What Should I Know About Disabled Parking in WA?

The state of Washington offers disabled parking to person’s who are unable to walk more than 200 feet unassisted. This is a broad category of folks, including people with physical disabilities such as an amputation or a wheelchair, or those with serious health conditions like class III and IV cardiac conditions and COPD.

While most people who are eligible for disabled parking permits have chosen to acquire them, there are still a startling number of Washington state residents who have not filed for their disabled parking permits. Before we continue, let’s review the types of conditions that qualify for a disabled parking permit.

  • Risk of or history of heart attack, stroke or other major cardiac illness
  • Reliance on an assistive device, such as a wheelchair, walker or cane
  • Use of a prosthesis or brace
  • Full or partial paralysis or amputation
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other severe respiratory distress
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen
  • Legal blindness
  • Neurological conditions causing seizures or sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone

This is not a complete list, but a guideline for you to use when considering if you or a loved one may be eligible. Ultimately, eligibility is determined by a doctor as a part of the filing process.

If you or a loved one is eligible but has not yet filed for a disabled parking permit, it is essential that you do so for your health and safety. Disabled parking permits are available by obtaining a physician signed certificate and filing it with the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles.

Why do I Need Disabled Parking?

Lots of eligible people believe they can do without a disabled parking permit. Since they have always gone without one before, they believe that there is no sense changing now, since they are able to walk. It is important to remember, particularly as we age, that the risk of falling is serious, and can lead to life threatening injuries!

Every year, more than 800,000 Americans are hospitalized due to a fall. The first and most important goal of the Washington disabled parking permit program is the safety and comfort of all residents. If you qualify for the disabled parking permit program, it means you are a fall risk, plain and simple. You owe it to yourself, your family and your community to stay safe and healthy, particularly in icy, wet or poorly lit conditions.

Another common objection comes from the eligible non-drivers of Washington. Even if you do not drive yourself, you are still eligible for the disabled parking permit program! That means, when you travel with your friends or family, you can make use of the disabled parking permit program in their car. Most likely, your family is accustomed to taking you right to the door when you go out and about, but a disabled parking permit could help make sure you are safe and well cared for wherever you go.

The bottom line is, if you are eligible for the program, you need a disabled parking permit. Handicapped parking is not special treatment, merely the treatment you are entitled to from a community that wants you safe.



How Can I Help Others?

Now that you know the importance of those blue and whate parking spaces in your community, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

While most people would never abuse a disabled parking space, there are some who would park illegally for no reason other than their own convenience. This is not just rude, this is dangerous!

Many disabled people rely on the availability of those spaces to protect their well being. Accessibility for the disabled is a point of pride for the great state of Washington, and seeing that ruined by illegal parking is downright criminal.

If you witness a parking violation, be sure to report it to your local law enforcement. When you make your report, include the time, place and license plate of the offending vehicle. Reporting illegal parking is not just about punishing the driver, but about preserving the access many people need to get to grocery stores, banks, shopping malls, or wherever they need to be.

By reporting a parking violation, you are doing a great service to your community.

While illegal parking should never be tolerated, be careful about falsely accusing! If you see someone display a disabled parking permit placard, they are most likely not parking illegally. Remember that not all disabled people look disabled to you.

Not only that, but if a family member is picking up a disabled person from a building, they are allowed to use that person’s disabled parking permit, since it is for the comfort of the permit holder.

The safest course is not to assume wrong doing if you see a disabled parking permit placard on display.

Disabled Parking Rules

Lets go over the rules of the disabled parking permit program.

Always display your disabled parking permit placard while parked in a disabled parking space. Failure to do so could result in a fine. Popular locations for your disabled parking permit placard are on the dashboard or hanging from the rearview mirror. Be aware, however, that your disabled parking permit placard must not be hung from the rearview mirror while the car is in motion! This is an obstruction of view and could land you with a ticket.

Because it is difficult for some disabled parking permit holders to remember to display their disabled parking permit placard, disabled parking permit tabs and disabled parking permit license plates are both available for purchase from the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles. Parking tabs are $13.75 and license plates are $32.75. This does not include the cost of license plate renewal.

Your disabled parking permit is valid in all fifty states, so feel free to take the show on the road. Likewise, remember to be welcoming of visitors from other states.

If you are eligible for a disabled parking permit under Washington guidelines, don’t hesitate. Talk to your doctor about disabled parking permits.

What do I Need to Know About Disabled Parking in Washington?

