Today we’re here to discuss how to get a disabled parking permit in Seattle. We’ll answer all your important questions, such as: what types of Seattle disability placards are available? How do you apply for a disabled parking permit in Seattle? What are the qualifying conditions for disabled parking in Seattle? Who can certify an application for disabled parking in Seattle? And how much is a disabled parking permit in Seattle?

Read on for all you need to know!

What Types Of Seattle Disability Placards Are Available?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Seattle:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Organizational disabled parking placard (for organizations that transport disabled people)
  • Permanent disabled license plates
  • Disabled Veterans plates (for people whose disabilities are partly military service-related)
washington space needle seattle
Image by 12019 on Pixabay: How do you apply for a disabled parking permit in Seattle? Read on to find out!

Disabled Parking In Seattle: Rules And Regulations

  • Disabled permit holders can park in any designated disabled space in Seattle.
  • Disabled parking permit-holders can park in on-street parking spaces for free for unlimited time.
  • Disabled permits must be hung on the vehicle’s rear-view mirror when parked.
  • Disabled permits must be removed from the rear-view mirror and stowed safely before driving.
  • Disabled permits must be in date – it is an offense to use an expired permit.
  • Permit-holders must always use their own disabled permit – it is an offense to allow anyone else to use your disabled parking permit.
  • It is illegal to park in a striped Access Aisle at any time.
  • Disabled permits must never be altered in any way.

How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Seattle

So how do I get a parking permit in Seattle? The first step is to have a telemedicine consultation with a Washington State-licensed medical professional. Once your disability has been verified, the medical professional will sign a disabled parking application for individuals in Washington State. You can also obtain a disabled parking permit through telemedicine.

You should then complete the form and submit it in person to any vehicle licensing office in Washington State, or mail it to:

Special Plate Unit
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9043
Olympia
WA 98507

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Disabled Parking In Seattle?

The qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in Seattle are:

  • An inability to walk 200 feet without having to stop to rest
  • An inability to walk without the use of an assistive device such as a brace, cane, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device
  • Portable oxygen tank usage
  • An arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that impairs mobility
  • Lung disease to such an extent that forced expiratory respiratory volume when measured by spirometry is less than 1 liter/second or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Cardiovascular disease or a cardiac condition that is classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association
  • A disability resulting from an acute sensitivity to automobile emissions which limits or impairs the ability to walk
  • Legal blindness
  • An acute sensitivity to light associated with a form of porphyria that can result in burning, blistering, swelling, and scarring of the skin and that would benefit from a decrease in exposure to light.

Who Can Certify An Application For Disabled Parking In Seattle?

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Seattle:

  • Doctor
  • Physician
  • Licensed registered nurse practitioner

How Much Is A Disabled Parking Permit In Seattle?

​​In Seattle, disabled parking license plates cost $32.75, disabled placards are free, and a parking decal or tab costs $13.75.

seattle skyline from the water
Image by 12019 on Pixabay: What types of Seattle disability placards are available?

When Do You Need To Renew Your Disabled Parking Permit In Seattle?

  • Permanent disabled parking permits need to be renewed every five years (the permit holder will be sent notification 45 days before the expiry date).
  • Permanent disabled license plates need to be renewed every year.
  • Temporary disabled placards expire after one year.

Residential Disabled Parking Sign In Seattle

You can request that a disabled parking sign be installed at your residence by submitting a Residential Disabled Request Form by email to [email protected], or by mail to:

SDOT c/o William Wan
PO Box 34996
Seattle, WA 98124-4996

Where Are Seattle Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

As well as the city itself, Seattle disabled parking permits are valid in the following jurisdictions:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • UK
  • EU
  • Switzerland
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

Featured image by Stephen Plopper on Unsplash