Drivers with Disabilities

Included in this section is information on obtaining placards and license plates for disabled drivers. These items are displayed on your vehicle to notify law enforcement that you are disabled and therefore have the right to park in special parking spaces reserved for the disabled.

Who is Eligible?

Disability placards are available to use whether you're a driver or a passenger. A disabled driver or passenger is a person who cannot walk more than 200 feet without assistance. It includes people with cardiac and lung conditions, as well as those who are confined to wheelchairs or use crutches.

Permanent placards are valid for two years. Temporary placards are also available and are valid for up to six months. They can be issued again only once.

The specific time length for a temporary placard will depend on your condition and your doctor's orders. All applications must be completed by your doctor, and some doctors use their own forms to submit your information.

When renewing a disabled placard, you must resubmit your medical certification.

How to Apply

You can download the placard and plate application using the free Adobe Reader, or pick one up at your local county clerk's office.

Note that misrepresentation regarding disabled drivers, placards, and plates is a Class A misdemeanor and could result in fines of $1,000.

Fees

Temporary placards are $10, and permanent placards are $21.50 and $3 to renew every two years.

All placards cost $2 to replace if lost or stolen.

Specialty Disabled License Plates

You may also apply for a specialty disabled license plate at a fee of $21.50 annually.

There is no fee for plates to those who are permanently confined to a wheelchair; placards are also free if requested at the same time as the plate.

Applications for disabled plates must be completed by your doctor, as well.

Be sure to also check out our License Plates and Placards section, as well as Tennessee's disabled driver license plates page.

Travelers

Since each state has similar requirements for obtaining disabled parking placards, your Tennessee disabled parking placard should be valid in all states. However, we recommend checking ahead to make sure by referring to our Drivers with Disabilities section for the state to which you're traveling. It's also wise to always carry a copy of your medical certification in the vehicle in case you need to provide documentation of your disability to an out-of-state authority.

Contact your clerk's office if you have any questions.