West Virginia calls its program the Mobility Impaired Plate and Placard Program, which is administered by the WV Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you have a condition that limits your ability to walk, you may qualify for a parking placard that provides access to designated mobility-impaired parking spaces statewide. Here is exactly how to apply, what it costs, and the rules you must follow once your placard is issued.
West Virginia Handicap Placard Eligibility Requirements
The West Virginia DMV issues placards to individuals with a mobility impairment that has been certified by a licensed medical professional. Qualifying conditions include any of the following, as defined in WV Code §17C-13:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
- Restricted by severe lung disease (e.g., forced expiratory volume for 1 second is less than 1 liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest).
- Uses portable oxygen.
- Has a cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
- Severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
Note: You are not required to own a vehicle, drive a vehicle, or hold a driver’s license to qualify for a placard.
Types of West Virginia Handicap Placards
- Permanent Placard: Issued for conditions expected to last the duration of the applicant’s life. It is valid for 5 years.
- Temporary Placard: Issued for conditions of limited duration that are expected to improve. It is valid for up to 6 months. Temporary placards cannot be renewed; if the condition persists, a brand-new application with physician recertification is required.
The WV Handicap Placard Application (Form DMV-41-TR)
All applications use Form DMV-41-TR (Parking Application for a Mobility Impaired Person). The applicant is responsible for completing Section 1, while a licensed medical professional completes Section 2.
Eligible certifying professionals in West Virginia include:
- Licensed Physicians (MD or DO)
- Chiropractors
- Advanced Nurse Practitioners (APRN/NP)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
Crucial Form Requirement: Applicants must enter their Social Security Number in the light gray box on the upper right corner of the application. Do NOT write in the black box directly below it—that space is strictly for DMV use only.
How to Apply for a Handicap Placard in West Virginia:
Step 1: Download Form DMV-41-TR
Download the form from the West Virginia Department of Transportation website (transportation.wv.gov) under the DMV Forms section. It is a fillable PDF that you can type into before printing.
Step 2: Complete the Applicant Section (Section 1)
Fill in your personal information, including your SSN, legal name, and address. If you are also applying for a mobility-impaired license plate, you must complete Sub-Section C with your vehicle registration information. (Note: To get a license plate, the applicant’s name must appear on the WV vehicle registration).
Step 3: Have Your Medical Provider Complete Section 2
Your doctor or authorized provider must certify at least one qualifying condition, indicate whether the disability is permanent or temporary, and provide their signature and medical license number. All provider signatures and license numbers are verified by the state, and the DMV may request further documentation if needed.
Step 4: Submit the Application
There is no fee for an initial permanent or temporary placard. You can submit your completed form in two ways:
- In person: Drop it off at any WV DMV Regional Office.
- By mail: Send it to Mobility Impaired Placards & Plates, PO Box 17030, Charleston, WV 25317 (always verify the P.O. Box on the most current version of your form, as the DMV occasionally updates mailing codes).
How to Renew Your West Virginia Handicap Placard
Permanent mobility-impaired placards are valid for 5 years. The West Virginia DMV will typically mail a renewal reminder to the address on file before your expiration date. To renew, simply complete the renewal notice and mail it back—no new physician certification is required for permanent placard renewals.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you must contact the DMV or resubmit a new Form DMV-41-TR. In this scenario, the DMV may require a new physician certification. Keep your address current with the DMV so you do not miss your renewal window!
How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged WV Handicap Placard
If your West Virginia placard is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement at any DMV Regional Office or by mail using Form DMV-41-TR.
- The replacement fee is $5.00.
- Medical recertification is not required for replacements.
- If the placard was stolen, it is highly recommended (though not strictly required) to include a copy of the police report with your replacement request.
How to Display and Use Your WV Placard
- Display: When parked in a mobility-impaired space, hang the placard from the interior rearview mirror so it is conspicuously visible from the outside. If your vehicle does not have a rearview mirror, place it clearly on the dashboard.
- Driving: You must remove the placard from the mirror before driving to ensure clear vision and safe operation of the vehicle.
- The ID Card: The WV DMV issues an Identification Card along with your placard. You must carry this ID card on your person whenever you are using the placard to park in an accessible space, and present it to law enforcement if requested.
- Strict Non-Transferability: The placard belongs to you. Loaning it to any person—even another person with a disability—is unlawful regardless of the circumstances. A fine of up to $500 may be assessed for misuse or fraudulent applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times vary by submission method. In-person applications at a DMV Regional Office are often processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail submissions typically take 2 to 4 weeks. If you have an immediate need, visiting a regional office is best.
Yes. You do not need a driver’s license or vehicle registration to receive a placard. The placard is issued to you as an individual and may be used in any vehicle in which you are riding or driving.
Initial permanent and temporary placards are completely free. Replacement placards cost $5.00. (If you opt for mobility-impaired license plates, standard vehicle registration fees will apply).
The DMV strictly follows the medical provider’s certification. If you believe your condition qualifies as permanent, you must ask your physician to recertify with a correction. You can then resubmit Form DMV-41-TR with the updated, accurate certification.
Conclusion:
The West Virginia handicap placard application is straightforward: one form, one physician signature, and a quick submission to a DMV office or by mail. Permanent placard holders benefit from a 5-year validity and a simple renewal process with no medical recertification. Keep your contact information current with the DMV so renewal notices reach you — missing the window doesn’t disqualify you, but it does add steps.
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