Are you eligible for Disability Parking Plates and Placards in Maine?
A medical provider, physician or nurse, needs to certify your impaired mobility stating that you meet the eligibility requirements. Details that differ from the general eligibility guidelines include:
- You can’t walk 200 feet without rest
- You suffer from severe lung disease with a forced expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter
- You are severely limited in ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition
You may also be eligible for temporary placards only if you’re recovering from childbirth:
- Cesarean delivery – only valid for 1 week after receipt of application
- For birth of preterm infant – valid up to 6 months
Agencies and organizations that transport disabled clients or patients could also be eligible to receive handicap parking privileges.
What is the Maine application process for Handicap Parking Plates and Placards?
You can get the Application for Disability Plates/Placards (Form PS-18) by going to your nearest Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Office or printing the document online.
You and your Maine licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse just need to complete and sign the application with all necessary information. Once you finish this quick application, you can submit it by one of the following:
- Bring it in to your local BMV Office
- Fax:
207-624-9204 - Mail:
Disability Clerk
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
If you’re applying for plates, remember to send a copy of your current registration along with your application. There is also no fee required.
How long are Handicap Parking Plates and Placards Valid in Maine?
Depending on the disability plate or placard, permanent or temporary, the validity varies.
- Permanent: valid for up to 4 years
- Temporary: valid for 6 months or less
For your convenience, Maine handicap plates and placards just need to be renewed by the expiration date on the plate or placard and can be done by mail.
Are there Maine Disabled Veteran Plates?
Disabled Veteran Plates are available to Maine resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability certified by the Veterans Administration.
When initially applying, you must go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Main Office or by a mailing request. You will have to present a copy of your registration and a letter from the Veterans Administration.
- Main Office
101 Hospital Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0029 - Mailing Address
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Registration Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Upon qualification, you will be exempt from paying the registration fee, as well as potentially being excused from excise tax, title fees and sales tax.
After experiencing the benefits of the Maine Disabled Veteran Plates, you need to renew the plate by the expiration date. Similarly, you can appreciate the benefits of Social Security Disability after filing a claim.
Can I report Handicap Parking Abuse?
Unfortunately, there are instances where people who aren’t eligible for handicap parking and don’t have any impairment misuse handicap parking spaces, plates, and placards.
If someone parks in handicap parking space and is able to move freely without issue to a destination, there’s a chance they shouldn’t have parked there.
Misuse of disability and access parking spaces are considered traffic violations by the State of Maine, if abused you could be subject of a fine of at least $200. Under no circumstances may a vehicle block handicap spaces.
You can report handicap and disability parking abuse by contacting local authorities and property owners.
Where are the Maine BMV Offices located?
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle offices are scattered throughout the state and they offer a variety of services, including driver license services, disabled parking permits, registration and title transactions, license plate renewals, among other things.
If you would like more information, feel free to visit the Maine BMV website or call 207-624-9000.
- Augusta
19 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-3330 - Bangor
Airport Mall, 1129 Union Street, Suite 9, Bangor, ME 04401
207-942-1319 - Calais
23 Washington Street, Suite 2, Calais, ME 04619
207-454-2175 - Caribou
14 Access Highway, Suite 2, Caribou, ME 04736
207-492-9141 - Ellsworth
24 Church Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
207-667-9363 - Kennebunk
63 Portland Road, Suite 4, Kennebunk, ME 04043
207-985-4890 - Lewiston
36 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240
207-753-7750 - Portland
125 Presumpscot Street, Unit 4, Portland, ME 04103
207-822-6400 - Rockland
360 Old County Road, Suite 1, Rockland, ME 04841
207-596-2255 - Rumford
65 Lincoln Avenue, Rumford, ME 04276
207-369-9921 - Scarborough
248 Payne Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
207-883-2596 - Springvale
456 Main Street, Springvale, ME 04083
207-490-1261 - Topsham
49 Topsham Fair Mall Road, Topsham, ME 04086
207-725-6520
Applying for Handicap Parking Plates and Placards can ease your lifestyle. No doubt. There are more options out there to benefit your life with disability. And filing a Social Security Disability Claim can help you out with that. Find out if you qualify and learn more here.
