Are you eligible for Disability Parking Placards or Tags in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, you may go into the DC Department of Motor Vehicles and self-certify for a Disability Parking Placard or Tag, if:
- You are missing a one or both legs
- You are unable to walk without the assistance of a motorized wheelchair
A certified physician has to verify your impaired mobility and eligibility requirements in writing if it differs from the above criteria. Specifics that vary from the general requirements on the home page include:
- You are missing one or both legs
- You suffer from severe respiratory disease or ailment, where your Aerial PO2 is less than 60mm/hg and the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is less than 50% predicted value
- You have a physical disability that limits your ability long-term or temporary (must be specified by doctor)
What is the District of Columbia application process for Handicap Parking Plates and Placards?
You can get the Disability Parking Placard And/or Tags Application (Form DMV-MF-DPLP-01) by going to the closest District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles office or printing the document online.You and your licensed medical professional just need to complete and sign the application with all necessary information, if you can’t self-certify.
A One-Week Disability Parking Placard Application is available to any District of Columbia resident that follows the eligibility requirements. You don’t need a doctor’s certification and will just need to specify why you need the one-week application, for one of the following:
- Vehicle with Disability Tags is being replaced
- One-Week Temporary Disability
- To obtain a Physician’s Disability Certification
- Disabled Visitor
Once you finish either application, you can bring it in to the District of Columbia DMV, mail or fax to:
- Mail:
DC DMV
Medical Review Services
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090 - Fax: 202-673-9908
How long are Handicap Parking Plates and Placards Valid in DC?
Depending on the handicap parking permit, the validity varies:
- Disability Tags: 1-2 years, depending on vehicle’s registration
- Disability Parking Placards/Permits: 1-2 years
- Disability Tag and Parking Placard: specified by your doctor
You need to renew your Disability Parking Permits within 60 days of your permits expiration date. You can either renew your tags, permits or placards online or by mailing the Application for Disability Parking Placard And/or Tags to:
- DC DMV
ATTN: Disability Services
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
One-Week Disability Parking Placards, on the other hand, can’t be renewed.
Are there District of Columbia Disabled Veteran Plates?
Disabled Veteran Handicap Plates are accessible for any District of Columbia resident veteran who owns a state registered vehicle. The Office of Veterans Affairs handles all veteran plate transactions.
You need to fill out the Applicant Certification issued by the VA and provide proof of military service. If you’re interested, you may apply at:
- Office of Veteran Affairs
441 4th Street NW, Suite 570 South
Washington, DC 20001
Afterwards, bring in your DC driver’s license, vehicle registration and application to your nearest DMV service center to obtain the Veterans tags.
After experiencing the benefits of the DC Disabled Veteran Tags, you need to renew the plate by the expiration date. Similarly, you can experience the benefits of Social Security Disability after filing a claim.
Can I report Handicap Parking Abuse?
There are instances, disappointingly, where people who aren’t entitled for handicap parking and don’t have any mobility impairment misuse Handicap Parking spaces, plates, and permits.
A person who swiftly moves from a handicap space into their destination probably shouldn’t have parked there.
You can report Handicap Parking abuse by contacting authorities and alerting your local District of Columbia DMV Office immediately.
If you were to make false statements on any of the Disability Parking applications, you would be violating DC law and could be subject to:
- $1,000 fine, 180 days imprisonment or both
Where are the DC DMV Offices located?
District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicle Offices are located throughout the city 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 DC Department of Motor Vehicles website dmv.dc.gov, email at dmv@dc.gov or call 202-737-4404
- Adjudication Services
301 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:15-5:00 - Brentwood CDL Center and Road Test Office
1205 Brentwood Road, NE Washington, DC 20018
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:15-4:00 - Commercial Drivers License Road Test Lot
2390 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20032
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30-4:00 - Georgetown Service Center
3222 M Street, Canal Level, NW Washington, DC 20007
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:15-4:00 - Inspection Station
1001 Half Street, SW Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7:00-3:00 - Penn Branch Service Center
3220 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20019
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:15-4:00 - Rhode Island Service Center
2350 Washington Place, Suite 112N, NE Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:15-4:00 - Southwest Service Center
95 M Street, SW Washington DC, 20007
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:15-4:00
