The vibrant city of Dallas is a fantastic place to live and work – but how does it stack up when it comes to disabled parking? The good news is that there’s plenty of accessible parking in Dallas, and the state of Texas makes it simple for those who qualify to apply for a handicap parking permit.
If you live in Dallas and are wondering about getting a parking permit, the application process is controlled by the state, so the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is your best place to ask specific questions.
Here’s how to get a disabled parking permit in Dallas, plus some information on accessible parking in the city.
1. Check your eligibility
Before you can apply for your permit, you need to make sure you’re eligible. The state of Texas offers two types of handicap placards:
- Temporary: A red placard that’s valid for six months, designed to be used by someone with a temporary disability.
- Permanent: A blue placard for drivers with a permanent disability, which needs to be renewed every four years.
You can also get a license plate with the International Symbol of Access (ISA).
Both permit types allow you to legally park in a spot reserved for people with disabilities. You may also be exempt from state and local government parking meters.
The state of Texas outlines all of the health conditions that qualify for disabled parking. These include:
- Visual impairments of 20/200 or less
- Mobility impairments that make it difficult for a person to move around or that mean you can’t walk 200 feet without needing to rest (e.g. lung disease, cardiac health issues, paralysis, wheelchair use, arthritis, or other medical conditions that require you to use a cane, crutches, or walking aid)
2. Download form
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you’ll need to get a copy of the “Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate” form. This is also known as form VTR-214.
You can download a copy from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or visit in person to request a copy. As you read over the form, you’ll note that there is one section to be completed by yourself (the applicant) and another that needs to be completed by a licensed medical professional. Both the applicant and medical professional will need to sign the form.
3. Work with a medical professional to complete the Disability Statement section
To verify that your disability is genuine, Dallas handicap parking permit applicants will need to get approval from a medical professional, who will certify that you meet one of the qualifying conditions for a disabled placard. This can also be done online.
There are many types of health professionals that qualify to give approval, including physicians, podiatrists, optometrists, and advanced practice nurses. These professionals can be licensed in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They’ll certify, via their signature and professional license number, that you qualify for a temporary or permanent handicap permit.
Note that when it comes time to renew your Texas handicap parking permit, you’ll use the same form. If you need a new temporary permit, this will require a doctor’s signature. However, for permanent placards, you won’t need to find a doctor to complete the medical system as part of the renewal process.
4. Submit your payment and application fee
Once your application is ready, it’s time to submit. So, where can I get a handicap placard in Dallas? You’ll actually submit your application directly to your local county tax office. Depending on your exact location, there are several different branches of the Dallas County Tax Office that you can visit.
If you’re applying for a permanent placard, there is no application fee, but temporary permits require a $5 fee per placard. This will need to be paid as a personal check, a money order, or a cashier’s check.
You can submit your application by mail or in person at the county tax office. Once approved, you’ll be sent your placard to display on your rearview mirror each time you park.
Where can I find handicap parking in Dallas?
Once you get your placard, your next question might be about the availability of Dallas disabled parking: how hard will it be to find places to park?
The ADA dictates how many handicap spaces must be in a parking lot, based on the total number of parking spots. They also specify that these parking spots should be as close as possible to the facility’s entrance. Because this is a national law, this means that you should have no problem finding parking.
In popular Dallas destinations like the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the Galleria Dallas, and AT&T Stadium, you’ll find many spaces to park. There are even a lot of great wheelchair-friendly attractions in Dallas, like the Dallas Zoo and the Sixth Floor Museum. However, if you’re heading somewhere new and are worried about parking, always call ahead first to check.
Keep in mind that Dallas is notorious for heavy traffic. As one of the busiest cities in the US, you always want to leave early for appointments or events, since there’s a good chance of running into delays. But with your accessible parking permit, you’ll be sure to find a park in no time once you arrive at your destination!
Featured image by Erin Hervey on Unsplash