Obtaining a handicap placard in South Carolina allows individuals with qualifying disabilities easier access to parking closer to their destinations. The process involves proving a disability that significantly limits your ability to walk. This guide outlines the steps and requirements for applying for a South Carolina handicap placard.
Understanding South Carolina Handicap Placard Eligibility
To qualify for a South Carolina handicap placard, you must meet specific criteria. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) requires documentation confirming a permanent or temporary disability that substantially limits your ability to walk. This limitation isn't just about slow walking; it encompasses conditions that significantly impair your ability to move from a parked vehicle to a destination. Examples include:
- Mobility impairments: Conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or other similar conditions impacting mobility.
- Respiratory problems: Severe asthma or other respiratory illnesses causing significant difficulty walking.
- Cardiovascular issues: Heart conditions that severely restrict walking abilities.
- Other conditions: Any other medical condition that a physician certifies as substantially limiting your ability to walk.
Important Note: Temporary placards are issued for a limited time, typically tied to the duration of a temporary medical condition. Permanent placards are issued for long-term or permanent disabilities.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process involves several key steps:
1. Gathering Necessary Documentation
You'll need to gather the following before starting your application:
- Completed Application: Download the application form from the SCDMV website. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and legibly.
- Physician's Certification: A licensed physician must complete and sign a form certifying your disability and its impact on your walking ability. This form should specify the nature of your disability and its duration (permanent or temporary). The physician's information, including license number, must be clearly visible.
- Proof of Identity: Provide a valid form of identification, such as a South Carolina driver's license or state-issued identification card.
- Two Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photographs meeting SCDMV specifications are required.
- Application Fee: There's a fee associated with the application; check the SCDMV website for the most current fee amount. Methods of payment will likely be specified.
2. Submitting Your Application
Once you've assembled all necessary documents, you can submit your application through one of these methods:
- Mail: Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to the designated SCDMV address (refer to the SCDMV website for the correct mailing address).
- In Person: Visit a local SCDMV office to submit your application in person. This allows for immediate processing in many cases. Check the SCDMV website for office locations and hours of operation.
3. Processing Time
Processing times vary. Allow sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and processed. The SCDMV website might provide estimates of processing times, but individual cases can vary.
4. Receiving Your Placard
Once approved, your handicap placard will be mailed to the address you provided on the application. Ensure the address is accurate and current to avoid delays or lost mail.
Maintaining Your Placard
- Renewal: Temporary placards will require renewal as specified by the issuing physician. Permanent placards may also have renewal requirements; check your placard and contact the SCDMV for clarification if needed.
- Changes in Address: Notify the SCDMV immediately of any changes to your mailing address to ensure you receive important notifications.
- Loss or Damage: If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the SCDMV immediately to report the incident and begin the process of replacing it.
Important Considerations
- Always Display Correctly: Ensure your handicap placard is properly displayed on your vehicle's rearview mirror or dashboard. Improper display can lead to fines.
- Eligibility Changes: If your condition improves significantly, you are ethically obligated to inform the SCDMV and surrender your placard.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process of obtaining a handicap placard in South Carolina. However, always check the official South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website for the most up-to-date information, specific application forms, and current fees. The information provided here is intended for guidance and should not be considered legal advice.
