If you are suffering from a disability which significantly impairs your ability to walk, the state of Virginia wants you to be able to go about your day to day life with comfort and ease — and has set aside several accommodations for you to be able to do so!

However, in order to make sure that only those who need these accommodations are able to access them, the state of Virginia has a process in place to confirm your disability before issuing you your parking materials. The application steps can get a little complicated, but it’s nothing you can’t handle with a little bit of preparation. This guide will help you make sure that you’re able to get your application together with ease.

Make Sure You Qualify

Virginia is one of the easier states in which to qualify — but, because the number of disabled parking spots available is limited, they do need to make sure that you do so. The state of Virginia has put together a list of qualifying conditions. When you put together your application, you will need to go through this list with your doctor before proceeding with the application process.

Speak with a Licensed Medical Professional

If you think that you’re eligible for a disabled parking permit, then there is one more approval you need to get before you can submit your application: that of a doctor or other licensed medical professional. Their signature on your application form is necessary to go forward with the process.

There are currently two ways to go about obtaining this approval.

  1. Speak with a Local Doctor In Person: If your disability and life circumstances allow you to speak with a personal physician, go for it! Print out the Disabled Parking Plates or Placard Application (MED 10) from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website. Take the application with you to your appointment, as the form must be signed by the doctor who confirms your condition.
  1. Video Chat with a Medical Professional Online: If you would rather not, due to time or other inconveniences, leave your home, there is another way. Video-chatting with a medical professional online is a safe and easy way to get medical approval. Not only can you speak with a doctor from the comfort of your living room, immediately after your call the completed application form will be emailed to the Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf.

Complete the Form

There are two main sections of the application form. Your doctor will have to complete one part of it, but the other must be completed by you. You’ll need specific, personal information to fill out the form, including your full name, your complete mailing address, your date of birth, your telephone number, and some basic descriptors regarding your physical appearance such as hair and eye color.

You’ll also have to indicate which type of application you are submitting, depending on whether you are applying for the first time or requesting a renewal or replacement. Here are your options:

  • If this is your original application, you’ll have to distinguish whether you are requesting a disabled parking placard or a disabled parking plate. There is a five dollar fee associated with a disabled parking placard; and if you are requesting a disabled parking plate, you’ll have to download form VSA 10 from the Department of Motor Vehicles website and complete that as well.
  • If this is a renewal or replacement application, you’ll have to distinguish whether you want a disabled parking placard with an ID card, just the ID card, or a replacement plate. The fee associated with a replacement placard is five dollars; just the ID card is two dollars, and a replacement disabled parking plate is ten dollars.

Mail the Form In

If you opted to speak with a licensed medical professional in person, you will have to mail the form in physically. The mailing address is located on the application form.

If you decided to chat with a doctor online, then you don’t have to worry about this step — the form will be emailed to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for you!

Wait to Receive Your Parking Materials

Please note that you will have to wait to get your parking placards or plates in the mail before you begin to enjoy the benefits associated with your disabled parking permit. Merely going through the application process does not entitle you to the disabled accommodations; the parking plate or placard is the tool that you will use to mark your car as legally able to use those spaces. Doing otherwise may leave you liable to disciplinary action.

Use Your Disabled Parking Permit

After you’ve gone through all the trouble to get it, remember to use your disabled parking permit! If you received placards, then you will have to place the placard on the rear view mirror in the front of your car when you are parked in a disabled space, and remove it before you drive away.

You will have to renew your parking permit periodically. The renewal process will require you to visit with a doctor again to re-confirm your condition. The state only does this so that the limited number of disabled parking spaces are only available to those who need them.

Having a disabled parking permit in the state of Virginia can be a great way to make sure that living with your disability doesn’t take away your ability to go about your day to day life. If your condition qualifies you for a disabled parking permit, make sure to speak with a doctor to get your application signed.

When you receive your parking permit in the mail, make sure that you use the associated materials to park safely and legally very close to the entrance of most businesses and buildings! Remember to put your renewal dates on the calendar to ensure that you’re always able to enjoy the benefits of your Virginia disabled parking permit.