Texas Disabled Parking Permits, Plates, and Placards

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles issues disabled parking permits. These permits are part of an interstate network of accessible parking spaces available to disabled people throughout the United States. When you see a blue and white handicapped sign, you witness a piece of Texas history at work.

Eligibility

People with disabilities who meet the legal definition are eligible. "Disability" refers to a condition in which a person cannot work.
  • With correcting licenses, visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye;
  • More than 20/200 visual acuity but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less; or
  • Mobility issues significantly impair a person's ability to move around. These issues can arise due to paralysis, lung disease, cardiac deficiency, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, foot disorder, or other medical conditions requiring a brace, cane, crutch, or other assistive devices.
This list is, by definition, incomplete, but it should provide you with a better idea of the types of conditions that qualify. Consult with your doctor if you believe you may be eligible for the disabled parking permit program. The state of Texas acknowledges the need for temporary access to the disabled parking permit program. Suppose you have been severely injured in a broken bone, back injury, or other accident that has affected your ability to walk more than 200 feet. In that case, you may be eligible for a temporary disabled parking permit. These placards are only good for six months.

Application For Disabled Parking Permit

It's time to file your paperwork with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles after your physician has signed your certificate. Form VTR-214, Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and License Plate, must be completed in person at a local Texas office. Bring a form of photo identification and a certificate stating the nature and duration of your disability. You will then be given a red or blue placard. Red placards are temporary placards that are valid for up to six months. Blue placards are permanent, but they must be renewed every four years. You can also get a disabled parking permit license plate if you want. The same fees apply for license plate renewal.

Texas Disabled Parking Placards and Plates

Unless you are temporarily residing in a different county to seek medical attention, you must apply for your accessible parking placard in the county where you reside. The placard must be hung from the vehicle's rearview mirror where the disabled person is traveling. The placard should only be displayed when the vehicle is parked in an accessible parking space (stationary) and removed when the vehicle is in motion.

Requirements

Form VTR-214 is required to apply for a "permanent" (blue) or "temporary" (red) placard. You are required to:
  • Request that your doctor or health care provider complete the application's Disability Statement section.
  • Submit the completed application and payment (if applicable) to your county tax office or the county tax office in the county where you are seeking medical treatment.

Renew Process

To renew a "permanent" (blue) placard, you must do the following:
  • Complete the Affidavit section of a new application (not the disability statement), including the applicant's signature.
  • Submit a copy of the original and the new application to your county tax office or the county tax office where you seek medical treatment. If you do not have a copy of your application, you may submit your expired placard(s) to your county tax office or the county tax office where you seek medical treatment.
Temporary (red) placard holders must apply for a new placard if their disability lasts longer than six months.

Placard Replacement

Placard holders must submit a photocopy of their original application (Form VTR-214) to the local county tax assessor-collector office to replace a lost or stolen placard. Individuals must apply for a new placard if they do not have a photocopy of the original application and if the office cannot verify the placard that was issued.