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.