The state of Washington issues disabled parking permits to residents who have difficulty walking more than 200 feet. These disabled parking permits grant the right to park in the spaces reserved for disabled people, the handicapped spaces marked by the familiar blue and white wheelchair symbol. This handicapped parking spaces are closer to the door, and have added space alongside them for van loading and unloading.

These spaces are available in all fifty states, in every community across America. The disabled parking permit program aims to keep disabled persons safe and comfortable in their daily lives. If you believe you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit but are unsure how to proceed, look no farther.

How do I Qualify for Disabled Parking in Washington?

Because every individual has different needs, there is no hard and fast list of conditions that qualify a person for the disabled parking program. There are however a set of guidelines used by Washington medical providers in conjunction with the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles. Below are some of the most common causes for a patient to be considered eligible.

  • Risk of or history of heart attack, stroke or other major cardiac illness
  • Reliance on an assistive device, such as a wheelchair, walker or cane
  • Use of a prosthesis or brace
  • Full or partial paralysis or amputation
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other severe respiratory distress
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen
  • Legal blindness
  • Neurological conditions causing seizures or sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone

While this list is not exhaustive, it should give you a better idea of your eligibility into the disabled parking permit program. Of course, the best judge of that is your primary care physician.

Of course, if you are recovering from an injury such as a broken leg, you may meet the requirements for a temporary placard instead. Temporary placards are issued to persons who experience a severe injury that lasts more than three weeks but is no permanent. These temporary placards last six months. If after six months you still need a disabled parking permit, you will need to be reassessed by a physician and start a new application.

Once again, there is no exhaustive list of conditions or injuries that might qualify you for a temporary disabled parking permit, but here are some examples.

  • Broken limb or other severe injury to one limb
  • Eye injury affecting vision or balance
  • Recovery time from a recent surgery
  • Pregnancy in which an OBGYN has ordered bed rest
  • Walking pneumonia or other severe respiratory infection
  • Herniated disc or other severe back injury

Ultimately, eligibility is determined by your and your doctor. If you feel you have a legitimate need, talk to your doctor about what you feel and experience to determine if you may be eligible for a temporary disabled parking permit.

In order to file with the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles, you will need to obtain a physician signed certificate. This certificate is a legal document that describes your disability, how it relates to ambulation, and ultimately determines your eligibility to the disabled parking permit program.

This certificate can be signed by your primary care doctor, or other members of their team. If you receive treatment from a specialist in relation to your disability or chronic condition, they can also sign for you.

If you are looking for a way to fast track your application, you might be better off with a virtual visit. Virtual visits can be scheduled nearly any time from the comfort of your desk. With access to hundreds of qualified Washington providers at the touch of a button, many people find the virtual visit to be the best option for their physician signed certificate.

What ever you choose, you will need a physician signed certificate to move farther with your application.

How Do I File for Disabled Parking?

Your last step in acquiring your disabled parking permit is to file with the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles. Form TD-420-073, along with a doctor’s signature, will grant you access to the disabled parking permit program. Depending on your needs, you will be issued either a temporary placard or a permanent placard. These placards are provided free of charge to Washington residents.

If you wish, you have the option to purchase either a disabled parking permit license plate or a disbaled parking permit tab (sticker). If desired, the license plate will cost $32.75 in addition to the cost of license plate renewal. A disabled parking permit sticky tab will cost $13.75.

The disabled parking permit tabs and disabled parking permit license plates, while optional, have the added benefit of being always on display. That way, you cannot possibly forget them when you park. For some, the peace of mind knowing they will never get a ticket for failing to display their disabled parking permit placard is enough to justify the cost. Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours.

What are the Rules of Disabled Parking in WA?

Now that you are armed with knowledge and ready to file for your disabled parking permit, make sure you know the rules of disabled parking.

  1. Always display your disabled parking permit placard while parked in a handicapped space. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
  2. Do not leave your disabled parking permit placard hanging from your rearview mirror while driving. This is an obstruction of view and could be dangerous and costly when local law enforcement serve you a ticket for obstruction of view!
  3. Make sure to renew your placard right away. If you do not renew your placard within 31 days of expiration, you may have to start a new application, complete with a new physician signed certificate!
  4. Remember that your placard is valid in all fifty states, so feel free to take your placard on the family road trip.

Remember that your disabled parking permit is intended to keep you safe and comfortable in your community. If you believe you may be eligible, do not hesitate to contact a doctor about your disabled parking permit eligibility.

How do I File For Disabled Parking In Washington?

Disabled parking in the Evergreen state begins with determining your eligibility. Washington residents with conditions that hinder their ability to walk may qualify for a disabled parking permit. These disabled parking permits are issued on either a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the needs of the applicant. Temporary placards last for six months.

