Wondering how to get a disabled parking permit in Nashville, Tennessee? Below we’ll answer all your important questions, such as… What types of disabled parking permits are available in Nashville? What qualifies you for a handicap placard in Nashville? And how do you get a handicap parking permit in Nashville? Read on for all you need to know to make parking a whole lot easier.
Who Issues Disabled Parking Permits In Nashville?
The Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division, is the body that issues disabled parking permits in Nashville. You should submit your application form to your local County Clerk’s office in Nashville.
What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Nashville?
The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Nashville, Tennessee:
- Permanent disabled parking placards
- Permanent disabled parking license plates
- Temporary disabled parking placards
- Disabled veterans license plates
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Nashville
How do I get a handicap parking permit in Nashville? The Tennessee handicap placard application process is straightforward. The first step is to have a telemedicine consultation with a state-licensed physician. This can be arranged at the Disabled Parking online clinic. The consultation will take approximately ten minutes.
Once your suitability for disabled parking is verified, the physician will complete the relevant sections of an application form for disabled parking in Tennessee. This form will be emailed to you within 24 hours.
You should then complete the form and submit it, along with any necessary fees, in person or by mail to the County Clerk’s office. You can find your local County Clerk’s office contact details here.
What Qualifies You For A Handicap Placard In Nashville?
You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in Nashville if you are disabled in any of the following ways:
- Unable to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
- Have had a foot, arm, leg, or hand amputated
- Have a disability that is certified by a licensed physician
- Be unable to walk without the aid of a wheelchair, crutches, brace, or some other assistive device
- Have vision worse than 20/200
Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Nashville?
The following people can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Nashville:
- Licensed physician
- Physician’s assistant
- Nurse practitioner
- Christian Science practitioner listed in the Christian Science Journal
How Much Do Disabled Parking Permits Cost In Nashville?
Permanent disabled parking placards are free for people who are permanently and totally confined to a wheelchair. For people who are disabled but not permanently confined to a wheelchair, permanent disabled license plates cost $21.50 per year, as do placards for people who have no vehicle registered in their name. A permanent placard is free for anybody who has already paid to register their own vehicle.
Temporary disabled parking placards in Nashville cost $10.
When Do Disabled Parking Permits Expire In Nashville?
Permanent disabled parking permits in Nashville expire every two years. Temporary permits are valid for the estimated duration of the disability, but not for longer than six months.
How Do I Renew A Disabled Parking Permit In Nashville?
To renew any type of disabled parking permit in Nashville you must submit a new application form, along with the necessary fee. Permanent placards cost $3 to renew and temporary placards cost $10 to renew.
Completed application forms should be submitted either in person or by mail to your local County Clerk’s office.
Is Handicap Parking Free In Nashville?
There is plenty of free parking for disabled parking permit holders in Nashville. Permit holders can park in the following places for free:
- Designated disabled’ parking spaces (signposted with the International Symbol of Access)
- Metered, on-street parking spaces (free and for unlimited time)
- Municipal parking lots

Can I Get A Disabled Space Outside My House In Nashville?
You can get a disabled parking space installed outside your house in Nashville if it is deemed necessary. Factors taken into consideration when you apply for a space outside your house include:
- The availability of off-street parking at the residence (garage, driveway, parking lot)
- The location of the nearest on-street disabled spaces
- Whether you have a permanent disabled parking placard or license plates
- Whether your residence contains an accessibility ramp
- Whether you are eligible for paratransit services offered by the metro government
Are Out-Of-State Disabled Permits Valid In Nashville?
Disabled parking permits from all US states are valid in Nashville. Disabled permits from the following international jurisdictions are also valid in Nashville:
- All US overseas territories
- Canada
- Mexico
- Canada
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UK
- EU