Mississippi residents with qualifying disabilities can apply for a disabled parking placard or license plate through their local county tax collector’s office. The process is simple, entirely free of charge, and incredibly generous regarding how many placards you can hold. This guide explains who qualifies, what form to use, and how to apply, renew, or replace your permit.
Mississippi Handicap Placard Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
You qualify for a Mississippi disabled parking permit if an authorized medical professional certifies that you have one or more of the following conditions:
- 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.
- Uses portable oxygen.
- Lung disease restricting forced respiratory expiratory volume to less than 1 liter per second, or arterial oxygen tension below 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.
- Cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
- Severely limited ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.
Who Can Certify? Your application must be certified and signed by a licensed Physician or a Nurse Practitioner.
HIGHLIGHT: The “Live-In Family Member” Rule: If you are a caregiver, Mississippi has a fantastic allowance designed to make your life easier. Under state law, the owner of a motor vehicle who has a disabled child, parent, or spouse living with them may be issued a disabled placard or license plate for that family member. Simply check the “Applicant is Child, Parent, or Spouse living with vehicle owner” box on the application form!
Types of Disabled Parking Permits in Mississippi
Mississippi is highly generous with its permit allowances. Eligible permanently disabled individuals may be issued up to two (2) placards AND two (2) disabled license plates.
| Permit Type | Validity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Placard (Blue) | For permanent disabilities. Valid for 5 years. | Free |
| Temporary Placard (Red) | For temporary disabilities (e.g., surgery recovery). Valid for up to 6 months. | Free |
| Permanent License Plate | Vehicle-specific plate for permanent disabilities. | Free (Standard registration taxes apply) |
| Disabled Veterans Plate | For veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. | $1.00 |
How to Apply for a Mississippi Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step (Form 76-104)
Step 1: Get Form 76-104 Download the Mississippi Disabled Parking Application (Form 76-104) from the Mississippi Department of Revenue website (dor.ms.gov), or pick one up at your local county tax collector’s office.
Step 2: Have Your Doctor Complete the Form Take the form to your licensed physician or nurse practitioner. They must complete Section 1, certifying your qualifying condition and indicating whether the disability is permanent or temporary (and specifying the duration, up to six months, if temporary).
Step 3: Complete Your Section You (or the vehicle owner applying on behalf of a family member) must complete Section 3 and sign the document.
Step 4: Submit to Your County Tax Collector Bring the completed and signed Form 76-104 to your local county tax collector’s office. The county will issue your placards free of charge.
How to Renew a Mississippi Handicap Placard
Permanent disability placards are valid for 5 years. Mississippi does NOT allow you to self-certify for renewals.
When your 5-year placard is set to expire, you must go back to your doctor or nurse practitioner and have them sign a brand-new Form 76-104 to prove your condition persists. Crucially, the medical certification must be dated within 90 days of your renewal application date.
Temporary placards (valid for up to 6 months) can also be renewed if your temporary disability persists, but you must submit a new Form 76-104 with an updated physician certification.
How to Display Your Mississippi Placard
- The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle when parked in a designated disabled space. (If the vehicle has no rearview mirror, display it clearly on the left side of the dashboard).
- You must remove the placard when the vehicle is in motion — driving with it displayed obstructs your vision and is a safety hazard.
- Parking Meters: Mississippi does not have a statewide exemption for parking meter fees. Always check local city ordinances before parking at a meter without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mississippi placards and license plates displaying the International Symbol of Accessibility are recognized in all other U.S. states under federal ADA rules.
No. The placard is only valid when the person with the disability is the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. Allowing others to use it to run errands for you when you are not present is illegal.
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit your local tax collector’s office. You will be required to submit an affidavit confirming the loss or theft. Once the office verifies your active disability status in their system, a replacement will be issued.
Conclusion
The Mississippi handicap placard process is highly accessible: get your physician or nurse practitioner to complete Form 76-104, submit it to your county tax collector, and receive up to two placards completely free of charge. Thanks to the state’s caregiver allowance, even family members transporting a disabled loved one can easily secure parking access. If your condition qualifies, take the time to apply — the daily convenience is well worth the simple paperwork!
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