These disabled parking permit placards allow you to park in the handicapped reserved spaces all around town, getting you closer to the door and granting you extra room to load and unload your vehicle.

Everywhere you go from banks, grocery stores and shopping malls have disabled parking spaces available for you to use. This is just one more way Washington state looks out for the wellbeing of its residents. If you struggle to walk more than 200 feet without assistance, you may qualify for the disabled parking permit program under Washington guidelines.

How Do I Qualify For Washington Disabled Parking?

Disabled parking permit placards grant the user the right to park in the handicapped spaces found in most parking lots across the state of Washington and the greater United States. These spaces are typically closer to the door and have an isle of space next to them for loading and unloading from vans.

It is only natural, then, that disabled parking permits be issued to people who experience difficulty walking more than 200 feet or who rely on ambulatory assistive devices such as a wheelchair or walker. Of course, there are lots of possible injuries, illnesses, conditions, and disabilities that could inhibit your ability to walk. According to the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles, here are some of the main reasons you might qualify for a disabled parking permit in the state of Washington.

  • Risk of or history of heart attack, stroke or other major cardiac illness
  • Reliance on an assistive device, such as a wheelchair, walker or cane
  • Use of a prosthesis or brace
  • Full or partial paralysis or amputation
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other severe respiratory distress
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen
  • Legal blindness
  • Neurological conditions causing seizures or sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone

This is not a complete list, and no such list exists. If you believe you may qualify for the disabled parking permit program, you should talk to your doctor to determine your eligibility.

If you have a temporary but severe injury, such as a broken leg or a back injury that prevents you from walking easily and without pain, you may qualify for a temporary disabled parking permit placard.

Who Can Sign a Physician Signed Certificate?

Once you have determined that you are eligible for either the permanent placard or the temporary placard, your next step is to talk to your doctor and obtain a physician signed certificate.

Your physician signed certificate, the paperwork you need to prove your eligibility for the disabled parking permit program, is available from more than just your doctor. Alongside your primary care physician, there are many competent caregivers who work closely together as a part of a healthcare team. Many of them, such as nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants can also sign your documents.

Those of you who see specialists in relation to your disability can also have your paperwork signed by your specialist. That could be anyone from a physical therapist to an optometrist, depending on your condition. If they see you for it, they can verify it.

If you are unsure who to see, the easiest choice is a virtual visit. Virtual visits put you in touch with the best caregivers in the state of Washington right from your home. They are ideal if you know exactly what you need, such as your disabled parking permit eligibility exam.

How Do I File My Washington Paperwork?

Once you have gotten your physician signed certificate from a Washington state medical professional, you are ready to file with the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles. Filing can be done by mail or in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office. For both temporary and permanent placards, you must file your physician signed certificate along with form TD-420-073.

Once you have filed, you will be presented with a disabled parking permit placard. Temporary placards last six months, after which you will need to apply again with a new physician signed certificate if you still need disabled parking. Permanent placards expire every four years and can be renewed by mail. Placards are provided free of charge by the state of Washington and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you qualify for the permanent disabled parking permit placard, you may opt to purchase a disabled parking permit license plate. This will cost $32.75 in addition to normal license plate renewal fees.

You may also opt to purchase disabled parking tabs for $13.75. These are stickers you place on your license plate which show your disabled parking permit status and the date of expiration.

The advantage of the disabled parking permit license plate and tabs over the placard is that they are always displayed, and there is no risk of forgetting to display them. They are, of course, optional.

Remember that failure to display your disabled parking permit placard could come with a fine or cause you to lose your disabled parking permit. Be sure to always display your disabled parking permit while parked.

Be aware that while it may seem convenient to leave your disabled parking permit placard hanging from your rearview mirror at all times, this is an obstruction of view and could land you with a ticket. Remember, safety first.

If you are eligible for the disabled parking permit program but are not using it, you are putting yourself at increased risk for falls every time your park. The state of Washington and the Department of Motor Vehicles want you to be safe and happy. If you believe you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit, talk to your doctor about your eligibility.

Where You Need to Receive Your Disabled Parking Permit in Washington

As a disabled person, you need to reap all of the benefits available to you through your state. Checking each state’s rules and regulations regarding a handicap parking permit can be time consuming. Refer to your state’s licensing websites for questions, eligibility, and laws.

Washington State has similar guidelines for you to follow under the United States law for disabled persons. You should do some research to see if you qualify for your state programs for parking in accessible spaces and what you need to apply. Allow this directory to assist you on your application, procedures and qualifications for your parking permits.

How Do You Find the Washington Department of Licensing Offices?

