Disability Plates and Placards in Ohio

SUMMARY: Ohio Disability Placards & Plates

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues disability parking permits and offers both placards and license plates. Details about placards and license plates for people with disabilities—including handicapped parking permit applications, placard and plate renewal, and how to replace a placard or plate if it is lost or stolen—can be found below.

Types of Ohio Disability Permits

A disability parking placard is a small sign with a wheelchair symbol that is hung on the rearview mirror of your car. You are eligible for a placard if you:

  • Have a temporary disability.
  • Have a permanent disability.
  • Are part of an organization that transports people with disabilities.

A disability license plate replaces standard license plates on vehicles. License plates are available to you if you have a disability AND own or lease your own vehicle.

NOTE: If your vehicle is designed or altered to transport people with disabilities and is primarily used for that purpose, you can get a handicapped license plate even if you don't have a disability.

Visitors with Disabilities

Ohio recognizes the handicap placards and license plates of all other states. However, you are subject to OH parking regulations while in the state.

OH placards and plates are also recognized in every other U.S. state and are subject to each state's parking rules.

Apply for a Disability Placard or Plate

You can apply for a disabled parking placard or license plate from the OH BMV either by mail or in person. The process differs depending on if you want a placard or a license plate.

Disability Placard

To apply for a handicap parking placard in Ohio, you will need:

  • The Application for Disability Placards (Form BMV 4826).
  • A prescription from a healthcare professional.
    NOTE: A prescription is NOT required for organizations.
  • Payment for the $5 fee (per placard).

To apply by mail, send your application and fee to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216

To apply in person, visit your local OH deputy registrar's office.

Handicap License Plate

For a disability license plate, you must have an eligible disability AND own or lease your car.

NOTE: If you drive a vehicle that is used primarily to transport those with disabilities, you can apply for handicap license plates through the same method below, however you will not require medical certification.

To apply for a handicapped license plate, submit the following to the Ohio BMV:

Renew an Ohio Handicap Permit

All handicapped parking permits expire and must be renewed.

  • Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months only.
  • Permanent disability placards are valid for as long as your doctor indicates necessary on your application.
  • License plates are valid for the length of your vehicle registration.

To renew a temporary placard, you must re-apply by submitting a new Application for Disability Placards (Form BMV 4826) and medical certification.

If you have a permanent placard, the Ohio BMV will send you a renewal application before your placard expires. Follow the instructions on this form to renew your permanent placard.

To renew a handicapped license plate, you must simply renew your vehicle registration.

Replace a Disability Parking Permit in OH

If your disability placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement by submitting a completed Application for Disability Placards (Form BMV 4826) along with payment for the $5 fee.

You DO NOT need a new medical prescription for a replacement placard.

If your disability license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can find replacement information on our Ohio lost registration page.

Forms

BMV 4834
Health Care Provider Certification of Eligibility for Disability License Plates
Submit this form to the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles to confirm your eligibility for disability license plates. To be completed by your healthcare provider.
BMV 4826
Application for Disability Placards
Submit this form with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to order disability placards. May be used by individuals with disabilities OR organizations transporting disabled persons.
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