Virginia’s disabled parking program is handled entirely by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and offers both free temporary and permanent placards. Whether you have a mobility impairment, a condition that creates a safety risk while walking, or are part of an organization transporting individuals with disabilities, the Virginia DMV has a straightforward pathway for you. Here is everything you need to know.
Virginia Handicap Placard Eligibility
Under Virginia Code, you are eligible for a disabled parking placard if your condition limits or impairs your ability to walk, or if your condition creates a safety concern while walking. This definition is intentionally broad, covering:
- Conditions that prevent walking 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Conditions requiring the use of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, or other prosthetic/assistive device.
- Chronic respiratory illnesses or severe cardiac conditions that limit exertion.
- Vision impairment of 20/200 or less with corrective lenses.
- Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or developmental disabilities that create a safety hazard during walking.
- Limb amputation, severe arthritis, or neurological conditions.
Both temporary and permanent individual placards are issued completely free of charge in Virginia.
Types of Virginia Disabled Parking Permits: Placards, Plates, and Institutional
The Virginia DMV offers the following disability parking options:
- Permanent Placard: Issued when the disability is considered permanent and not expected to change. It is valid for 5 years.
- Temporary Placard: Issued for conditions expected to improve (such as recovery from surgery). It is valid for up to 12 months. Temporary placards cannot be renewed; a new application is required if the condition persists.
- Institutional Placard: For nonprofits, institutions, and organizations that regularly transport individuals with disabilities. Valid for 5 years.
- Disabled License Plates: Available for vehicles owned by permanently disabled individuals. While placards are free, standard vehicle registration fees apply for plates.
The Virginia DMV Handicap Placard Application (Form MED 10)
The central document for getting a Virginia handicap placard is Form MED 10 (Disabled Parking Plates or Placard Application). This form must be completed by both the applicant and a qualified medical professional.
Authorized medical certifiers in Virginia include:
- Licensed Physicians
- Physician Assistants (PA)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Podiatrists (for foot/ankle conditions)
- Chiropractors (for spinal/mobility conditions)
How to Apply for a Virginia Disabled Parking Placard
Step 1: Obtain Form MED 10
Download Form MED 10 directly from the Virginia DMV website (dmv.virginia.gov) or pick a physical copy up at any DMV customer service center or DMV Select office.
Step 2: Complete the Applicant Section
Fill in your full legal name, current address, and date of birth. Important: Make sure your address matches what is on file at the DMV. If it doesn’t, you must submit an Address Change Request (Form ISD 01) alongside your application.
Step 3: Obtain Medical Certification
Have your authorized medical provider complete and sign the medical certification section.
- For a temporary placard: The provider must include the start and expected end dates of the impairment (not to exceed 12 months).
- For a permanent placard: The provider must certify that the condition has reached maximum improvement and is not expected to change.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Virginia offers two submission options for initial applications:
- By mail: Send the completed form to: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 85815, Richmond, VA 23285-5815
- In person: Drop it off at any DMV customer service center or DMV Select office.
Step 5: Track Your Placard Delivery
The Virginia DMV typically mails your placard within 15 days of receiving your application. You can monitor the delivery status using the “Disabled Placard Delivery Status” tool on the Virginia My DMV online portal.
A Note on Temporary Receipts: If you apply in person at a DMV office, you will be given a temporary receipt. You may legally hang this receipt from your rearview mirror to utilize disabled parking privileges for up to 15 days while you wait for your official placard to arrive in the mail.
How to Renew a Virginia Disabled Parking Placard (No Re-Certification Required)
- Permanent Placards: Must be renewed every 5 years. The Virginia DMV will usually send a renewal notice, but you can also submit a new Form MED 10 if you don’t receive one. Crucially, you do NOT need a new medical certification to renew a permanent placard. You can renew up to one year before or after the expiration date.
- Temporary Placards: Cannot be renewed. If you still need parking accommodations after your temporary placard expires, you must submit a brand-new MED 10 form with an updated medical certification from your doctor.
How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Virginia Handicap Placard
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged permanent placard, submit Form MED 10. You only need to fill out the applicant information—physician recertification is not required for replacements. You can submit this by mail or in person.
(Note: If your temporary placard expires within 30 days of being lost or damaged, the DMV will not issue a replacement; you must apply for a new placard instead).
Virginia Handicap Placard Rules: Display Requirements and Penalties
Your placard allows you to park in any designated disabled parking space, as well as park for up to four hours in metered or time-restricted spaces without paying a fee (unless prohibited by local city ordinances).
- The ID Card: Along with your placard, the DMV issues a Disabled Parking Placard Identification Card. In Virginia, you are required to carry this ID card at all times when using the placard and must present it to law enforcement upon request.
- Display: The placard must hang from the rearview mirror so the expiration date is visible through the windshield. It must be removed before putting the vehicle in motion.
- Presence: The placard holder—whether acting as the driver or a passenger—must be physically present in the vehicle. Misusing a placard by lending it to someone else can result in fines of up to $500 and the revocation of your parking privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both temporary and permanent placards for individuals are completely free. Disabled license plates, however, carry standard vehicle registration fees.
No. Initial applications require a physically signed MED 10 form and must be submitted by mail or in person. However, some renewals, replacements, and status checks can be managed through the Virginia My DMV online platform.
Temporary Virginia disabled parking placards are valid for up to 12 months, as determined by your medical provider. They cannot be renewed—a new application is required if your condition persists.
Yes. Virginia recognizes all valid out-of-state disability parking placards and license plates. Visitors may use their home-state placard to park in Virginia’s designated accessible spaces, provided the placard is clearly displayed.
Conclusion:
Virginia makes the disabled parking placard process straightforward and cost-free. Download Form MED 10, have your medical provider certify your condition, and submit by mail or at any DMV office. For permanent placard holders, renewal is equally simple — no re-certification needed, and you can even do it up to a year before expiration. Use the Virginia My DMV online portal to track your placard’s delivery and stay on top of renewal dates.
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