07/16/2026
Sharing from an Indiana BMV newsletter:
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is pleased to announce that parents and caregivers of children or adults with specific, diagnosed levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are now eligible to receive a disability parking placard. We recognize that assisting individuals with autism in busy parking lots can be difficult and potentially unsafe. Having access to disability parking will help families and caregivers park closer to building entrances, reducing risk and making outings safer and more manageable.
Eligibility
Parents or caregivers may apply for a disability placard on behalf of an individual diagnosed with:
Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder (“requiring substantial support”), or
Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (“requiring very substantial support”).
Applying for the Disability Placard
Parents or caregivers will need to complete an Application for Disability License Plate or Parking Placard (State Form 42070).
https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=5031
Section 1 should be completed using the individual living with autism's information. Section 2 should be completed with the caregiver's information.
Who Can Sign State Form 42070?
Section 4, The professional certification section of Indiana’s disability placard application (State Form 42070), may be completed by:
A physician with a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of the armed forces of the United States or the United States Public Health Service.
A physician who is a medical officer of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
A chiropractor with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-10-1. A podiatrist with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-29-1.
An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-23.
A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-27.5.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist with a valid and unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana.
Next Steps for the Parent or Guardian
The applicant must sign all required areas of the application.
Since the applicant is a minor or an adult who cannot sign, a parent may sign on their behalf—no power of attorney is needed.
If someone else is signing for a disabled applicant, they must provide:
Documentation granting signing authority (such as power of attorney or guardianship papers),
Their position of authority printed next to the signature (e.g., “parent/guardian” or “POA”), and
A state issued driver’s license or identification card.
Questions or Concerns
Any questions or concerns can be emailed to the BMV Registrations department. [email protected]
