Disability Plates and Placards in Maryland
Disability Placards & Plates in Maryland
Placards and license plates for people with disabilities are issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Disability placards and plates allow parking in designated handicap spots as well as other parking privileges.
Read below for more information about disability placards and license plates in Maryland, including how to apply.
Rules for Disability Plates & Placards
In Maryland, you can apply for a:
- Permanent or temporary disability placard (depending upon the nature of your disability).
- Disability license plate, if you have a permanent disability.
Permits for handicap parking require the certification and signature of a doctor or other approved medical professional.
MD Visitors with Disabilities
You can use your out-of-state disability placard or license plates when traveling in Maryland since all states recognize the disability permits issued by other states.
Handicap Parking Rules
Maryland offers several parking benefits to drivers with disabilities:
- Access to parking spaces designated for people with disabilities.
- Waived parking meter fees ONLY IF the parking meter DOES NOT meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
- Extended time in metered spaces: Up to 2 times the time limit in metered spaces for a maximum of 4 hours.
Parking Meter Fees!
Baltimore and other areas of Maryland are installing parking meters that are ADA compliant and REQUIRE FEES from ALL drivers.
Look for SIGNS and instructions where you park.
Apply for Disability Parking in MD
You can apply for a disability placard or plate:
- By mail.
- By fax.
OR
- In person.
You will need to:
- Fill out the Application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability (Form VR-210).
- Have one of the following professionals fill out the certification section on the form:
- Licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
- Licensed chiropractor or podiatrist.
- Licensed optometrist.
NOTE: You may self-certify the loss of a limb; however, you will need to apply in person.
- Payment for fees:
- Placards: free.
- License plates: $20 replacement tag fee. (You will also need to pay registration fees if your registration renewal is due.
Submit your application:
- By mail to the address on the form.
- By fax from your physician to (410) 787-7840.
- In person at a Maryland MVA office (applications are not accepted at the Oakland office).
NOTE: To apply for a disability license plate, you must go to a full service MVA location (NOT an express location).
Renew a Maryland Disability Placard/Plate
All placards and plates for handicap parking expire.
- Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months.
- Permanent placards do not contain an expiration date.
- License plates are valid for 2 years.
Temporary disability placards CANNOT be renewed. If your temporary placard expires and you still need it, you must apply for a new temporary disability placard.
If you have a permanent handicap placard, the Maryland MVA will send you a renewal notice before it expires. Be sure that your address is up to date.
To renew your permanent disability placard:
- Verify the information on the renewal notice.
- Note any changes, such as an address change.
- Sign and date the application.
- Mail it back to the address on the notice.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can call the MVA Customer Service Center at (410) 768-7000.
To renew a disability license plate, simply renew your vehicle registration.
Replace a Disability Placard or Plate
If your disability placard is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to the local Maryland law enforcement agency and obtain a police report number.
Then complete the Application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability (Form VR-210).
On the application, be sure to include:
- The number of the police report.
AND
- The name of the law enforcement agency that took the report.
Take the completed form to a Maryland MVA office in person or mail it to the address specified on the form.
Placards are issued for free.