For Massachusetts residents living with a disability or mobility limitation, an accessible parking placard provides essential access to closer parking — easing the physical demands of daily life. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Medical Affairs Bureau manages the issuance of these permits. This guide covers everything: who qualifies, how to apply, the rules you must follow, and how to renew.
Massachusetts Handicap Placard Eligibility (MGL Chapter 90, Section 2)
An authorized medical professional (including a Massachusetts-licensed physician, chiropractor, registered nurse, physician’s assistant, osteopath, optometrist, or podiatrist) must certify that you meet one of the following conditions:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without the assistance of another person, prosthetic aid, or other assistive device.
- Restricted by lung disease to such a degree that forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second is less than 1 liter.
- Use portable oxygen.
- Have a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition (American Heart Association standards).
- Have Class III or Class IV functional arthritis, or Stage III or Stage IV anatomic arthritis (American College of Rheumatology standards).
- Have been declared legally blind.
- Have lost one or more limbs, or permanently lost the use of one or more limbs.
Conditions Requiring License Surrender: If your medical provider certifies that you qualify for a placard due to Legal Blindness or a Class IV Cardiac Condition, Massachusetts law mandates that you must surrender your driver’s license to the RMV. You will be issued a placard for use when others drive you, but you may no longer operate a motor vehicle.
Types of Massachusetts Accessible Parking Permits
(Note: Beginning in January 2026, the RMV issues newly redesigned placards that are no longer laminated. They come with an optional plastic privacy sleeve).
| Permit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Permanent Placard (Black Text) | Issued for permanent disabilities. Valid for 5 years. |
| Temporary Placard (Red Text) | For temporary conditions. Valid for 2 to 24 months, based on the doctor’s certification. |
| Organizational Permit | For vehicles used by organizations transporting persons with disabilities. |
| Disability License Plate | Vehicle-specific plate in lieu of a placard. |
The Statewide Parking Meter & Time Limit Exemption: A massive benefit of holding a Massachusetts accessible parking placard is the statewide meter exemption. Under Massachusetts General Law (c. 40 § 22A), placard and disability plate holders are exempt from paying parking fees at metered street parking or in municipal lots. Furthermore, you are exempt from time limits on parking spaces (such as “15-minute” or “1-hour only” spots).
Note: This does not exempt you from strict “No Parking” zones, loading zones, or snow emergency towing restrictions.
Massachusetts Handicap Placard Application: Step-by-Step (Form DPPQ)
Step 1: Get the Application Form Download the Application for Disabled Parking from the Massachusetts RMV website (mass.gov/rmv).
Step 2: Medical Certification Your certifying medical professional must complete the medical section of the application.They must include their Massachusetts license number, the specific qualifying diagnosis, and their signature. This certification is the core of your application — without it, no permit can be issued.
Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information Provide your full name, address, date of birth, and Massachusetts driver’s license or ID number. Keep a two-sided copy of the completed application for your own records.
Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay Fees Massachusetts issues handicap placards completely free of charge. (If you choose to apply for a disability passenger license plate instead of a placard, a $60 fee applies; motorcycle disability plates are $20).
Submit your application:
- By mail (Recommended): Send to Registry of Motor Vehicles, Attn: Medical Affairs, PO Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889.
- In person: Visit an RMV Service Center (appointments are highly recommended).
How to Renew a Massachusetts Handicap Placard Every 5 Years
- Permanent Placards: Must be renewed every 5 years. The good news? For permanent placards, the RMV will automatically mail you a new one before your current one expires.
- Temporary Placards: If your temporary placard expires but you still need it, it does not auto-renew. You must submit a brand new application with a fresh medical certification from your doctor.
Massachusetts Handicap Placard Rules and Laws You Must Know
Massachusetts has specific rules governing how and when accessible parking permits may be used:
- The placard must hang from the rearview mirror and be clearly visible from outside the vehicle when parked.
- Remove the placard while driving to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.
- The permit belongs to the individual, not the vehicle. You may use it in any car, taxi, or rideshare as long as the disabled individual is present.
- Misuse of a placard is a criminal offense. Fines range from $500 to $1,000, and your placard will be revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All U.S. states recognize accessible parking permits issued by other states under the ADA. You may park in designated accessible spaces throughout the country with your Massachusetts placard.
No. For security reasons, the RMV strictly limits issuance to one valid placard per person at a time. If you use multiple vehicles, you simply carry the placard with you to whichever vehicle you are riding in.
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must fill out the Application for Disabled Parking again, checking the box for “Replacement,” and submit it to the RMV Medical Affairs office. There is no fee for a replacement.
Conclusion
Getting a Massachusetts handicap placard involves a straightforward application process: obtain the Application for Disabled Parking, have a qualified medical provider certify your condition, and submit it to the RMV Medical Affairs bureau at no cost. Thanks to state laws granting free metered parking and exemptions from time limits, the placard is an incredibly valuable resource that re-opens the community to those with mobility challenges. Take the time to apply properly, and always use your permit responsibly!
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