Every state has its hoops to jump through to get your disabled parking permit. The qualifications, documents, and the where and how of filing start at the state level and trickle into the quirks and requirements of each city’s DMV.
You will need to make sure you qualify, have a doctor sign off on your paperwork, and file it all with the department of transportation via the Maryland Motor Vehicle Department. Don’t try and navigate the maze alone. If you are looking to acquire or renew your disabled parking permit in the state of Maryland, look no further.
Am I Qualified for Disabled Parking?
Before you start your paperwork, make sure you qualify for a disabled parking permit under Maryland state law. This could be a chronic, lifelong condition, or an injury that temporarily entitles you to a handicap spot in the Old Line State.
If you have mobility issues from a break, injury or condition that lasts more than three weeks but is not permanent impairment, you can be issued a Maryland disabled parking permit while you heal. These temporary disabled parking permits are valid for six months.
A permanent disabled parking permit is just that, permanent, but it will need to be renewed every five years. If you are looking for a permanent disabled parking permit, check and see if any of these conditions sound like you.
Even if you do not drive any longer, you should still apply for a disabled parking permit, because it can be used any time a family member drives you someplace, to ensure your comfort.
- After a heart attack, stroke, or any other major cardiovascular event, your primary care provider may have told you that you have a class III or IV cardiovascular disease
- If you have had a full or partial amputation, or have lost feeling or use in one of your limbs
- If you have permanent vision impairment such as blindness, glaucoma or cataracts
- Having a chronic breathing condition (COPD) like emphysema or bronchitis
- Inability to ambulate without an assistive device like a wheelchair, brace, walker or cane
- Difficulty walking more than 200 feet without stopping, or any other major walking problem
If any of those descriptions sound like you, or if you have any of those chronically impairing conditions, you qualify for a disabled parking permit in the state of Maryland.
How to Get a Physician Signed Certificate
This is possibly the hardest part of the process. Now that you know you qualify for a disabled parking permit in Maryland, you will need a doctor to examine you and give you a signed certificate verifying your impairment.
You will need to make an appointment to be examined, and the physician who examines you must verify legally that you are disabled and therefore legally entitled to a handicap spot. This examination can also be done by a podiatrist, physical therapist, chiropractor, optometrist, LPN or PA! If you are being treated for a chronic condition, ask your provider if they can fill out this certificate for you.
Best of all, this examination can be now be done virtually, with no need for an in-person appointment. Click here to be connected with a Maryland licensed provider.
How to File Your Paperwork
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) is thankfully convenient and easy to use. Once you have your physician signed certificate you can fill out form VR-210. This form is the Application for Maryland license plate and parking hang-tag (placard) for disabled persons.
The MMVA accepts paperwork by fax, U.S mail, or in person at any MMVA location. A disabled parking license plate will cost $20, but the placard is always free.
What About Lost or Expired Permits?
If you applied for a temporary permit, but are still impaired after the six months your permit was valid for, you will need to apply again, this time for a permanent disabled parking permit.
If your regular issue disabled parking permit has expired after five years, you can begin the renewal process. Your local MMVA office should have sent you a renewal notification with instructions on how to renew, but if you did not receive one or have any questions, call them up right away to get it sorted out.
If you lose your placard while it is still valid, don’t worry. You don’t have to apply again, but you will have to submit paperwork to your local office requesting a new placard. Once again, it will be free, but it can take up to 5 business days.
Maryland Parking Permits: What You Need to Know
- To qualify for a disabled parking permit in the state of Maryland you must have a condition or injury that affects your vision or ambulatory abilities
- To apply, obtain a signed medical certificate and fill out form VR-210 with your local MMVA office
- Temporary disabled parking permits are valid for six months, after which you will need to have a new examination.
- Permanent permits expire after five years but can be renewed without a new examination.
- You can use your disabled parking permit as a driver or a passenger
- Placards are free, and license plates cost $20
- Lost placards are free to replace but take 5 business days
If you qualify, you should absolutely apply for your disabled parking permit. Even if you don’t feel that you need it now, it’s best to have it ready for when you feel you do. Even if you don’t drive, the permit can still be used by your spouse or children while you are in the car. That way, if they drive you to the grocery store or an appointment, your comfort and needs are being looked after.
Not only does your permit allow you to use handicap parking spaces in and around town, but there are many parking meters and garages across Maryland which will reduce or eliminate the cost of parking for disabled parking placard holders. Read signs carefully and enjoy the discounts afforded you by your placard.