Handicap Parking Permit in Georgia⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides comprehensive information on obtaining, renewing, and using a handicap parking permit in Georgia․ It covers eligibility criteria, the application process, types of permits, renewal procedures, and other essential details for individuals with disabilities seeking parking accommodations in the state․
Eligibility Criteria
In Georgia, individuals seeking a handicap parking permit must meet specific eligibility criteria as outlined by the state’s Department of Revenue․ To qualify, an applicant must have a disability or medical condition that significantly limits their ability to walk․ This limitation should be severe enough to necessitate the use of a designated handicap parking space․ The condition must be certified by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor, podiatrist, optometrist, or physician’s assistant․
The healthcare professional must complete a portion of the application form, known as the Disabled Persons Parking Affidavit (Form MV-9D), certifying the applicant’s disability and its impact on their mobility․ The form must be signed and notarized by the healthcare professional․ The applicant must then submit the completed form, along with their Georgia driver’s license or ID card, to the local county tag office․
The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the handicap parking permit program benefits individuals with genuine mobility limitations․ The state’s Department of Revenue carefully reviews each application to ensure that the applicant meets the necessary requirements․
Application Process
The application process for a handicap parking permit in Georgia is relatively straightforward․ The first step involves obtaining the Disabled Persons Parking Affidavit (Form MV-9D) from the Georgia Department of Revenue website or a local county tag office․ This form serves as the official application for both a disabled parking placard and a disabled license plate․
The applicant must complete Section 1 of the form, providing personal information such as their name, address, and driver’s license number․ Section 2 requires the applicant’s healthcare professional to provide a detailed description of the disability and its impact on the applicant’s mobility․ The healthcare professional must certify that the applicant’s disability meets the eligibility criteria for a handicap parking permit․
Once completed, the form must be signed and notarized by the healthcare professional․ The applicant then submits the completed form, along with their Georgia driver’s license or ID card, to the local county tag office․ The tag office will process the application and issue the handicap parking permit, typically within a few weeks․
Types of Permits
Georgia offers two types of handicap parking permits, each catering to different disability durations⁚ temporary and permanent․ These permits provide individuals with disabilities the necessary parking accommodations to access public and private spaces safely and comfortably․
A temporary permit is issued when the disability is expected to last for six months or less․ This permit is ideal for individuals recovering from an injury or undergoing temporary medical treatment that restricts their mobility․ On the other hand, a permanent permit is issued for individuals with disabilities that are considered permanent in nature․ This permit is suitable for individuals with long-term or lifelong disabilities that affect their ability to walk long distances․
Both temporary and permanent permits are issued in the form of hang tags that are displayed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle․ These tags are a visual indicator to other drivers and parking enforcement personnel that the vehicle is authorized to park in designated handicap parking spaces․ The type of permit issued will depend on the specific circumstances of the applicant’s disability, as determined by their healthcare professional;
Renewing Your Permit
Maintaining the validity of your Georgia handicap parking permit is crucial for continued access to designated parking spaces․ The renewal process ensures that your permit remains current and allows you to continue utilizing these accommodations․ To renew your permit, you need to submit a copy of your expiring permit’s registration along with a certificate of disability, known as form HSMV 83039․
This form must be completed and signed by a certifying authority within the past twelve months․ The renewal process typically involves visiting your local county tag office and presenting the required documents․ It’s essential to initiate the renewal process well before your current permit expires to avoid any disruptions in your parking privileges․
The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for issuing Disabled Persons Parking Placards (hang tags) throughout the state; These placards are available at local county tag offices, making the renewal process convenient for residents․ Staying up-to-date on your permit renewal ensures that you can continue to access the parking accommodations you need without any interruptions․
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placards
Losing, having your placard stolen, or damaging your Georgia handicap parking permit can be a frustrating experience․ However, the state offers a process to replace your placard quickly and efficiently․ If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to contact the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) or your local county tag office immediately․
They will guide you through the process of replacing your placard․ You will likely need to provide your driver’s license or identification card, proof of residency, and possibly a police report if your placard was stolen․ The DOR or your county tag office will process your request, and you will receive a new placard within a reasonable timeframe․
It’s essential to report the loss, theft, or damage as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized use of your placard․ Acting promptly ensures that you can quickly obtain a replacement and continue to benefit from the parking accommodations provided by your handicap permit․
Where to Hang the Placard
In Georgia, your handicap parking placard must be displayed prominently in your vehicle to ensure proper identification and authorization for parking in designated handicap spaces․ The placard is designed to be hung from your rearview mirror, making it readily visible to law enforcement officers and other drivers․ It’s crucial to hang the placard correctly for two primary reasons․
