How to Get a South Carolina Handicap Placard

May 23, 2026
6 Min Read

If a disability or medical condition makes it difficult for you to walk, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) offers disabled parking placards that give you closer access to the places you need to go every day. Whether your condition is temporary or permanent, this guide walks you through exactly what’s required, how to apply, and how to keep your placard current.

Who Qualifies for a Handicap Placard in South Carolina?

South Carolina issues placards to individuals who have been certified by a licensed physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or Physician Assistant (PA) as having a qualifying disability. Qualifying conditions generally include those that substantially impair walking, such as:

  • Severe arthritis, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.
  • Cardiac conditions classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
  • Severe respiratory impairments (e.g., relying on portable oxygen).
  • The need for assistive devices like crutches, a wheelchair, or a prosthetic limb.

Importantly, your walking limitation—not just your diagnosis—determines eligibility. You must also have a current South Carolina driver’s license, beginner’s permit, or state ID card on file with the SCDMV before a placard can be issued. This is because South Carolina law requires your DMV photo to be printed directly on your parking placard to prevent fraud.

Types of South Carolina Handicap Placards: Permanent vs. Temporary

The SCDMV offers two types of individual placards:

  • Permanent Placard: Issued when your disability is not expected to improve. It is valid for 4 years and can be renewed online.
  • Temporary Placard: Issued for disabilities expected to last at least 4 months but no more than 1 year. It expires based on your doctor’s stated timeline.

(Note: Organizations and businesses that routinely transport people with disabilities can also apply for permanent placards using the Organization Placard Application, Form RG-007B).

How to Apply for a South Carolina Handicap Placard

The application process centers on one key form: the Application for Placard and/or License Plate for People who have a Disability (SCDMV Form RG-007A). Here is how to complete and submit it:

Step 1: Obtain Form RG-007A

Download the form from the SCDMV’s official website or pick up a physical copy at any SCDMV branch office. Please note that South Carolina strictly limits placards to one per applicant.+1

Step 2: Complete the Applicant Section

Fill in your full legal name, mailing and street address, phone number, and your SC driver’s license, beginner’s permit, or state ID number. Sign the form (or have a legal guardian sign, if applicable).

Step 3: Have a Medical Provider Complete the Certification

A licensed physician, APRN, or PA must complete Section 3 of the form. They will indicate whether the disability is permanent or temporary, describe the nature of the disability, and—for temporary conditions—state the expected duration.This medical certification is the most critical part of the application; incomplete or inaccurate certifications are the most common cause of delays.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Fee

The placard fee is $1.00. You can submit your completed application and fee in two ways:

  • By mail: Send it to SCDMV Registration, PO Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0019. (Include a check or money order payable to the SCDMV—do not send cash).
  • In person: Drop it off at any SCDMV branch office. Your placard will typically be mailed to you within five to ten business days.+1

How to Renew Your South Carolina Handicap Placard

  • Permanent Placards: You can renew a permanent placard online through the SCDMV website, skipping the trip to the office. The DMV typically sends a renewal notice before your current placard expires.
  • Temporary Placards: Temporary placards cannot be extended. You must submit a brand-new RG-007A application, including a fresh medical certification from your healthcare provider, to get a new temporary placard.

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged SC Placard

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a newly completed RG-007A form and the $1.00 fee, either by mail or in person at an SCDMV branch. You do not need a new medical certification if your current placard hasn’t expired.

Rules for Using Your South Carolina Handicap Placard

Your South Carolina handicap placard is issued to you personally. It may only be used when you are physically present in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger. Lending it to a friend or family member, even temporarily, is illegal.

  • Displaying the Placard: When parked in a handicap space, hang the placard from the rearview mirror so it is visible from the front and rear through the windshield. You must remove it from the mirror before driving to avoid obstructing your view.
  • The Registration Certificate: Along with the placard, the SCDMV issues a Placard Registration Certificate. You must keep this certificate inside the vehicle whenever the placard is being used.
  • Metered Parking: A valid SC placard entitles you to park for free at public metered or timed parking spaces anywhere in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a South Carolina placard in other states?

Yes. All 50 states have reciprocity agreements and recognize disability placards issued by other states. Likewise, if you are visiting SC from another state, your home-state placard is fully recognized.

Can an organization apply for a placard in South Carolina?

Yes. Businesses or nonprofits that routinely transport people with disabilities can apply using Form RG-007B (Organization Placard Application). Organizations are limited to one placard per registered vehicle at a cost of $1.00 each.

What happens if I use someone else’s placard?

Using a placard that was not issued to you is a crime. In South Carolina, duplicating, forging, or misusing a disabled placard is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment and fines between $500 and $1,000.

Do I need to own a vehicle to get a placard?

No. Placards are issued to the individual with the disability, not tied to a specific vehicle. You can use your placard in any vehicle in which you are riding or driving.

Conclusion:

Getting a South Carolina handicap placard is a two-step process: ensure your healthcare provider completes Form RG-007A accurately, then submit the $1 fee to the SCDMV by mail or in person. If you have a permanent disability, renewing online makes the process even simpler. Staying current with your placard ensures you never lose access to the parking accommodations you’re entitled to.