Oregon’s disability parking permit program, managed by the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV), offers several placard types to accommodate different needs—from individual 8-year permits to family placards and temporary travel duplicates. For anyone whose disability limits their ability to walk, understanding this program can open up meaningful access to daily life.
This guide covers the eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application process, how to get a replacement, and the important parking rules you need to know.
Who Qualifies for an Oregon Handicap Placard?
Under Oregon law (ORS 801.387), you qualify for a disability parking permit if you have at least one of the following conditions:
- Severely limited mobility due to paralysis or the loss of use of some or all of your legs or arms.
- Loss of vision, or substantial loss of visual acuity or visual field beyond correction.
- Any disability preventing you from walking without an assistive device, or causing an inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest. This includes, but is not limited to: chronic heart conditions, emphysema, arthritis, rheumatism, or ulcerative colitis/related chronic bowel disorders.
A licensed healthcare provider must certify your condition. Oregon accepts certifications from Doctors of Medicine (MD), Osteopaths (DO), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Physician Associates (PA), Chiropractors, Naturopaths, Podiatrists, and Optometrists (for vision conditions).
Types of Oregon Disability Parking Permits
Oregon has a robust tiered system for disability parking, offering different placards based on specific needs. All placards are issued completely free of charge.
| Permit Type | Validity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Individual | 8 years | Issued for ongoing, permanent conditions. Requires an Oregon ID or driver’s license. |
| Temporary | Up to 6 months | Issued for short-term conditions or recovery periods. |
| Wheelchair User | 8 years | Grants exclusive access to designated “Wheelchair User Only” extra-wide spaces. |
| Wounded Warrior | 8 years | A special sticker added to a Standard or Wheelchair placard for veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability. |
| Family Permit | 8 years | For households with 2+ disabled members, or multiple households caring for the same disabled individual. |
| Temporary Duplicate | 120 days | An extra placard explicitly issued for travel purposes. |
How to Apply for an Oregon Handicap Placard Using Form 735-265: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get the Correct Form
Download the Application for Individual Disabled Person Parking Permit Placard (Form 735-265) from the Oregon DMV website, or pick up a copy at any DMV office. (Note: If applying for a Family Permit, use Form 735-265FPP).
Complete the applicant section with your full name, address, and Oregon driver’s license or ID number. Minors can apply for a permit, but the permit belongs to the disabled individual, not the parent/driver.
Step 2: Get Medical Certification
Have your licensed healthcare provider complete the Certificate of Disability section of the form. They must sign and certify your qualifying condition. Important: The provider’s signature is only valid for six months; you must submit your application to the DMV before that six-month window closes.+1
Step 3: Submit Your Application
There is no fee for an Oregon disability parking permit. You can submit your completed application in three ways:
- In Person (Fastest): Drop it off at any local DMV office. Assuming your application is complete, you will leave with your placard in hand the exact same day.
- By Fax: Fax the front and back of the completed form to 503-945-5181.
- By Mail: Mail the completed application to: DMV Driver Issuance Unit, 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314.
(If you apply by fax or mail, the DMV will mail the placard directly to your home).
How to Renew an Oregon Handicap Placard (New Certificate of Disability Required Every 8 Years)
- Permanent Permits (8-Year): Standard, Wheelchair, and Wounded Warrior placards are tied to the expiration of your Oregon driver’s license or ID (usually 8 years). To renew, you MUST get a brand-new Certificate of Disability from your doctor. Oregon does not allow self-certification renewals. Submit your new Form 735-265 in person, by fax, or by mail.
- Temporary Permits: Valid for up to 6 months. If you still need accommodation after 6 months, you must submit a brand-new application with a fresh medical certification.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Oregon Disability Parking Permit
If your placard is lost, stolen, mutilated, or the dates have faded in the sun, contact the Oregon DMV immediately. Do not write over faded dates with a marker—this legally invalidates the placard.
You can request a replacement by submitting Form 735-265. You do not need a new medical certification from your doctor to get a replacement, as long as your current permit’s 8-year term hasn’t expired yet. (If replacing a temporary placard, a fee may apply if the original medical certification window has closed).
Important Oregon Disabled Parking Rules & Privileges
- The Meter Rule (Crucial Nuance): In Oregon, standard disabled placards do not universally grant free metered parking (cities like Portland require standard placard holders to pay the meter). However, if you hold a Wheelchair User or Wounded Warrior placard, you are legally allowed to park at any metered space of 30 minutes or more for free, and for as long as you need.
- Wheelchair-Only Spaces: Parking in spaces marked “Wheelchair User Only” strictly requires a Wheelchair User permit. A standard disabled permit does not qualify.
- Display: Hang the placard from your rearview mirror so the expiration date and permit number are fully visible from the outside. Remove it before driving.
- Authorized Use: Placards belong to the individual, not the vehicle. You can use yours in any vehicle you are traveling in.
- Penalties: Parking in a disabled space without being a qualified user (or without the permit holder present) is a Class C violation carrying fines up to $500 for a first offense, and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Anyone can submit an application on your behalf at the DMV, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, the application is complete, and your healthcare provider has signed the certification.
Yes. A new Certificate of Disability is required each time you renew an 8-year placard in Oregon. The only time you are exempt from re-certification is when you are simply replacing a lost or damaged placard mid-cycle.
If you are just visiting, yes—Oregon recognizes all out-of-state and international disability placards. However, if you move to Oregon and become a resident, you must apply for an Oregon permit.
Oregon law strictly prohibits the DMV from issuing more than one standard placard to an individual. If you are traveling and need a placard to take with you while leaving one in your primary vehicle, you can submit an application checking the box for a Temporary Duplicate (Travel) placard, which is good for 120 days. You do not need a doctor’s note to request a travel duplicate.
Conclusion
Oregon’s disability parking permit program is flexible, free, and designed to be accessible to those who genuinely need it. Whether you apply in person at a DMV office, by fax, or by mail, having a completed Form 735-265 with your healthcare provider’s certification is the key step. Renewable permits last eight years and require re-certification at renewal — but for day-to-day use, your placard travels with you in any vehicle. If you need a replacement or a temporary duplicate for travel, the DMV has straightforward processes for both.
Add Comment