All qualified disabled individuals are eligible for placards. A qualifying disability is defined as blindness or any condition that substantially limits a person’s ability to walk or that results in the use of a wheelchair, walker, crutch or other assistive device.
The Department of State issues disability placards. Applicants must complete and sign Part 1 of the Disability Parking Placard Application (Form BFS-108). A licensed physician, chiropractor, optometrist, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant must complete and sign Part 2; he or she must complete and sign Part 3 if the applicant qualifies for free parking. The form can be obtained online.
Placards are free.
Permanent placards (blue) are valid for 4 years and expire on the applicant’s birthday. Temporary placards (red) are issued for 1 to 6 months.
Permanent placards can be renewed up to 45 days prior to a placard’s expiration date or before 6 months of the expiration in case the applicant will be out of state during the renewal period. Recertification of disability is not required, and there is no renewal fee.
Temporary placards cannot be renewed. If the placard expires and the disability still exists, a new application with certification by a qualified medical professional is required.
A $10 fee is levied for the replacement of lost or stolen permanent and temporary placards. Be ready to provide identification when requesting a replacement placard.
The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle when parked in a disabled space. It must be duly removed when the vehicle is in motion.