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Disabled Person Parking Permits

Disabled Person Parking Permits are available at no charge to qualifying Oregon residents (and visitors) with disabilities who meet the definition of disabled as defined in Oregon law (ORS 801.387) as certified by a qualifying healthcare provider on the application. Placards, decals, or both are issued representing the permit.  

  • Placards are for use in passenger vehicles and are specific to the individual permit holder, not any one vehicle or the driver of that vehicle (other than the permit holder).  As they are portable, DMV is authorized to issue only one placard per Individual applicant (ORS 811.602(3)).
  • Decals are for use on other transportation devices used on public roadways, such as motorcycles or golf carts. 
Permit types include Individual, Family, Temporary Disability, and others; see Types of Permits below for more information.  Appropriate use of the different types of placards and decals with corresponding parking signs is described below under Which placard or decal can be used with which sign?

Disabled Veteran license plates DO NOT qualify for parking in a Disabled Person Parking place. Doing so risks citations and fines as below. To park legally in a disabled person parking spot, please apply for a permit.

Disabilities that qualify an individual Oregon resident or visitor for a Disabled Person Parking Permit include, but are not limited to:
  • Severely limited mobility;
  • Substantially reduced or loss of vision; or
  • Conditions that prevent walking more than 200 feet, including but not limited to:
    • A chronic heart condition
    • Emphysema
    • Arthritis
    • Rheumatism
    • Ulcerative colitis or related bowel disorder.
Not all disabilities are visible, as reflected above. Someone with a disability may be certified by a healthcare provider as meeting the definition of disabled even when they do not appear to have a disability and may not use a mobility device or other visible disability accommodation regularly.
 

Oregon issues several different permits:​
​​
  • Temporary Disability
    • This permit type is one of only two that do not require Oregon residency (see Foreign Visitor below).
    • Includes Wheelchair Users.
    • ​Good for up to six months.
  • Individual
    • Includes Wounded Warriors, Wheelchair Users, Temporary Disability, Temporary Duplicate Travel, and Foreign Visitor (more information below)​.
    • Good for eight years.
  • Family – for families
    • With two or more disabled family members, or
    • Where two or more households are caring for the same disabled individual(s) (as of June 6, 2024; for more information see 2024 HB4109​).​
    • Includes Wheelchair Users.
    • ​Good for eight years.
    ​Note: Individual Permit holders who otherwise meet the Family Permit criteria can switch from an Individual Permit to a Family permit by applying for a Family Placard including a new Certificate of Disability – included on the application – signed by the provider treating the disabled individual(s).​​
  • Program
    • For those organizations whose program purpose is the support of and/or therapeutic care for disabled individuals, such as nursing homes, adult foster care homes, adult day care, etc.​
    • Includes Wheelchair Users.
    • Good for eight years.
  • Temporary Duplicate Travel 
    • For users who need to leave their primary vehicle parked in a designated disabled parking space while traveling out of their county of residence; and need a parking permit in their destination.
    • Good for 120 days.
  • Foreign Visitor
    • For disabled visitors from outside the US who need or prefer a local parking permit while visiting.
    • Requires verification of disability via documents issued by their country of origin, or a signed Certificate of Disability from a US licensed physician, physician associate, nurse practitioner, or an optometrist for vision-related disabilities.
    • Good for up to 30 days.
​Placards now include a QR code providing quick access to the Disabled Person Parking Permit Placards and Decals webpage for quick information specific to using placards and decals.
​

To qualify for a Disabled Person Parking Permit placard and/or decal(s), applicants must be:​
  • An Oregon resident (except for Temporary Disability and Foreign Visitor) - with an Oregon Driver License, identification card, or parking identification card (for those applicants who, for health and safety reasons as certified by their healthcare provider, are unable to come into DMV to obtain an identification card; more information below).

  • Disabled as certified by their healthcare provider:
    • a licensed physician
    • a physician associate
    • a nurse practitioner
    • an optometrist ‒ on the application. 
Submitting an application… can be done one of three ways:
  1. At a DMV Office: At this time, an appointment cannot be made for this purpose.  While there may be a wait, assuming your application is complete, you will leave with your placard.
  2. By Fax:  503-945-5181.
  3. By email: ORDMVDriverTrans@odot.oregon.gov
  4. By Mail:
    • ​​DMV Driver Transactions Unit
    • 1905 Lana Ave, NE
    • Salem, OR  97314
Note: When submitting by fax, email or mail, your placard will be mailed to you.  Please be aware it can take up to three weeks to receive your placard assuming your application was complete.

