Maryland Disabled Parking Guide

Because approximately 22% of Maryland residents have a disability, many drivers in the state may be eligible for an accessible parking placard or plate. While the specifics of these permits vary by state, those with the International Symbol of Access (ISA) allow drivers with disabilities to park in more accessible spaces.

Accessible Parking Placard In Maryland

Drivers in Maryland must display a disability parking permit to park in a space designated for people with disabilities. There are two types of disability placards available in Maryland:
  • A temporary disability parking placard is valid for at least three weeks and up to six months.
  • A non-expiring permanent disability parking placard.
You can also apply for a personalized disability parking license plate, but the plate is only valid for one vehicle. The universal wheelchair symbol, also known as the International Symbol of Access, appears on these disability parking permits (ISA). It's the same symbol you'd find in a handicapped bathroom, with a stick figure in a wheelchair. Every state recognizes the symbol and permits bearing it indicate that the driver has permission to park in designated accessible parking areas. A disability parking placard in Maryland also means drivers do not have to pay parking meter fees if they do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Those who have the permit can also park for up to twice the time indicated on the meter.

Eligibility For Disabled Parking

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation and Motor Vehicle Administration, various conditions qualify as disabilities (MVA). They are as follows:
  • A permanent disability that limits the applicant's mobility (which includes conditions that would make a person subject to the risk of injury without a handicap placard)
  • Being unable to walk more than 200 feet without resting
  • Being unable to walk without the assistance of a device (such as a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or another person)
  • Requiring the use of a wheelchair to get around
  • Loss of an arm, hand, foot, or leg
  • Paralysis or the loss of use of an arm, hand, foot, or leg
  • Having lung disease or respiratory issues (to the extent that forced expiratory volume for one second (as measured by spirometry) is less than one liter or arterial oxygen tension on room air at rest is less than 60 mm/hg)
  • Being afflicted with cardiovascular disease (classified in severity as Class III or Class IV set by the standards of the American Heart Association)
  • Having a permanent impairment in both eyes such that the central visual acuity in the better eye with corrective glasses is 20/200 or less, or having a field defect in the peripheral field to the extent that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the better eye.
You can apply for a temporary placard if you have a temporary disability (such as an injury). This means that your disability is not permanent, but it will limit your mobility for at least three weeks, and you may still be eligible for a disabled parking permit. Please remember that even if you do not have one of the disabilities listed above, you may still face hardship if you do not obtain a handicap placard. If this is the case, you can contact the MVA or consult with your doctor to see if you are still eligible.

Application For Disabled Parking Permit

Drivers in Maryland must request an application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with Disabilities, also known as a VR-210 form, to apply for either a permanent or temporary handicap placard or a disability license plate. You can obtain the form by contacting the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), visiting an MVA office to make a personal request, or downloading it from the MVA website. To begin, you must provide identifying information such as your name, address, and driver's license or ID card number. Check the boxes that indicate the type of permit you're applying for. In Maryland, drivers can apply for one of the following at any time:
  • One disability placard
  • One regular disability plate
  • One disability placard and one regular disability plate
  • Two disability placards
In addition to those combinations, you can request a maximum of two motorcycle placards. If you apply for a license plate, you must also provide your vehicle's title number. Remember that a disability plate can only be used on vehicles registered in the person's name or leased to them. If you are not self-certifying (for which proper documentation is required), you must also have a licensed medical professional fill out the Disability Certification Information. Once completed, your doctor can fax it directly to the MVA office. There are several options for submitting your application with your doctor's certification:
  • Please make an appointment with your doctor to have them certify your application. You can complete the application online once they have completed the disability certification portion.
  • Print and complete the VR-210 form, then bring it to your doctor's appointment to complete the disability certification portion of the application. Online, upload and submit the completed form.
  • Print and complete the VR-210 form, then bring it to your doctor's appointment to complete the disability certification portion of the application, then mail it to:
MVA Disability Unit, Rm. 202 6601 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD 21062   If the applicant prefers that the placard be mailed, the doctor can fax a certified application to (410) 787-7840. The MVA office will not accept the certification if it was faxed to the individual; the doctor's office must fax it directly to the MVA. You can have your placard mailed to you or pick it up at an MVA office; however, only full-service MVA office locations issue disability plates. There is no fee for obtaining a permanent or temporary disability permit in Maryland. If you want a disability or motorcycle plate, you must include a $20 fee with your application for the substitute/replacement tag assessment. The MVA requests that you not mail cash with your application and payment.

Application For Veterans With Disabilities

Veterans with disabilities can also apply to the MVA for a disabled veteran plate. To apply for this disability parking plate, you must submit your VR-210 form and a Veterans Administration letter certifying your total disability. When your application is approved, you can choose between a regular disability plate and a disabled veteran plate, which display the ISA and can be used to park in handicapped spaces.

Make It Visible

The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror or, in the absence of one, on the driver's side dashboard. The placard must be displayed with the expiration date visible. When the vehicle is in motion, it must be removed from the rearview mirror. Individuals with disabilities who have been issued a placard must always travel with a copy of their medical certification. This copy should be presented to a law enforcement officer upon request.