What a Kansas Disability Assistance Permit Does
A Disability Assistance Permit in Kansas is a placard or license plate designation that allows a person with a disability to park in designated accessible spaces. The permit is issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue and is recognized at parking spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility — the blue and white wheelchair symbol.
The permit grants the holder or a vehicle displaying it the right to use accessible parking spaces that would otherwise be reserved. This includes spaces at public facilities, retail locations, medical offices, and government buildings. The permit is not a general discount or benefit program; it is specifically for parking access.
Kansas offers both temporary and permanent permits depending on the nature and expected duration of the disability. A temporary permit is typically valid for up to six months, while a permanent permit does not expire and must be renewed only if lost, stolen, or if the vehicle registration changes.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas issues both temporary permits (up to six months) and permanent permits (no expiration) through the Department of Revenue.
- You must have a medical professional certify that you have a mobility disability, visual impairment, or other may have access to condition before you can request a permit.
- Applications are submitted to your county treasurer's office, not directly to the state, and require the completed application form plus the physician's certification.
- Permits come as either a placard (hung from the rearview mirror) or a license plate designation, and you choose which form works best for your vehicle.
- Using a permit that does not belong to you, or parking in an accessible space without a valid permit, can result in fines and towing in Kansas.
Who Qualifies for a Disability Assistance Permit
Kansas law allows permits for people who have a permanent or temporary mobility disability, a severe visual impairment, or certain other conditions that substantially limit the ability to walk or use public transportation. The specific conditions include people who use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or other mobility device; people with severe arthritis or joint disease affecting the lower extremities; people who are blind or have severe vision loss; and people with cardiac or pulmonary disease that limits walking ability.
A physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must certify that you meet one of these conditions. The medical professional does not need to be a specialist — your primary care doctor can complete the certification if they are familiar with your condition. The certification must be current; Kansas does not specify an exact age limit for the medical statement, but the certifying professional must believe the condition will persist for at least six months.
If your condition is expected to improve or resolve within six months, you will receive a temporary permit instead of a permanent one. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, your doctor or the county treasurer's office can help you determine whether you meet the criteria.
How to Request a Permit Through Your County Treasurer
Applications for a Disability Assistance Permit are handled by your county treasurer's office, not by the state directly. You will need to visit the treasurer's office in person or contact them to learn whether they accept mail-in applications — policies vary by county.
To apply, you will need to complete the Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit form (available from your county treasurer or the Kansas Department of Revenue website) and provide a medical certification signed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The medical professional must state that you have a may have access to condition and that the condition is expected to last at least six months.
Bring or mail the completed application and medical certification to your county treasurer's office. Include your current vehicle registration or proof of vehicle ownership. There is no fee for a Kansas Disability Assistance Permit. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, though this varies by county workload.
Placard Versus License Plate Designation
Kansas allows you to receive your permit in one of two forms: a placard that hangs from your rearview mirror, or a license plate designation that replaces or supplements your standard license plate. Each has practical advantages depending on your situation.
A placard is portable — you can move it between vehicles if you drive different cars or if someone else drives you. Placards are also easier to display and remove quickly. However, placards can be lost, stolen, or forgotten at home. A license plate designation is permanent on that vehicle and cannot be forgotten, but it is specific to one vehicle and cannot be transferred if you buy a different car.
Most people choose the placard if they are driven by multiple people or use different vehicles. People who drive the same vehicle consistently often prefer the license plate designation. You can request either form when you apply, and you can change your choice later by contacting your county treasurer.
How Long Your Permit Remains Valid
A permanent permit does not expire and remains valid for as long as you own the vehicle (if you chose a license plate) or indefinitely (if you chose a placard). You do not need to renew a permanent permit unless it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
A temporary permit is valid for the period specified by your physician — typically three to six months. When a temporary permit is about to expire, you can request a renewal by submitting a new medical certification to your county treasurer. If your condition has improved and no longer qualifies, the renewal will be denied.
If your vehicle registration changes or you switch to a different vehicle, you must notify your county treasurer. For a placard, this is usually a simple matter of updating your records. For a license plate designation, you will need to request a new plate for the new vehicle.
Rules for Using Your Permit and Parking Violations
A Disability Assistance Permit allows you to park in any accessible parking space designated for people with disabilities. You may also be permitted to park in certain other restricted spaces depending on local ordinances, but the primary benefit is access to accessible spaces.
The permit is valid only when the person with the disability is in the vehicle or is being dropped off or picked up. Parking in an accessible space with a permit that belongs to someone else, or using an expired or fraudulent permit, is illegal in Kansas. Violations can result in fines ranging from $50 to $250 and the vehicle may be towed.
If your permit is lost or stolen, report it to your county treasurer immediately and request a replacement. If you no longer need the permit — for example, if your condition has resolved — return it to your county treasurer or destroy it.
What to Do If Your Permit Application Is Denied
If your county treasurer denies your application, it is usually because the medical certification does not meet Kansas requirements or the condition does not match the state's definition of a may have access to disability. The treasurer's office should provide a reason for the denial in writing.
If you believe the denial was made in error, you can request that your physician provide additional documentation or clarification of your condition. You can then resubmit your application with the updated medical certification. If you disagree with the denial, you may contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for guidance on the state's criteria.
Some people are denied because their condition does not yet meet the six-month threshold — for example, if they are recovering from surgery and expected to regain mobility within a few months. In these cases, you can reapply once it becomes clear that the condition will persist longer than six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my permit if they drive me?
Yes, if you have a placard. The permit is valid when the person with the disability is in the vehicle, regardless of who is driving. If you have a license plate designation, the permit is tied to that vehicle, so anyone driving that vehicle with you inside can use the accessible space.
What if I move to a different county in Kansas?
Your permit remains valid throughout Kansas. You do not need to reapply or transfer it to a new county. However, if you move and your vehicle registration changes, notify your new county treasurer to update your records.
Can I get a temporary permit while I wait for a permanent one?
No. Your county treasurer will issue either a temporary or permanent permit based on your medical certification. If your doctor states the condition will last six months or longer, you receive a permanent permit. If the condition is expected to resolve sooner, you receive a temporary one.
What happens if my disability improves and I no longer need the permit?
You should return the permit to your county treasurer or destroy it. Continuing to use a permit after your condition no longer qualifies is considered misuse and can result in fines.
Is there a cost to get a Disability Assistance Permit in Kansas?
No. Kansas does not charge a fee for Disability Assistance Permits, whether temporary or permanent. The only cost is the medical certification from your physician, which is billed as a regular office visit.