Whether a new application, a renewal or requesting a replacement*, the same application is used for the permit type as below (free PDF screen reader​):

​Individual including
  • Temporary Disability
  • Wheelchair User
  • Wounded Warrior
  • Foreign Visitor
  • Temporary Duplicate Travel​

Wounded Warrior applicants must also provide:
  • A letter from the Veterans’ Administrat​ion indicating 50% or greater service connected disability; and
  • A document reflecting discharge status other than dishonorable issued by any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States or the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
​Individual - needing both a Parking Identification Card and Permit
​

Submitted together.
​Family including Wheelchair Users

​

To switch from an Individual Permit to a Family permit, complete and submit the Family Placard application including a new Certificate of Disability signed by the provider treating the disabled individual(s).​

​May qualify for more than one placard.
​Program




May qualify for more than one placard.

*NOTE: When replacing a placard or decal on an unexpired permit, the Certificate of Disability is not required.

  • May be indicated by a sign, symbol or both.

  • By law, may not be blocked for any reason, including:
    • The access aisle – the striped area next to or between disabled parking spaces for disabled persons who use ramps, lifts or other similar devices to exit their vehicles; or
    • ​By other vehicles, signs, shopping carts, fences, promotion displays, etc.
    Parking any part of your vehicle in a designated disabled parking space, including the access aisle which could prohibit the use of a vehicle access device, may result in a citation and fine.

  • Disabled parking laws can be enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, including holidays. ​​

  • ​To request additional designated disabled parking spaces:​
    • ​​​In public parking locations - the street and publicly-owned parking lots - contact the local municipal government (or county) for the location where you would like the space.​
    • In privately-owned locations, contact the property manager or owner.

  • If you believe the number of designated parking spaces in a specific location is insufficient, please contact the local municipal government (or county) building and code compliance department.​

This sign allows legal* parking with any of these placards or decals:

*Citation for illegal use: parking in a designated disabled parking space when not a qualified user can result in citation for a Class C violation when a first offense with corresponding fines of $165 to 500 for an individual and $1,000 for a corporation.  Second and subsequent offenses can result in citation for a Class A violation with corresponding fines of $440 to $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for a corporation.


This sign allows parking by any placard holder when only one designated parking space is available. If more than one designated space is available, please leave this space for users who need additional room to exit or enter their vehicle.

​
This sign allows legal* parking only for those placard holders with a valid wheelchair user permit, where the placard includes "Wheelchair User" and a large white "W”:

*Citation for illegal use: parking in a Wheelchair User Only space when not a qualified user can result in citation for a Class C violation when a first offense with corresponding fines of $165 to 500 for an individual and $1,000 for a corporation.  Second and subsequent offenses can result in citation for a Class A violation with corresponding fines of $440 to $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for a corporation.

Enforcement 

Parking in a designated disabled parking space or adjacent shaded area when not a qualified user (without a valid and appropriate parking placard, see Which placard or decal can be used with which sign? above) can result in a citation with corresponding fines for:
  • ​A first offense (a Class C violation) of $165 to $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a corporation.  
  • Second and subsequent offenses (a Class A violation) of $440 to $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for a corporation.
To report a violation, please contact the local law enforcement agency where the parking space is located.

Restrictions

Placards and decals​ cannot be used to park where:
  • Parking is only permitted for 30 minutes or less;
  • No parking is allowed;
  • No late evening or overnight parking is allowed; or
  • Parking is reserved for special types of vehicles.
Note: Oregon law gives cities and counties the right to determine whether parking fees apply to Disabled Person Parking Permit holders.  Please check the jurisdiction where you plan to park for accurate information about parking fees.

​My placard was lost/stolen, can I get a replacement?
You can! Replacing a lost or stolen parking placard only requires submitting a completed application with the Replacement and related reason checkboxes marked.  If your permit is still valid, you do not need to have a healthcare provider sign the Certificate on the application.

My placard is damaged, can I get a replacement?
You can! Replacing a damaged parking placard only requires submitting a completed application with the Replacement and related reason checkboxes marked.  If your permit is still valid, you do not need to have a healthcare provider sign the Certificate on the application.

Can we get a second placard for our second vehicle?  
Oregon law (ORS 811.602(3)​) prohibits DMV issuance of more than one Individual placard.  Since placards are portable and belong to the individual and not the vehicle, they can be used in any vehicle the disabled person is riding in. Oregon can issue more than one placard to qualifying Families or Programs (see Types of Permits and To Apply Renew or Replace... above)

When I renew my parking permit, do I have to go through the whole process of getting my doctor to certify my disability again?
Yes. The existing certification expires when the permit does. The only time you do not have to recertify is when replacing a lost or damaged placard on a current permit since we have your certification on file from your prior application/renewal.

Can someone else submit an application for me?
Yes. Anyone can submit an application on behalf of anyone else so long as the applicant meets the requirements for a permit and the application is complete.

