Washington State’s disability parking permit program, administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL), offers residents with qualifying disabilities several ways to access reserved parking—including placards, license plates, and parking tabs. Whether you have a permanent condition or are dealing with a temporary limitation, the DOL provides options suited to your specific situation.
Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, the disability parking permit application process, renewal, and replacement in Washington.
Who Qualifies for a Washington State Disability Parking Permit?
To receive disabled parking privileges in Washington, an authorized healthcare provider must determine that you have a disability meeting at least one of these criteria:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Walking ability is severely limited due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
- Cannot walk without a brace, cane, prosthetic device, assistive device, or assistance from another person.
- Requires the use of portable oxygen.
- Has a lung disease severely restricting respiratory function.
- Has Class III or Class IV cardiovascular disease.
- Is legally blind with limited mobility.
- Has an acute sensitivity to auto emissions that limits the ability to walk.
- Is restricted by porphyria (applicant benefits from a decrease in exposure to light).
Authorized Medical Providers: Washington accepts medical certifications from a licensed Medical Doctor (MD), Osteopathic Physician (DO), Chiropractor (DC), Podiatrist (DPM), Naturopathic Physician (ND), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), or Physician Assistant (PA).
Washington State Disability Parking Permit Types: Placards, Plates, Tabs, and Organizational Permits
| Permit Type | Color | Validity | Quantity Allowed | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Placard | Blue | 5 years | Up to 2 per individual | Free |
| Temporary Placard | Red | Up to 12 months | 1 per individual | Free |
| Disability License Plate | N/A | Annual (with registration) | 1 set (must be registered owner) | Standard plate fees |
| Disability Parking Tab | N/A | Annual (with registration) | 1 tab (can also have 1 placard) | Standard tab fees |
(Note: If you are a U.S. Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher, or you use a service animal, you may qualify for special Disabled Veteran parking privileges).
How to Apply for a Washington State Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step
Washington State uses the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (Form TD-420-073). Here is exactly how to apply:
Step 1: Get the Application Form
Download the application from the Washington DOL website (dol.wa.gov) or request a physical copy at any vehicle licensing office. Fill out the Applicant section.
Step 2: Get Medical Certification (Read Carefully!)
Your authorized healthcare provider must fill out and sign the medical section of the form.
Crucial Rule: The DOL strictly requires a separate signed authorization from your doctor stating your name and that you have a qualifying condition. This authorization MUST be written on official prescription paper or office letterhead (photocopies are not accepted). Pro Tip: If your doctor prints the actual DOL application directly onto their prescription paper, it satisfies both requirements at once!
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application and the healthcare provider’s original authorization:
- In Person: Drop it off at any local vehicle licensing office.
- By Mail: Send the documents to: Special Plate Unit, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9043, Olympia, WA 98507.
- Online (Temporary Only): If you are applying for a temporary red placard, you also have the option to submit your application online through the DOL’s License eXpress portal.
Step 4: Wait for Your Placard and ID Card
Once processed, your placards, plates, or tabs will be mailed directly to you. You will also receive a separate “Individual with Disabilities Parking Privilege” ID card in the mail within 2 to 4 weeks. You must keep this ID card in your wallet to provide to law enforcement upon request.
How to Renew Your Washington State Disability Parking Permit
- Permanent Placards: Must be renewed every 5 years. The DOL will send a renewal notice 45 days before expiration. You must get a brand-new original, signed prescription/letterhead from your doctor to renew.(Photocopies are not accepted). Renewal is free.
- Temporary Placards: Valid for up to 12 months. Once it expires, you cannot simply renew or extend it. If you still need accessible parking, you must apply for a brand-new permit with a fresh medical certification.
- License Plates & Tabs: Must be renewed annually as part of your regular vehicle registration cycle.
How to Get a Replacement Handicap Placard
If your disability parking placard or ID card is lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated, you can request a replacement by submitting the Disabled Parking Replacement Application (Form TD-420-076). You do not need a new doctor’s signature to get a replacement. Submit the form by mail or in person at any vehicle licensing office.
Washington State Disability Parking Privileges: Free Meters, Unlimited Time in Zones, and Van-Accessible Space Rules
- Metered Parking: With a valid placard or plate, you may park at metered on-street parking free of charge, and in time-restricted zones for any duration (unless a local city ordinance strictly imposes a minimum 4-hour limit for disability permit holders). Note: Private, off-street parking lots may still charge standard fees.
- Display: When parked in an accessible space, hang your placard from the rearview mirror so it is fully visible. Remove it from the mirror before driving to ensure a clear line of sight.
- Van-Accessible Spaces: These extra-wide spaces are specifically intended for wheelchair-lift vans. Use them only if you drive a wheelchair van, or if absolutely no other accessible space is available.
- Strict Authorized Use: Never allow someone else to use your disability parking permit when you are not physically present in the vehicle.
- Penalties: Providing false information on an application is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Misusing a disability parking space can also result in hefty fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you are visiting from another state and your permit is valid in your home state, it is fully recognized in Washington. However, you are expected to follow local Washington parking laws and meter ordinances.
Yes. If your dependent has a qualifying disability, you can apply for up to two blue placards for the vehicles you use to transport them. The caregiver must complete a Certificate of Fact form stating their relationship to the dependent.
No, Washington uses hanging placards (for multiple vehicles), disabled parking tabs (a small decal added to an existing specialty plate), or full disabled license plates.
Once the DOL receives and processes your application, placards and plates are usually mailed within 7 to 10 days. The accompanying ID card arrives separately within 2 to 4 weeks.
Conclusion
Getting a disability parking permit in Washington State requires a completed application with healthcare provider certification submitted to the DOL in person or by mail. Permanent placards are free, valid for five years, and require renewal with a fresh provider certification. Your ID card travels with you as proof of your parking privilege. If your placard is ever lost, the DOL’s replacement process is accessible by phone or at any participating vehicle licensing office. Keeping your permit current and your ID card on hand ensures you can always verify your access right when it matters most.
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