First, it helps to ensure that you can legally park in handicap spaces․ If your placard is not displayed appropriately, you may be subject to fines or other penalties․ Second, a visible placard helps to raise awareness about your disability and encourages others to be mindful of your needs․ It can also help to prevent other drivers from parking in handicap spaces that are reserved for individuals with disabilities․
Remember that it’s against the law to use a handicap parking placard for anyone other than the person it was issued to․ If you are driving someone with a disability, they must be present in the vehicle and have their placard displayed properly․
Obtaining a Permit
To obtain a handicap parking permit in Georgia, you must first complete the Disabled Persons Parking Affidavit (Form MV-9D), which is available online at the Georgia Department of Revenue website․ This form requires certification from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, who can confirm your disability and its impact on your mobility․
Once you have completed the form, you must submit it in person to your local county tag office․ Along with the form, you will also need to provide your Georgia driver’s license or ID card․ The tag office will review your application and, if approved, will issue you a handicap parking permit․
The process for obtaining a permit can vary slightly depending on your county’s specific procedures․ It’s always best to contact your local tag office directly for the most up-to-date information on the application process and required documentation․
Renewing a Permit
Renewing your Georgia handicap parking permit is a straightforward process that ensures your continued access to designated parking spaces․ You must renew your permit before its expiration date to avoid any interruption in your parking privileges․
To begin the renewal process, you will need to gather the necessary documentation, including your expiring permit and a current certification of disability from your healthcare provider․ The certification must be completed and signed by a licensed medical professional within the past 12 months․
Once you have collected the required documents, you can submit your renewal application in person at your local county tag office or by mail․ Be sure to include your completed renewal form, your expiring permit, and your doctor’s certification․ The tag office will process your application and issue a new permit if your renewal is approved․
Using the Permit
The Georgia handicap parking permit grants you the right to park in designated accessible parking spaces, providing you with greater convenience and accessibility․ It is crucial to understand the proper use and display of your permit to ensure you are parking legally and responsibly․
When using your permit, you must always hang it from your rearview mirror so it is clearly visible to others․ This ensures that your permit is readily identifiable and that you are legally entitled to park in the designated space․
It is important to note that your permit is only valid for the vehicle it is issued to․ You cannot use the permit for another vehicle, even if you are driving it․ Additionally, your permit is only valid in Georgia․
Remember, your permit is a privilege, and it is crucial to use it responsibly and ethically․ Parking in a designated handicap space when you are not entitled to do so is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties․
Accessing the Application Form
Obtaining a handicap parking permit in Georgia starts with the application process․ The application form, officially known as the Disabled Persons Parking Affidavit (Form MV-9D), is readily accessible to ensure a smooth and convenient process․
You can access the application form online through the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website․ The form is available in a PDF format, allowing you to download and print it for completion․ This online availability makes it easy to get started with your application from the comfort of your own home․
Alternatively, you can also obtain a physical copy of the form from your local county tag office․ These offices are located throughout Georgia and can provide you with a paper copy of the MV-9D form if you prefer to fill it out manually․
No matter which method you choose, ensure you have the necessary documentation and information ready before completing the form․ This includes medical certification from a qualified healthcare professional, your driver’s license or Georgia ID card, and any other required information․
Additional Resources
Beyond the primary resources for obtaining a handicap parking permit in Georgia, there are additional avenues for information and support․ These resources can provide valuable insights, clarify any doubts, and offer guidance throughout the application process and beyond․
For comprehensive information on handicap parking permits and other disability-related services in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website is a reliable source․ It houses detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and permit types, as well as contact information for any inquiries․
Additionally, your local county tag office serves as a valuable point of contact․ They can provide assistance with application forms, answer questions about the process, and guide you through the necessary steps to obtain your handicap parking permit․
For those seeking further clarification or specific advice, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is another valuable resource․ They can offer information on disability-related regulations and policies, as well as provide guidance on navigating the application process․
Frequently Asked Questions
Obtaining a handicap parking permit in Georgia often raises common questions․ Here are answers to some frequently asked inquiries⁚
Q⁚ Who is eligible for a handicap parking permit in Georgia?
A⁚ Individuals with disabilities that impair their mobility and require the use of designated handicap parking spaces are eligible․ This includes those with difficulty walking long distances, using mobility aids, or having medical conditions that limit their ability to walk․
Q⁚ What documents are required to apply for a handicap parking permit?
A⁚ You will need to complete a Disabled Persons Parking Affidavit (Form MV-9D) and have it certified by a licensed medical professional․ The form can be downloaded from the Georgia Department of Revenue website․
Q⁚ Where can I submit my application for a handicap parking permit?
A⁚ Submit your completed application in person at your local county tag office․ They will process your application and issue the permit if approved․
Q⁚ How long is a handicap parking permit valid for?
A⁚ Permits can be issued for temporary or permanent periods depending on the nature of the disability․ Temporary permits are valid for up to 6 months, while permanent permits have no expiration date․
