Nebraska Medical Professionals Can Now Submit Handicap Parking Permit Requests Online

New online system alleviates cumbersome paper process, plus reduces backlog and fraud

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has revolutionized the process of issuing handicap parking permits to citizens. A pilot program giving Nebraska Medical Professionals the ability to electronically submit approved requests for Handicap Parking Permits through a new online system was launched in July, and the program is now available statewide.

The new process removes the statutorily prescribed barriers that often required individuals to make four trips to various offices before a permit could be issued by the DMV. The online system allows medical professionals who possess a state-issued medical license and DEA credentials to log in and submit applications to the DMV. The new system removes the complicated application process, decreases fraud, and reduces two weeks from the time it takes to apply for the permit to when the DMV mails the permit out to the citizen.

"This is a project that was initiated by the Department of Motor Vehicles as another opportunity to streamline services for our customers," said Governor Dave Heineman. "It's another great example of how Nebraska's e-government efforts better serve the needs of the public."

The Nebraska DMV was looking for a creative solution to accomplish three things:

1. Eliminate the burden on the patient to carry around the paper application to the different parties involved.

2. Eliminate the backlog the DMV faces issuing approximately 40,000 new and duplicate permits annually.

3. Reduce the potential for fraudulent permit applications.

"Using technology to streamline an unwieldy process is a win-win-win," said Beverly Neth, Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Director. "Individuals with limited mobility get to make one stop at their physician's office, medical professionals get to utilize a government application to assist their patients and update their patient files with an electronic copy of the application, and the DMV gets to drastically reduce the application processing time and reduce costs associated with the program."

The DMV worked with the Lincoln Orthopaedic Center during the pilot phase of the project. Lincoln Orthopaedic was provided access to the online site to process its patients who needed Handicap Parking Permits. "I think it's wonderful! It's very quick and easy to use. I have no complaints," said Tracy Petracek, LPN the Assistant Director of Nursing at Lincoln Orthopaedic Center.

For medical professionals, no registration, costs, or fees are needed to begin. A link to the permit system is provided on the ClickDMV website under Vehicle Services. A self-paced online demonstration and reference guide are available on the welcome page to review how the online process works.

Once an application is submitted, the DMV accesses a web-based interface on to review and accept the approved applications. The system inserts the records into the state database directly, eliminating time-consuming data entry. The permit is then automatically printed and only requires office personnel to pick it up off the printer and mail the parking permit to the citizen. All applications are stored in the electronic system, thereby eliminating paper copies and filing. The DMV does have the ability to process applications through this new system for those that still use the paper process.

Other online DMV services:
• License Plate Renewal
• Driver License Renewal/Duplicates
• Specialty License Plates
• One-Time Driver Record Search

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