For individuals with qualifying disabilities, a disability parking placard or plate is an essential tool that provides access to designated parking spaces, significantly improving mobility and independence. The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers the program for issuing these permits, ensuring that those who genuinely need them can obtain them through a clear and regulated process.
This comprehensive guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, required documentation, and important considerations for obtaining and using a disability placard or plate in Utah, helping you navigate the system effectively.
Types of Disability Parking Permits Available in Utah
Utah offers several types of disability parking permits to cater to different needs:
- Temporary Placard: Issued for conditions expected to last less than six months. It is typically blue and must be renewed upon expiration.
- Permanent Placard: Issued for conditions expected to last six months or longer. It is also blue and requires periodic renewal.
- Disabled Person License Plate: An alternative to a permanent placard, this is a specialized license plate that can be affixed to a vehicle registered in the disabled person’s name. It allows the vehicle to be parked in designated spaces without displaying a placard.
- Organizational Placard: Issued to organizations that transport individuals with disabilities.
Who Qualifies for a Disability Parking Permit in Utah
To qualify for a disability placard or plate in Utah, you must have a severe, permanent, or temporary disability that limits your mobility. The Utah DMV defines a qualifying disability as one or more of the following :
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without the aid of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, another person, or a wheelchair.
- Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.
- Uses portable oxygen.
- Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
- Is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard or Plate in Utah
Obtaining a disability placard or plate involves two main steps: medical certification and application submission.
Step 1: Medical Certification for Utah Disability Parking (Form TC-842)
The most crucial step is having a licensed medical professional certify your disability. You and your medical provider must complete Form TC-842, Disabled Person and Physician Disability Certification .
This form requires:
- Your personal information.
- Your medical provider’s certification of your disability, including a description of the condition and its expected duration (temporary or permanent).
- The medical provider’s signature, license number, and contact information.
Qualifying medical professionals include licensed physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and advanced practice registered nurses.
Step 2: Submit Your Utah Disability Parking Application
Once Form TC-842 is fully completed and signed by your medical professional, you can submit it to the Utah DMV. You have several options for submission:
| Submission Method | Description | Fees | Processing Time |
| In-Person | Visit any Utah DMV office. This allows for immediate processing and issuance of temporary placards. For permanent placards or plates, they will be mailed. You can schedule a DMV Utah appointment to reduce wait times. | Paper Placard: Free Durable Permanent Placard: $2.50 each Disabled Person Plate: Standard registration fees apply. | Immediate (temporary placard); 1-2 weeks (mailed permanent placard/plate) |
| By Mail | Mail the completed Form TC-842 to the Utah State Tax Commission, Motor Vehicle Division. | Paper Placard: Free Durable Permanent Placard: $2.50 each (include check/money order) Disabled Person Plate: Standard registration fees apply (include check/money order). | 2-4 weeks (plus mail time) |
Note: There is no fee for a new or replacement paper disability parking placard. However, there is a $2.50 fee for each durable plastic permanent disability placard . If you are applying for a disabled person license plate, standard vehicle registration fees will apply, in addition to any applicable fees for the specialized plate.
Rules for Using a Disability Parking Placard or Plate in Utah
Proper Display: Placards must be clearly displayed from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a designated disabled parking space. They should be removed when the vehicle is in motion.
Personal Use Only: Disability placards and plates are issued to the individual, not the vehicle. They can only be used when the person with the disability is present in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger.
Renewal: Temporary placards have an expiration date and must be renewed. Permanent placards also require periodic renewal, typically every few years, which may involve re-certification by a medical professional. Ensure your address is up-to-date with the DMV to receive renewal notices; you can update it via the Utah DMV address change process.
Lost or Stolen Placards: If your placard is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement. The process is similar to obtaining an original, often requiring a new Form TC-842 or a sworn statement. This is akin to replacing other vital documents, such as when you need a Utah DMV duplicate title.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can often download Form TC-842 online, the application process itself typically requires submission in person or by mail due to the need for a medical professional’s signature. Some online services may assist with the process, but the final submission to the Utah DMV usually involves physical documents. You can check the Utah MVR online system for any updates on online submission options.
Temporary placards are valid for the period specified by your medical professional, up to a maximum of six months. If your condition persists beyond this period, you will need to reapply with a new medical certification.
Your out-of-state disability placard may be recognized temporarily in Utah, but you will need to apply for a Utah disability placard or plate to ensure long-term compliance with state laws. This process is part of establishing residency, similar to what is required for a Utah out of state license transfer.
Conclusion
Obtaining a disability placard or plate in Utah is a clear process designed to support individuals with mobility challenges. The key steps involve securing a medical certification using Form TC-842 and submitting it to the Utah DMV with any applicable fees. Remember to always display your placard correctly and renew it as required to maintain your parking privileges.
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