Washington State may not be the largest state but does offer you easy access to its DOL offices. If you are visiting in person you should go to a location nearest you. Fortunately, there are Vehicle Licensing Offices to service you in every county.

  • Clallam
  • Jefferson
  • Grays Harbor
  • Mason
  • Kitsap
  • Pacific
  • San Juan
  • Thurston
  • Wahkiakum
  • Cowlitz
  • Klickitat
  • King
  • Pierce
  • Whatcom
  • Skagit
  • Lewis
  • Chelan
  • Snohomish
  • Skamania
  • Clark
  • Douglas
  • Ferry
  • Lincoln
  • Adams
  • Stevens
  • Franklin
  • Benton
  • Walla Walla

What Standards You Must Satisfy to Apply

As one of the harsher states, Washington has added different qualifications for you to meet. You will still be required to have a medical certification, but your physician must also provide a hand-written prescription for you to have a disabled parking permit. To be eligible:

  1. Your inability to walk without rest for 200 feet
  2. You have a chronic lung disease or need a portable oxygen tank
  3. You suffer from a Class III or Class IV cardiac disease (American Heart Association guidelines)
  4. Your walking is restricted and must have some device help
  5. You cannot be exposed to light for long periods of time
  6. Your mobility is compromised due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition
  7. You have issues moving around due to auto emission sensitivity

All applications and forms can be found through the Washington Department of Licensing website and most applications can be submitted via webservices. You will need to scan and attach all extra documents that you must provide. Any fees assessed with the application for parking placards will also need to be paid.

What Category of Disabled Parking Placard Do You Fall Under?

Within the state, you are eligible for disabled parking placards, temporarily and permanently. Each category has a subcategory that your doctor may determine. All parking placards are issued according to your medical recommendation.

  • Permanent Disabled License Plates
  • Permanent Disabled Parking Tabs and Decals
  • Temporary Parking Placards

If you apply for a disabled license plate, you must be sure that your vehicle’s registration is current, and your emissions test has passed. You will be assessed a fee of $32.75 to obtain a plate. If your application was submitted for parking placards, they are $5 each (excluding temporary, they are free) and you may request up to two parking placards. Additionally, you will receive a disabled parking decal.

To use your placards, you must hang it inside your vehicle on the rearview mirror. Your disabled parking decal can be placed on your license plate between the bolt holes. You are not required to use the parking decal

What You Need to Do After Receiving Your Permits

After being approved for disabled parking permits, you will receive them in the mail within 15 days. Your application will take between two weeks and eight weeks to completely process. There are a few important pieces of information you need to remember:

  • Temporary placards are only valid up to a year, depending upon your medical certification. You will need to submit a new application, medical certification, and prescription to renew.
  • Permanent parking placards are renewed every five-year period. You will receive a renewal form 45 days before your current expiration date. You must fill out and submit your renewal to the Department of Licensing. Check the website to see if your forms are available online.
  • Permanent parking tabs and decals are valid up to one year and must be renewed with your vehicle registration, if applicable.
  • Disabled parking plates are renewed every year with your vehicle registration. Just be informed of your emissions test, if your test is not valid, you may not renew your registration or plates

Other information you need to know regarding your disability parking permits include, any fees that you must pay are due at renewal, your expiration date keeps you valid for 30 days then you will need to submit a completely fresh application and medical recommendation. It’s always best that you keep track of your original copies of your parking placards. If they need to be surrendered, you must do so within ten days.

If you are in need of a replacement of your placards due to loss, theft, or damage, you will need to follow the same operating guide as renewing your placards.

What Additional Information Applies to a Disability Permit Holder?

Always keep your information up to date regarding your address, vehicle information, medical confirmation, and any other identifiable documents. After your disabled parking placards are issued, you will receive an Individual with Disabilities Parking Privilege ID card. You must carry this on your person at all times. You are required to show your ID if law enforcement asks you for it. Be mindful of all rules that are required of you as a disabled person.

Fines in excess of $5,000 and possible jail time may be awarded against you versus the State of Washington, if you are found to have committed a wrongdoing. Washington brings the hammer down on anyone impersonating the disabled to protect your rights.

Additionally, do not allow anyone to use or borrow your disabled parking placards or tabs. You could lose your right to reapply in the future and your current placards could be revoked. Only you as an applicant are allowed to use the parking placard.

What You Should Review

The Washington State Department of Licensing works diligently in serving you during your application process. The state has made accommodations for you as a disabled person to access a quicker version. Follow simple policies and laws to receive your handicap parking permits.

What is the Process to Get a Disabled Parking Permit in Washington?