Do I have to hang my placard on my rear view mirror?
Placard information must be visible from the outside of the vehicle including: the expiration date, date punches and permit number.   While hanging the placard from the mirror is the most common solution, not all placards will fit on the rearview.  If that is the case, an online search for “Disabled Parking Permit Holder” will show alternative solutions some of which meet display requirements.

I’m applying for someone who can’t sign the application, how should it be signed?
Sign the applicant’s name then write “by” and sign your name.

My child is disabled.  What do I need to do to get a permit for them?
The application process for a disabled minor child is the same as for a disabled adult applicant.  To qualify and apply, the disabled applicant must have:
  • An Oregon-issued identification credential
    • ​If the disabled applicant does not already have one, before going to a DMV office to obtain an identification card, be sure to check identification requirements​ to ensure you bring all required documentation to DMV.
    • If it would be medically unsafe for the disabled applicant to come into DMV to obtain an identification card and the disabled applicant’s health care provider will certify to that, you may apply for a Parking Identification Card and Permit at the same time (application linked above under To Apply, Renew, or Replace).  
  • A completed Disability Parking Permit Application for Individuals (application linked above under To Apply, Renew, or Replace) included when applying for the Parking Identification Card and Permit. 

    • If the disabled applicant is unable to sign the application, it can be signed for them by signing their name then writing “by” followed by the person’s signature who signed on their behalf.

    NOTE: An Individual permit, by law, belongs to the disabled individual whether adult or minor​.
Do I have to come in to DMV to submit an application?
Applications can be submitted by email, fax, mail or in-person.  The email, fax number, and mailing address are at the top of the application under Instructions.  When fully staffed, DMV processes faxed and mailed applications in about 10 days.  The advantage to submitting an application in a DMV office is walking out with the placard.  Decals must be applied for by email, fax or mail.

How do I get a decal for my motorcycle/golf cart/(other)?
Email, fax or mail a completed application with the appropriate Decal check box marked. If you already have a permit that is unexpired, you do not need a signed Certificate of Disability on the application.

Can I use my placard outside of Oregon?
Yes. Your permit is valid wherever you travel out of state since the disabled person symbol is nationally and internationally recognized. It is also a good idea to verify parking privileges and any associated fees by contacting the appropriate state and local agencies in your travel destination(s).

I have a Disabled Person Parking placard issued outside of Oregon.  Can I use it in Oregon?
Generally, yes.  If you require parking specifically for a wheelchair user and your placard is not only for a wheelchair user, please contact the places you intend to visit to inquire about using your placard there and anything additional you may need to park legally.  The City of Portland does issue disabled parking permits for wheelchair users from outside Oregon​ whose out-of-state placard does not specify a wheelchair user.

How can I find out who qualifies for a Disabled Person Parking Permit?
There are three sources for that information:
  1. The applicant’s healthcare provider who must sign off on the Certificate of Disability on the application;
  2. At the top of this page (Disabled Person Parking Permit); and
  3. Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 801.387 “Person with a disability”.
How will I know that the application my provider (or I) submitted has been received?
DMV will issue either a Permit placard/decal or, if we are unable to process your application, a notification letter. Applications are worked in the order they are received with a standard process time of 10 days from receipt. If your application was submitted more than 14 days ago and you have not received a placard or letter, please call Customer Assistance: 503-945-5000 (Statewide Relay TTY 711)​.

I see a person that walks just fine using a disabled parking permit. Why does DMV issue to people that can walk just fine? 
Because not all disabilities are visible – such as a breathing or heart disorder – DMV requires a Certificate of Disability from a medical provider in order to obtain a permit.

Someone I know is using a disabled parking permit that is not theirs.  What should I do?
Misuse of a disabled parking permit is a Class C traffic violation per Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 811.625​. A second or subsequent conviction is a Class A traffic violation.  Contact your local law enforcement agency to learn where and how to report it.

My parents moved to another state and got a new license and disabled parking permit there. Now, another family member is using my parent’s Oregon disabled parking permit.  
When someone receives a license or identification card (credential) in another state, they must surrender their Oregon credential. Oregon DMV is then notified by that state, and any disabled parking permits that were issued to that person are automatically invalidated. DMV only accepts notice of Oregon credential surrender from the person of record or the issuing state. Contact your local law enforcement agency to learn where and how to report misuse.

A family member who has a disabled parking placard has recently passed.  What do I need to do? 
DMV receives the deceased notifications electronically each month from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics and Vital Records.  However, you are welcome to notify DMV of the permit holder’s death by faxing or mailing a copy of one of the documents listed below to:
    DMV Driver Transactions Unit 
    Fax: 503-945-7981 
    Mailing Address: 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem OR 97314
Acceptable proof of death includes:
  • Death certificate,
  • Court document,
  • Obituary notice,
  • