Information for Disabled Drivers in Massachusetts
A disabled person placard in Massachusetts may be obtained through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) of the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Disabled motorists need to submit a disabled placard application in order to be able to park in designated parking spaces and access the other benefits that come with these placards. Disability parking tags may be issued to licensed drivers who are medically certified to have either a temporary or a permanent disability to operate a motor vehicle.
To obtain a placard, motorists need to complete an application form and submit it to the MA RMV. Moreover, drivers may be required to perform a handicap parking tag renewal when approaching the expiration date of the placard or a replacement when facing a lost, stolen or destroyed placard. Learn more about these placards and how to qualify for handicapped parking in Massachusetts by reading the sections below.
Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in Massachusetts
In order to apply for a handicap placard in Massachusetts, drivers need to satisfy certain eligibility criteria and qualifications. The MA RMV has set a list of requirements that drivers need to meet when applying for a placard. Some of these requirements are as follows:
- Disability to walk for 200 feet without a rest and without a helping device.
- Legal blindness.
- Chronic lung disease and possible usage of portable oxygen.
- Cardiovascular d
- Loss of limb or a permanent loss of the ability to use a limb.
Drivers may apply for disability parking permits when they have one of the listed health conditions on a temporary or permanent basis. To obtain a disabled person parking placard in MA, applicants need to complete an application form and have a health care provider complete and sign the second page of the form.
The health care provider may be a medical doctor, chiropractor, registered nurse, physician assistant, osteopath, optometrist or podiatrist. In addition to the application form, drivers may be also required to submit other documents that will support and prove their current condition.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Massachusetts
In order to obtain a handicap parking tag, motorists will be required to perform the following:
- Complete and sign an Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate.
- Have a health care provider complete and sign the second page of the application.
- Have the health care provider to submit any additional documents required to prove your condition.
After completing these three steps for getting a disabled person placard, drivers need to submit the application form either by mail or in person at a local MA RMV office.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard by Mail
Drivers may apply for a handicap parking tag in Massachusetts after completing the three above-mentioned steps. Motorists need to download the application form, complete the first page and ask a health care provider to fill in the second page with the necessary information about their disability. Once drivers have a fully completed application, they may choose to submit it by mail by sending it to the address on the form.
How to Apply for a Disability Placard in Person
Disabled motorists may also apply for placards by visiting a nearby MA RMV location in person. Applicants need to obtain a disabled parking tag application form, complete it and take it to a health care provide to fill in the second page and to provide a signature. After that, applicants need to submit the completed application form to the MA RMV.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Massachusetts
Motorists need to learn how to renew a disability parking permit in Massachusetts prior to the expiration dates of their placards. The validity period for the placards may vary depending on the type of disability that the driver has. If motorists are temporary disabled, their permits will be valid from two to 24 months.
However, a permanent placard is valid for five years and the RMV mails a new placard to the holder within two weeks before the date of expiry. Therefore, holders of permanent placards are not required to perform a renewal procedure. Furthermore, in order to renew placards, drivers may be required to prepare certain documentation and submit it either by mail or in person at a local MA RMV office.
Drivers who have temporary disability placards need to provide a medical certification for the placard to be extended or converted into a permanent one. Motorists may either use the application form or send a doctor’s request.
How to Renew Disability Placards by Mail
When performing a Massachusetts handicap placard renewal procedure by mail, drivers need to complete an Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate and mail it to the Medical Affairs Branch of the MA RMV. In addition to the application, motorists may be required to provide additional supporting documents.
How to Renew Disability Placards in Person
Disabled drivers who are wondering how to renew a disability parking tag in person at a nearby MA RMV location need to know that the requirements are the same as when renewing by mail. The only difference is that motorists will be mandated to appear at an RMV Haymarket Service Center and submit the required application form and supporting documents.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Massachusetts
Motorists need to apply for a disability placard replacement in Massachusetts when they are dealing with a lost or stolen placard. In order to replace their placards, motorists will have to complete a Request for Replacement Placard and submit it to the MA RMV either via mail or in person. Moreover, drivers who want to obtain a duplicate may have to provide additional supporting documents in addition to the request for replacement.
How to Replace Disability Placards by Mail
When wondering how to replace a handicap parking tag in Massachusetts, motorists need to know that they only need to complete a Request for Replacement Placard and send it to the Medical Affairs Branch mailing address of the MA RMV. In addition to the request, applicants who are replacing their placards may have to submit additional documentation in the envelope that they will mail to the MA RMV.
How to Replace Disability Placards in Person
An MA disability placard replacement procedure must be performed when motorists deal with a lost or stolen placard. The process of replacing placards in person at the MA RMV may require motorists to submit a completed Request for Replacement Placard form and additional supporting paperwork, if needed.
Massachusetts Disability Placard Fees
Motorists wondering, “How much is a disability placard in Massachusetts?” should know that there is no cost. In other words, when drivers apply for new permits or when they want to renew or replace them, the placards will be free. However, although motorists do not pay handicap placard fees, they need to pay the applicable cost of their license plates.