Reaching your goal of being able to have a handicap parking permit seems farfetched. In reality, you only need to overcome a few obstacles that stand in your way. Remember, you should follow your state and local laws for disabled parking permits.

All states are governed under the national laws for Americans with Disabilities. Every state follows what is required under the federal law with a few variances. At a state and local level, your options may change from what is implemented at the federal level, so it’s best to conduct some research for your state.

How You Know If You Qualify

The state of Washington parallels the laws in place in the United States when it comes to your eligibility. You will need to have your physician or nurse practitioner verify the type of your disability on your application. Additionally, your doctor will need to submit a prescription for the disability parking placard with how long you are anticipated to be disabled.

  • Criteria to Meet
    • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping
    • You have a severe sensitivity to light, and it worsens
    • You are legally blind
    • You cannot breathe without oxygen, or have a serious lung disease
    • You have a Class III or Class IV heart condition
    • You have no mobility without a helping device
    • You have an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic disorder that restrains your mobility
    • You have a sensitivity to auto emissions that affect your ability to walk

How to Begin Your Application

As stated, you must have your physician’s approval and expectancy of your disabilities. You will need to visit your Washington State Department of Licensing website to either download, print and apply in person or to fill out online and submit. Washington Department of Licensing can issue temporary or permanent disabled parking placards.

If you are issued a temporary parking placard, you will not be charged for any fees. Permanent parking placards cost $5, parking tabs are $13.75 and disabled license plates are $32.75. Keep in mind that the disabled license plate cost does not include your vehicle registration fee.

Note: Processing application time is usually two to eight weeks.

How to Use Your Parking Placards and Tabs

After your application is processed and approved, you will receive your disabled parking placard and tabs through the mail. You will also be issued an ID card; you must keep this on your person because police officers may ask to see your ID card.

  • Disabled Parking Privileges Decal

You may choose to use the decal in addition to your disabled parking placard. You will need to place the decal between the bolt holes on your license plate. Again, you do not have to use the decal.

  • Disabled Parking Placard

You must hang your parking placard in your rearview mirror, allowing the expiration date to be shown through your windshield.

Your vehicle must be inspected and pass an emission test every year, subject to the Washington State Department of Licensing policies and procedures. You are required to report any change in vehicle status, address, or any other form of change to the DOL.

You are allowed to park anywhere a handicap accessible space is available, except privately owned lots and parking garages. You can park on the streets of Washington in any space, including metered spaces, for free.

How Often You are to Renew Your Parking Placards and License Plates

Each type of placard or plate requires strict renewal procedures. You will need to comply with all policies regarding renewals and replacements of your disabled parking placards and tabs.

  • Temporary disability parking placards are valid up to one year and can be renewed with a new medical certification, requiring you to submit a new application
  • Permanent disability parking placards are valid up to five years and you will not need a new medical certification; a renewal notice will be sent to you 45 days prior to expiration
  • Disabled License Plates are due for renewal at the time of your vehicle registration, annually
  • Permanent disability parking tabs are to be renewed every year

For each renewal, you will need to submit the appropriate fees for the placards and plates. You must complete the renewal of your disabled parking placards within 30 days of your expiration date, failure to do so will result in a new medical certification and application form.

  • Replacing Disabled Parking Placards and Tabs

If you have to replace a parking placard whether lost, stolen, or damaged you will need to complete an Affidavit of Loss and the form must be notarized by a Washington State notary. The form will need to be mailed to the Department of Licensing or taken in person for submission. Surrender of original parking placards is required to obtain a replacement parking placard, if damaged.

What Kind of Punishment You Could Face with Disabled Parking Permits?

Honesty is the best policy, Washington State has drastic measures in place if you abuse, misuse or provide false information to obtain a disabled parking permit. You could be charged with a Misdemeanor and sentenced to a year in prison with up to a $5,000 fine. Washington State holds the highest point of criminal punishment for fraudulently obtaining a parking placard.

If your doctor is found to have committed fraud on your application, your doctor would face the same punishment. According to Washington law, your doctor will also face sanctions and malpractice litigation.

You are not permitted to give permission for any other person or vehicle use of your disabled parking placard or tab. You must be present in the vehicle to confirm your identity for using the placard. If you require someone to drive you, that organization must submit an application through the DOL.

Where are the Department of Licensing Offices?

You can find a Washington Department of Licensing office in every county across the state. The DOL suggests that you visit your location closest to your home or submit your application online.

You should research your state and local rules when using your parking placards and submitting the correct forms. If you have changes, report them as soon as possible and be sure you are up to date for any requirements needed, by law.