Information for Disabled Drivers in Washington

In Washington, 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

• Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping or if you need the support of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair or another person.
• Restricted walking due to arthritis, neurological or orthopedic conditions.
• Suffer from lung disease or use portable oxygen.
• A cardiac condition classified by the American Heart Association as Class III or Class IV.
• Limited mobility because you are legally blind.
• Limited mobility due to acute sensitivity to auto emissions.
• A form of porphyria because of which you have an acute sensitivity to light. Porphyria is a metabolic disorder which causes burning, swelling and blistering of the skin on exposure to light.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disabled Person (DP) placard or DP license plates. These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons, whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. Knowingly providing false or misleading information is a misdemeanor and will have a penalty of $1000 and one year in jail or both. Misuse of the disabled placard or plate is a traffic infraction with penalty.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

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

Duration of status

DP license plates are available only to those who are permanently disabled.

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

• Placards, plates and tabs for the permanently disabled are valid for 5 years.
• Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months. If you need it for more than 6 months, you have to make a new application because cannot renew the temporary placards.

How to apply for DP license plates or a DP placard

To obtain DP license plates:

1. Download and complete the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals.
2. Have a licensed physician, surgeon, physician's assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, chiropractor, podiatrist complete the physicians section.
3. The applicant has to be the registered owner of the vehicle for which the placards, tabs or plates are issued.
4. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the address below:

   Individuals with Disabilities
   Department of Licensing
   PO Box 9043
   Olympia WA 98507-9043    

Alternatively, to obtain either the plates or the placard, you can take the form to a local DOL office. You will receive your placard (or plates) within approximately two to three weeks. The DMV will mail you the ID cards two to four weeks after the application is processed. Keep this ID card with you at all times to show it to the law enforcement officers on demand.

FEE

Fees for Washington disabled placards, plates or tabs are as follows-

Parking placards (up to 2) - no fee.
One disabled parking tab - no fee.    

One parking placard and one disabled parking tab - no fee. One parking placard and one set of plates - a fee will be charged.

One set of plates - a fee will be charged.    

RENEWAL

All plates and permanent placards have to be renewed every five years. The DOL will mail you the renewal notice. If your address has changed, update your the information online. [http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/vsdChangeAddress/(xushj055tjzhwm45gmsbe555)/AddressManager.aspx ]

REPLACEMENT

You can replace a lost, mutilated or damaged placard at any local DOL office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Washington DOL offices.