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Information for Disabled Drivers in West Virginia

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

In West Virginia, 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.

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. Misuse or abuse of these privileges is a misdemeanor; offenders can get a fine of up to $500. This fine is applicable to people who misuse the parking space reserved for the disabled.

Other facilities available for disabled drivers include driving aids like hand controls for physically challenged people. For more information, contact:

West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

Driver Education Department
P O Box 1004
Institute, WV 25112    
Or    
West Virginia Workers Compensation Fund
Rehabilitation Service Department
700 MacCorkle Avenue, SE
Charleston, WV 25304

Visit the section on [http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=http://www.transportation.wv.gov/dmv/Forms/DMVForms/Driver's%20License%20Application%20(DMV-ds23p).pdf application form] for details.

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 for the permanently disabled are valid for 5 years.
  • License plates expire each or every other year.
  • Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months or the date noted by your physician whichever is earlier.

How to apply for DP license plates or a DP placard

To obtain DP license plates:
  1. Download and complete the Parking Application for Mobility Impaired Persons.
  2. Have a licensed physician sign the Doctor's Certification of Disability portion of the form.
  3. Provide the current registration card in your name, or documents that prove the vehicle is registered in your name; as well as any registration fees due on the vehicle.
  4. Surrender the current license plates of the vehicle.
  5. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the address on the form.
To obtain a DP placard:
  1. Download and complete the Parking Application for Mobility Impaired Persons.
  2. Have a licensed physician sign the Doctor's Certification of Disability portion of the form.
  3. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the address on the form.
Alternatively, to obtain either the plates or the placard, you can make an appointment and take the form to a local DMV office. You will receive your placard (or plates) within approximately two weeks. Along with your new plates, you will receive a self-certification form verifying your eligibility for the plates, which you must carry with you when in the vehicle, and present upon request by law enforcement officers or other authorized persons.

FEE

A permanent DP placard, or a travel DP placard is free. There is fee of $5 for replacement.

RENEWAL

Once the 5 year validity of Permanent Mobility Impaired placards is over,
  1. The DMV will automatically mail you a new placard and ID card to the address on record.
  2. If your address has changed, download and fill out the Change of Address Form and mail it to the address on the form.
  3. License plates expire each or every other year.
  4. Holders of permanent placards do not require recertification by a doctor.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates, you can contact the local DMV office or send the Parking Application for Mobility Impaired Persons by mail. The fee for replacement is $5. Recertification is not needed for replacement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION