If you have a disability that limits your mobility, a Maryland handicap placard can dramatically reduce the physical burden of getting around — whether you’re navigating a parking lot, visiting a hospital, or running everyday errands. Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) manages the issuance of handicap parking permits and makes the process accessible to most qualifying residents. Here’s everything you need to know to apply, renew, or replace your permit.
Maryland Handicap Placard Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a handicap parking permit in Maryland, a licensed healthcare provider must certify that you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or other assistive aid.
- Has a Class III or IV cardiac condition as defined by the American Heart Association.
- Has severely limited respiratory function (FEV1 below 1 liter or arterial oxygen tension below 60mm/hg).
- Uses portable oxygen.
- Is severely limited in walking due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
- Is blind or has severely impaired vision.
The certifying provider can be a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), podiatrist, chiropractor, or optometrist (for vision-related conditions).
Types of Maryland Handicap Placards and Permits
| Permit Type | Who It’s For / Duration |
|---|---|
| Permanent Placard (Blue) | Permanent or long-term disability. Valid for 4 years. |
| Temporary Placard (Red) | Temporary disability (e.g., fracture, post-op). Valid up to 6 months. |
| Organizational Placard | Issued to non-profits transporting persons with disabilities. |
| Handicap License Plate | Vehicle-specific plate as an alternative to a placard. |
The Maryland Parking Meter Exemption: A major, unique perk of holding a Maryland handicap placard is the state’s parking meter exemption. If you park at a meter that does not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are exempt from paying the meter fee entirely. Furthermore, you are legally allowed to park for up to twice the maximum allowable time shown on the meter (not to exceed four hours).
Note: If the meter is ADA-compliant, you may still have to pay, but you still receive the double-time allowance.
How to Apply for a Maryland Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step (Form VR-210)
Step 1: Obtain the Form (or Start Online) Download the Application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates (Form VR-210) from the Maryland MVA website (mva.maryland.gov), or pick it up at any MVA branch or local tag and title office.
Step 2: Get Medical Certification The healthcare provider must complete the disability certification portion of the application. They must include their license number, signature, and the diagnosis. This step is mandatory — the MVA will not process uncertified forms.
Step 3: Complete Your Portion of the Application Fill in your name, address, Maryland driver’s license or ID number, and date of birth.
Step 4: Submit the Application (3 Options) There is no fee for the placard itself. (However, if you opt for a handicap license plate, standard vehicle registration fees apply).
- Online (The Fastest Method): Make an appointment with your physician and ask them to begin their disability certification through the online myMVA portal. Once your physician completes their section digitally, you can upload your portion and submit the completed form entirely through the myMVA website.
- In Person: Visit any full-service MVA branch or participating tag and title office.
- By Mail: Mail the completed VR-210 form to: Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062, Attn: Disability Unit, Room 202.
How to Renew Your Maryland Handicap Placard (Online, In Person & By Mail)
Permanent Maryland handicap placards must be renewed every 4 years. Maryland does not automatically renew placards — applicants must proactively submit a renewal application before the expiration date shown on the placard. You will need to submit a new VR-210 form with an updated medical certification at the time of renewal.
Temporary placards expire after a maximum of 6 months and cannot be renewed. A new application with updated medical documentation is required if the temporary condition persists or becomes permanent.
Maryland Handicap Parking Permit Rules: What You Must Follow
A Maryland handicap parking permit is issued to the person, not the vehicle. This means you may use it in any vehicle — your own, a rental, or a friend or family member’s car — as long as you are present in the vehicle.
Key rules to follow:
- Hang the placard from the rearview mirror only while parked; remove it while driving to avoid obstructing your view.
- Always keep a copy of your medical certification (the VR-210 form) in the glovebox whenever you use the placard. This must be presented to law enforcement upon request.
- Maryland law makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently use or obtain a handicap placard, with penalties including a $500 fine and revocation of the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Maryland accepts medical certifications from licensed healthcare providers in any state, as long as they include their license number and contact information.
Each eligible individual may receive either: two placards, OR one placard and one set of disabled license plates.
An expired placard provides no legal parking privileges. You may receive a citation for parking in an accessible space with an expired placard, just as you would without any placard.
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, simply complete a new Form VR-210 indicating you need a replacement. As long as your original placard is still valid and your medical condition has not changed, a new medical certification from your doctor is not required. The MVA will issue a replacement placard free of charge.
Conclusion
Getting a handicap parking permit in Maryland involves securing a medical certification from your healthcare provider and submitting the VR-210 form to the MVA. Thanks to the new myMVA online portal, you and your doctor can skip the mail and handle the entire process digitally. With no cost for the placard itself and massive perks like the parking meter exemption, the process is designed to be highly beneficial to residents. If you believe you qualify, don’t wait — apply today and reclaim your independence on the road.
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