Your credential can show more than driving privileges, such as an organ donor heart or a military indicator. Your license also matters on the water, and the BMV issues disability parking placards.
Know the rule
If you choose to be an organ donor, a small heart is printed on the front of your credential.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
Under Indiana's Donor Choice Law, people 18 and older may declare themselves donors, and family can't override that at death. A minor needs a parent's or guardian's permission, and that adult must consent at the minor's death.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Military indicators on a credential:
- Active duty: show your current Common Access Card (CAC) at a branch during new issuance or renewal
- Veteran (not dishonorably discharged): provide a DD 214 verifying your discharge
- Surviving spouse of a veteran: discharge/separation proof, marriage certificate, and death certificate
Operating a watercraft with a larger engine than this requires a valid driver's license
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
If you're 15 or older without a driver's license, you may operate such a watercraft only after completing a DNR-approved boater education course, and you must carry a valid Indiana ID card.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
If you're under 15, you may not operate a watercraft of more than 10 horsepower. If your driver's license is suspended, you may not operate a watercraft at all.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Operating a watercraft recklessly or while intoxicated, or breaking watercraft laws, can put points on your driver record.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
On Indiana boundary waters, Indiana residents must carry an Indiana driver's license. Out-of-state residents need one only in an Indiana embayment, river, or stream.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
Placards are available for a permanent or temporary disability, for anyone eligible for a Disabled Hoosier Veteran (DHV) plate, and for companies serving persons with physical disabilities.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Know the rule
A health care provider (such as a physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, APRN, PA, optometrist, or ophthalmologist) completes State Form 42070. DHV-eligible applicants need no provider certification.
Handbook p. 23 ↗When a parking placard expires
| Placard | Expires |
|---|---|
| Permanent disability | Only if no longer certified as permanent or DHV |
| Temporary disability | Provider's date or 1 year after issue, whichever first |
| Company | 5th January 1 after issue, or when programs end |
Know the rule
Using an expired placard could result in a fine. Parking in the diagonally striped space next to a reserved space is prohibited at all times, even with a valid placard.
Handbook p. 23 ↗Put it into practice
You're 14 and your family's boat has a 90-horsepower engine. You may not drive it, because anyone under 15 can't operate a watercraft over 10 horsepower. At 15 you could, after a DNR-approved boater course and while carrying your Indiana ID card.