The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for the issuance of Washington DC disability placards to eligible motorists. These credentials allow motorists to park in spaces that are authorized for disabled residents, among other privileges. Overall, a disability parking permit must be displayed around the rearview mirror of the motor vehicle in question when it is parked. Otherwise, it must be removed.

The procedure for requesting a handicap placard in DC can only be finalized by residents who meet the set eligibility requirements and are able to submit the relevant documentation via one of the available application methods. Disabled motorists also have the option to conduct renewal or replacement procedures through the state DMV if and when deemed necessary.

If you wish to learn more about the issuance of a DMV handicap parking permit in DC, continue reading below.

Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Washington DC

The DMV has established specific DC disability placard requirements to residents who wish to apply for such permits within the state. Therefore, if you would like to know how to qualify for handicapped parking permits, note that you must have specific physical conditions or disabilities that can be certified by a licensed medical professional.

In general, you may choose between several types of disability placards or permits, such as one-week permits, temporary placards and long-term credentials, depending on the type and duration of your physical condition or disability. For instance, a one-week disabled person parking placard in Washington DC is issued for short-term conditions. Moreover, temporary placards are valid for physical conditions impairing your mobility that are not expected to last more than eight years.

Furthermore, long-term handicap placards apply to residents with long-term disabilities, and are valid for up to eight years. This eight-year period coincides with the validity period of other state-issued credentials in DC, such as driving licenses and ID cards. In order to meet the disability placard requirements, you will need to furnish specific documents to the state DMV, including the relevant application form for each permit with a physician’s certification.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Washington DC

The Department of Motor Vehicles offers several Washington DC disabled placard application methods, such as online, by mail, via fax and in person. Each of these methods for obtaining a new handicap placard will require motorists to fill out the corresponding application form and submit it to the DMV in due time. Residents requesting a one-week permit will need to complete the proper application form for these short-term credentials.

On the other hand, if submitting a DC application for disability placards due to a temporary or long-term disability, be prepared to fill out another type of application document. While individuals with a temporary or long-term disability may need to present a physician’s certification for their condition, such verification will not be required for one-week permits.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Washington DC Online

Submitting an online application for disability placards in Washington DC is the most convenient method for finalizing this process through the DMV. The online procedure for handicap placards will first require you to locate the online application on the official DMV website and provide the required information. In order to obtain a DC DMV handicap parking permit via the internet, be prepared to enter the following details:

While completing your disability placard application procedure, be mindful that you will not be able to certify certain types of disabilities, such as needing to use a wheelchair. Thus, your application must include a physician’s certification regarding your disability.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Washington DC by Mail

Sending your Washington DC disabled placard application package via mail is another available method offered by the DMV. Before requesting a new disabled parking permit via mail, make sure that you have completed the relevant application form and have included the necessary details in all the required fields.

You can then mail your application to the address listed on the form. Moreover, the DMV allows you to fax your application package to a specified number.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Washington DC in Person

Another method for obtaining a new DC disability parking permit is to personally visit a nearby DC DMV service center in order to submit your application package. Disabled drivers who are not able to go to a local office and apply for a disability placard may send someone else in their place.

In addition to the relevant application form, applicants will need to provide a copy of their driver’s licenses or identification cards. In-person requests for disabled person placards will not require a physician’s certification if the applicant has a missing lower extremity or moves with the aid of a motorized wheelchair. Such disabilities can be self-certified in person.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Washington DC

Applying for a handicap placard renewal in Washington DC will be necessary for disabled individuals with a permit that is expired or about to expire. While one-week placards and permits cannot be renewed within one year, temporary and long-term permits can be renewed within 60 days of their expiration dates. As such, applicants wondering how to renew a disability parking permit can finalize this transaction online, by mail or via fax, as well as in person.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Washington DC Online

In order to request a disabled parking permit renewal online, you will need to locate the application form on the official DMV website. The steps for a handicap placard renewal in DC via the internet are the same as those for new placards.

Your application will need to include your name and date of birth, a valid driving license or ID card number and an email address. Finally, you will need to submit the relevant application form based on the type of placard you are renewing.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Washington DC by Mail

In order to renew a temporary or long-term DMV handicap parking permit through the mail, you must complete an application form and submit it to the address provided on the document. Make sure that the provided details are correct and accurate. Moreover, be mindful that you may finalize your handicap placard renewal in Washington DC by fax.

How to Renew Disability Placards in Washington DC in Person

If you are wondering how to renew a disability parking permit in person, you will need to provide a completed application form to a local DMV service center. If another resident applies for a DC disability parking permit renewal on your behalf, he or she will be required to present a copy of your identification card or license to drive, as well as an authorization letter signed by you.

How to Replace Disability Placards in Washington DC

Initiating a procedure to obtain a Washington DC disability placard replacement may be necessary if you are currently dealing with a lost, stolen or damaged permit. If you are wondering how to replace a handicap placard, be mindful that you will need to provide the DMV with specific application forms and additional supporting documents.

Washington DC Disability Placard Fees

Motorists may wonder, “How much is a disability placard in DC?” However, as a general rule, eligible applicants will not be subject to any costs when obtaining these credentials, as the DMV issues these placards and permits free of charge. Despite the fact that disabled drivers will not be required to pay for any handicap placard fees, specific costs may apply to those who request disability license plates.

Overall, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles does not currently charge additional prices for disability tags. However, applicants will need to provide payment for the regular annual registration fee for disability plates.

Last updated on Thursday, March 7 2019.