OMV. Because permanent hang tags do not require you to go back to the doctor for future renewals, getting your initial application approved is the only major hurdle. Secure your tag, keep Louisiana’s generous 2-hour parking extension in mind, and enjoy the convenience it provides!
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