Disability Plates and Placards in South Carolina

SUMMARY: South Carolina Disability Plates & Placards

In South Carolina, you can apply for disabled parking placards or license plates from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), if you have a qualifying impairment. Details about parking placards and license plates for people with disabilities can be found below, including handicapped parking rules, applications for disability parking placards and plates, and parking permit renewal and replacement steps and requirements.

Types of Disabled Permits in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the DMV offers both temporary and permanent disability permits.

If you have a qualifying temporary disability, you can receive a temporary placard.

If you have a qualifying permanent disability, you can receive a permanent placard and/or one of the following license plates (if eligible):

  • Standard or personalized disability plates.
  • Disabled veteran handicapped plates.

Disabled Parking Rules

ONLY YOU can use your disability placard or license plate. The SC DMV now issues placards with your picture on them to reduce illegal use.

You must also have your disability certificate with you when you use handicapped parking. This certificate will be issued at the same time as your placard or license plate.

Your disability placard or license plate allows you to:

  • Park in handicapped parking spaces.
  • Park at city parking meters without paying.

Visitors to SC with Disabilities

If you are traveling to South Carolina from another state, you can use your out-of-state disability placard or plate, as all placards and plates are recognized in all other states.

Apply for a SC Disability Permit

You can apply for a SC disability placard, license plate, or veteran license plate:

  • By mail.
    OR
  • In person.

To apply, your SC driver's license, beginner permit, or identification card photo must be on file with the DMV.

You will need to submit:

  • A completed Disabled Placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A). The application must include:
    • Medical certification from a licensed physician.
    • A legible prescription order with an original signature.
  • Payment for the fees:
    • Disability placard: $1.
    • License plate: $36.
    • Veteran plates: Free.
    • Personalized plates: Additional $30.
  • Proof of veteran eligibility, if you are applying for veteran plates.

Return your application in person to your local SC DMV office or by mail to:

SC Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

You should receive your disability placard or plate by mail.

Applications for Organizations

Organizations that regularly transport people with disabilities are also eligible for disabled placards or license plates.

To apply, complete the Organization Disabled Placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007B) and submit it by mail to:

SC Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

Include payment for applicable fees, listed on the application.

Renew a South Carolina Disability Permit

All South Carolina disability placards and license plates expire:

  • A temporary placard is valid for up to 4 months, based on your doctor's certification.
  • A permanent placard is valid for 4 years.
  • A disability license plate is valid for 2 years.

You must apply for a new placard before yours expires to continue receiving parking benefits. This includes submitting updated medical certification.

If you have a disability license plate, you must also renew your vehicle registration.

See “ Apply for a SC Disability Permit" above for application details.

Replace a Disability Plate or Placard

If your disability placard or license plate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it by applying for a new placard or license plate.

See the section “ Apply for a SC Disability Permit" above for application requirements.

Forms

RG-007A
Disabled Placard and License Plate Application
Apply for an original, renewal, OR replacement disabled parking placard, plate, OR decal with the SC DMV.
RG-007B
Organization Disabled Placard and License Plate Application
South Carolina DMV application for original, replacement, OR renewed disabled plates OR placards for a vehicle belonging to an organization.
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