In the State of Virginia, if you are disabled, then you can obtain special license plates or placards from the Virginia DMV that will allow you to park in special places, and also benefit from other privileges accorded to disabled drivers.
Types of Permits
Virginia offers the following:
- Permanent placards for people who have disabilities that are not likely to improve
- Temporary placards (good for up to six months) for people who are temporarily disabled
- Disabled license plates for permanently disabled people
- Disabled veteran plates
For any of these plates or placards, you must provide certification from your doctor as to the nature and duration of your disability.
Visitors
If you are visiting the State of Virginia, and you have disabled permits or plates from another state, Virginia will honor those permits and give you the same rights as a disabled resident in Virginia.
The rules
Under the rules of the State of Virginia as they apply to disabled drivers, you can park in disabled parking spots. You may not allow anyone else to use your permit.
Applying
In the State of Virginia, you can apply for a disability parking permit by filling out the Disabled Parking Placard or License Plates Application and providing medical certification from a doctor, a physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner. In some instances, certification from a podiatrist or chiropractor may also be accepted.
Fees
Fees must be paid by means of either a check or money order. Cash is not accepted. A placard will cost you five dollars. For a license plate, you will pay your normal registration fee. Fees and applications can be delivered in person, or mailed to:
DMV
P.O. Box 85815
Richmond, VA 23285
Organizations and institutions
If you are a member of an organization or institution that, in the ordinary course of duty, transports people who have disabilities, you can get a parking placard at no cost. Fill out the Organizational Disabled Parking Placard Application and mail it to the address shown on the form.
Disabled veterans’ plates
Disabled veterans can get a special plate at no cost by completing the Veteran Certification of Disability. It must include medical certification and also verification from the Veterans’ Administration.
Renewal
In the State of Virginia, placards and plates will expire. A permanent disabled placard has to be renewed every five years, as does an organizational or institutional placard. Temporary placards are good for six months.
You do not have to provide medical certification for renewals.
If you are a disabled person in the State of Virginia, then you are eligible for certain rights and privileges that override those of non-disabled people. These rights and privileges are not automatically accorded to you, though – you have to apply for them and prove that you are eligible.
