You can get a handicap placard in New Jersey by having your condition certified by a medical provider and submitting an application to the NJ MVC.
Written by Samuel Todd Reviewed by Jessica Barrett Updated on Jan 31, 2024
can present special challenges—especially if you have to go through the trouble of navigating a busy parking lot. Whether you have a lifelong condition or a more recent injury, a handicap placard can make your life a whole lot easier.
Thankfully, when using this guide , getting a handicap placard in New Jersey is a simple process. We’ll break it all down: who’s eligible for a disabled parking pass, how to apply for one, and what to do once you’ve received your New Jersey handicap placard.
Compare quotes from 50+ insurers with Jerry in under 45 seconds? 4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in New JerseyThere are two main types of disability placards in New Jersey: a temporary placard and a permanent placard. Both placards will have the International Symbol of Access(ISA) on them (you’re probably familiar with it—it looks like a
stick figure in a wheelchair ). This will allow you to use accessible parking spaces wherever you go.In this section, we’ll go over the steps to getting each one—but first, let’s take a look at the conditions that qualify you for a handicap placard in the Garden State.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?Generally speaking, you’ll be eligible for a disabled parking placard if one of the following is true for you:
You’ve lost the use of one or more of your limbs You can’t walk without help from a cane, brace, crutch, or another assistive device You have a lung disease that impairs your ability to breathe You use portable oxygen You have a Class III or Class IV cardiaccondition You can’t walk more than 200 feet without stopping for rest You have a permanent sight impairment of both eyes (only a placard, no plates) For a full run-through of qualifying conditions, check out the MVC’s instruction checklist . It’s the best way to make sure that you’ve got everything you need for a seamless application.Remember, your condition will need to be certified by a qualified medical provider! Qualified providers must be from New Jersey (or a neighboring state), including providers stationed at military locations. Here are some examples:
Physicians Physician’s assistants Podiatrists Chiropractors Nurse practitionersIf you’re still not sure whether your condition meets the criteria, give the NJ MVC a quick call at 1-(609)-292-6500. They’ll get you on the right track and help you fill out the right application.
How to applyThere are two types of handicap placards you can apply for: a temporary placard or a permanent placard.
To get a temporary placard, complete the SP-68 application formand pay a $4 fee to the New Jersey MVC. The form is pretty simple—all you need is personal information (for example, your name, address, and driver’s license number) and medical certification.
Once your application is approved by the municipal Chief of Police, you’ll get disabled parking privileges for six months , with the option to renew your placard for one more six-month period.
For a permanent placard, the process is a bit more involved—but not by much! Start by filling out the
SP-41 application form. You’ll need to indicate whether you’re applying for a handicap placard, disabled plates, or both. If you want disabled plates, you’ll have to include a copy of your car’s registration with your application.
After that, fill out your info, and have the form completed and signed by a licensed medical provider. Then, swing by an
MVC office to drop it off or mail the form to this address: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Special Plate Unit 225 East State Street PO Box 015 Trenton, NJ 08666-0015And, voila! Within four to six weeks , you should receive your handicap placard (or plates) from the MVC. Plus, you don’t have to worry about paying an application fee .
Renewing a disabled parking placardUnder New Jersey law, you need to renew your handicap placard or plates every year . Though that might sound like a bit of a pain, don’t stress—the process is simple!
Just mail the recertification applicationto the NJ MVC. You’ll also need to have your medical condition recertified every three years , so you should stay in touch with a provider who can confirm your disability. Your medical certification has to reach the MVC within 60 days of submitting your application.
As with the permanent placard application, there is no recertification fee !Key Takeaway You can get a temporary or permanent handicap placard in New Jersey by submitting an application with certification of your condition by a licensed medical provider.
Parking in a handicap spot without a permit Guidelines for veterans with disabilitiesDisabled veterans can get the same benefits as a handicap placard carrier by following a slightly different process. To get a disabled veteran placard, you must be the owner and driver of the car where the placard will be displayed.
Then, you’ll need to present two things to the NJ MVC: An Award of Disability letter from the Veterans Administration A DD-214 or DD-215 form from the Department of Military and Veterans AffairsNot only will you get to use accessible spaces as you would with a handicap placard—under New Jersey law, you also get free parking for 24 hours at any municipal parking meter!
Key Takeaway By submitting an Award of Disability letter and a DD-214 or DD-215 to the New Jersey MVC, veterans can gain access to disabled parking spaces and other benefits.
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Unfortunately, you can’t renew your placard online just yet—you’ll have to visit an NJMVClocation or renew it bymail .
How much does a handicap placard cost in New Jersey? A permanent handicap placard is free in New Jersey, but a temporary placard will cost you $4 . Are you overpaying for car insurance? Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds. 4.7 17k Ratings 5M+ Drivers Joined $600/yr Average Savings You might also be interestedSamuel Todd is an insurance writer with over three years of experience writing and editing content for various industries. Samuel specializes in helping car owners understand the ins and outs of what makes a “good” car, ensuring they always get the best value for their dollar. Since joining Jerry’s team of experts, Samuel has written nearly 200 articles for Jerry on topics including state regulations, common vehicle problems, and city insurance landscapes. Before joining Jerry, Samuel was an editor for Lamplight Books.
Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry's editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.
