Tennessee residents with qualifying disabilities can obtain a disabled parking placard through their local county clerk’s office. Unlike many states where the central DMV handles everything, Tennessee routes the process through county-level offices—an important detail that affects how and where you apply. Here is a complete, accurate breakdown of how to get a Tennessee handicap placard, what it costs, and how to keep it valid.
Who Is Eligible for a Tennessee Handicap Placard?
Under Tennessee Code Annotated, any person classified as “disabled” is eligible for a parking placard. The law defines disabled individuals as those who are:
- Permanently confined to a wheelchair.
- Able to walk only with difficulty or uncertainty due to a permanent medical condition, amputation, or paralysis.
- Visually impaired with vision of 20/200 or less, even with corrective lenses.
- Temporarily disabled due to surgery, a bone fracture, or a similar condition that makes walking non-ambulatory or semi-ambulatory.
Both permanent and temporary placards are available depending on whether your condition is lifelong or expected to improve.
Types of Tennessee Handicap Placards and Fees
Tennessee has specific fee tiers for permanent placards depending on your vehicle registration status.
| Placard Type | Eligibility / Registration Status | Validity | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Permanently confined to a wheelchair | 2 years | Free | Free |
| Permanent | Applicant has a vehicle registered in their name | 2 years | Free | $3.00 |
| Permanent | Applicant does not have a vehicle registered in their name | 2 years | $26.50 | $3.00 |
| Temporary | Temporary non/semi-ambulatory condition | 6 months | $10.00 | $10.00 |
(Note: Your local county clerk may also charge a small, additional administrative fee on top of the state fees listed above).
The Application Form: Form RV-F1310301
All Tennessee handicap placard applications use Form RV-F1310301, titled Application for Disabled Person License Plate, Placard, or Decal. This single form covers plates, placards, and decals. You can find it:
- Online at the Tennessee Department of Revenue website (tn.gov/revenue).
- In person at your local county clerk’s office.
How to Apply for a Handicap Placard in Tennessee: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get the Application Form
Download Form RV-F1310301 or pick one up at your county clerk’s office.
Step 2: Complete Your Section and Sign
Fill in your name, address, and contact information. If you are applying for a permanent placard and want the fee waived, be sure to provide your vehicle registration information in Section C. Read the certification statement carefully and sign. If you are a parent or legal guardian applying for a disabled individual, note their name and your relationship on the form.
Step 3: Have a Qualified Medical Professional Certify Your Disability
The medical certification section (Section E) must be completed and signed by one of the following licensed professionals:
- Medical Doctor (MD or DO)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Chiropractic Physician
- Christian Science Practitioner listed in the Christian Science Journal
For temporary placards, the provider must also note the estimated duration of the disability. (Tennessee also accepts a signed prescription pad statement in place of the certification section, provided it is attached to the form and clearly describes the mobility limitation).
Step 4: Submit to Your County Clerk
Completed applications must be submitted to your local county clerk’s office—either in person or by mail. Contact information for county clerk offices is available at tn.gov/revenue. If submitting by mail, include a check or money order for the applicable fee.
How to Renew a Tennessee Handicap Placard (Online & by Mail)
- Permanent Placards: These expire two years from the date of issue. To renew, you do not need a new medical certification. Simply submit a renewal form (or the original Form RV-F1310301 without the medical section completed) to your county clerk along with the $3.00 fee.
- Temporary Placards: Temporary placards are valid for six months and can only be renewed once. To renew, you must submit a brand-new application with a fresh medical certification and pay the $10.00 fee. If you need parking privileges beyond 12 months, you will need to apply for a permanent placard.
Note: While Tennessee allows online renewals for standard vehicle registration, placard renewals are currently handled by mail or in person at the county level.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Tennessee Handicap Placard
To replace a lost or stolen placard, submit a new Form RV-F1310301 to your county clerk along with a signed affidavit confirming the placard was lost or stolen. For a damaged placard, bring or attach the remaining portion of the old placard. The replacement fee is $2.00.
Tennessee Handicap Placard Rules: Legal Requirements and Penalties
Your placard is personal to you. It may be used in any vehicle you are riding in or driving—but only when you are physically present.
- When parked in a designated space, hang the placard from the rearview mirror so the expiration date is visible.
- You must remove the placard from the mirror before driving to avoid obstructing your view.
- Misuse of a placard (such as lending it to a family member when you are not with them) is a misdemeanor under Tennessee law, punishable by fines and revocation of the placard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times vary by county. If you submit your application by mail, expect a wait of 2 to 4 weeks. If you need the placard immediately, it is highly recommended to visit the county clerk’s office in person, where they can usually issue it over the counter.
Yes. Placards are issued to the person with the disability, not tied to a specific vehicle. However, note that initial permanent placards cost $26.50 if you do not have a vehicle registered in your name (unless you are permanently confined to a wheelchair).
Yes. The state requires a medical doctor licensed to practice medicine; this includes doctors licensed in other states, provided they can accurately certify your condition.
Yes. All 50 states have reciprocity agreements and recognize disability placards issued by Tennessee.
Conclusion
Getting a Tennessee handicap placard begins with Form RV-F1310301 and ends at your local county clerk’s office. The key to a smooth process is ensuring your medical provider fills out the certification completely and accurately. Once your placard is issued, be sure to keep track of its two-year expiration date so you never experience a disruption to your parking access.
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