In Washington DC, drivers certified by licensed health personnel to have impaired mobility or a condition which substantially interferes with mobility may qualify for "Disabled" status.

You are also considered a disabled driver if you have:

• Lost the use of one or both legs.
• Are severely disabled and unable to walk without the aid of a mechanical device.
• A serious respiratory disease or ailment. Have a physical disability that is long-term and substantially impairs your mobility.
• Documented problems with vision, including partial-sightedness or low vision.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disability Tag or Disability Placard or Parking Permit. These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons, whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. Misuse or abuse of these privileges is a misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 180 days, or suspension of your disability parking privileges.

Other facilities available for disabled drivers include:

• Free parking at metered parking spaces for persons with disability tags or placards.
• Parking for double the posted time in time-restricted parking spaces for persons with disability tags or placards.
• Ability to take a leashed service animal along to the DMV.
• Alternative methods to complete the written Drivers License Examination.
• TTY for Speech and Hearing Impaired.
• Free Interpreter services for persons with hearing disabilities at the DMV office.
• Specially designated counters for Disabled Persons at the DMV office.

Visit the section on Washington DC DMV's Disability Information for details.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

You are considered to have disabled status when you acquire a disability placard or tag. The procedure to acquire these is explained below.

Duration of status

Disability license tags are available only to those who are permanently disabled. They are valid for one to two years depending on the date of your vehicle's registration.

Disability placards may be issued to those with permanent or temporary disabilities:

• Long term Placards for the permanently disabled are valid for 5 years to coincide with the expiration of your driver license or identification card.
• Temporary placards are valid for up to 5 years. One-week permits are valid for a week.

How to apply for disability tags placards

Disability tags are issued only to DC residents. To obtain disability tags:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disability Parking Placards or Tags.
2. Have a licensed physician complete and sign the Medical and Physical Information portion of the form.
3. You can fax the completed form to (202) 673-9908, submit it in person at the nearest DMV office, or mail it to the following address:

DC DMV

Medical Review Services
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090    

To obtain a disability placard or permit:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disability Parking Placards or Tags.
2. Have a licensed physician complete and sign the Medical and Physical Information portion of the form.
3. You can fax the completed form to (202) 673-9908, submit it in person at the nearest DMV office, or mail it to the following address:

DC DMV

Medical Review Services
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090    

To obtain a one-week disability permit:

1. Download and complete the One Week Disability Parking Permit Application.
2. You can fax the completed form to (202) 673-9908, submit it in person at the nearest DMV office, or mail it to the following address:

DC DMV

Medical Review Services
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090    

EXEMPTIONS

You do not need a doctor's certificate, if:

• You have lost (or lost the use of) of lower extremities, or are unable to walk without the aid of a motorized wheelchair and you appear at a local DMV office in person.
• You are applying for a one-week disability permit.

FEE

There is no fee for disability tags, placards, or permits. However, if you already own pleasure tags, and are obtaining disability tags, there is a $10 transfer fee.

RENEWAL

Renewing disability tags:

1. DMV will mail you a notice 60 days prior to the expiry of your disability tag.
2. Complete the Application for Disability Parking Placards or Tags.
3. Follow the normal process for renewing your registration.
4. The renewal process may be carried out by mail or by going to your nearest DMV office. Renewing disability placards:
5. Temporary or long-term placards may be renewed within 60 days of their date of expiry.
6. Complete the Application for Disability Parking Placards or Tags.
7. Mail the completed application to the address in the form, or fax it to (202) 673-9908.You can even submit the form in person or have it submitted on your behalf at the nearest DMV office.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated tags visit the nearest DMV office with the following documents:

1. Vehicle Registration Card.
2. forms of ID.
3. Existing Vehicle Tags.
4. citizen complaint number.
5. $10 tag replacement fee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Washington DC DMV offices.