What are rules for using WA handicap parking placards or plates? What state says
If you have a mobility challenge, crossing a parking lot to get from your car to the store, doctor’s office or other destination could be a struggle — or even harm your health.
In Washington, handicap parking permits are available for people who need them.
Here’s what to know about who qualifies for disabled parking placards, license plates and tabs in the state, and how to get them.
Who qualifies for disabled parking in Washington?
In Washington, a doctor or other health care provider determines if a person qualifies for disabled parking, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
You can qualify to use disabled parking placards, license plates or tabs if you meet at least one of the following criteria, the state said:
- You’re unable to walk for 200 feet without resting
- Your ability to walk is “severely limited” by “an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition”
- You need a brace, another assistive device or help from someone else to walk
- You’re unable to walk and use a wheelchair
- Your’re legally blind with limited mobility
- You use portable oxygen
- Your mobility is restricted by a lung disease
- Your mobility is impaired by a cardiac condition or cardiovascular disease
- You have acute sensitivity to auto emissions or light meeting certain criteria
How do I apply for a disabled parking placard or license plate?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a permanent disability, you can apply for a disabled parking permit in person at a vehicle licensing office or via mail, the DOL said.
You and your health care provider both need to fill out the application, and your provider must write a prescription.
You can choose to get one to two free placards to hang from your rearview mirror.
You can also opt for combination of a placard and a set of license plates, or a placard and a vehicle tab for your specialty license plate, according to the DOL.
You have to be the registered owner of the vehicle the plates or tabs are on.
The initial cost of a disabled license plate is $117.25, the DOL said, and “yearly plate renewal fees” apply.
Permanent disabled parking privileges are valid for five years, according to the application form.
How long does temporary disabled parking permit last?
If you need to access to disabled parking on a temporary basis, you can follow the same steps to apply or submit your application online.
It’s free to get a temporary disabled parking placard. It’s good for one year or less.
If you’re not able to pick up your permit in person at a vehicle licensing office, someone else can pick it up for you.
Where can you park with handicap plates?
If you have a disabled parking placard, license plate or tab, you can park in any disabled parking space, the DOL said.
You can also park “on the street, for free, in any parking space that is time restricted,” the state vehicle licensing agency said, noting “this doesn’t apply to privately-owned parking lots.”
You can’t use a disabled parking permit to park in loading zones, fire lanes or other spaces reserved for specific kinds of vehicles, or in areas “where stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles is prohibited,” the DOL said.
What are penalties for breaking Washington state parking rules?
Only the person issued the disabled parking permit is allowed to use it, per the DOL.
If you break the rules, you could face a fine of $250 for unlawfully using a disabled parking space, $200 for obstructing the access area next to such a space, and $250 for unlawfully using a placard, license, tab or ID card, The News Tribune previously reported.
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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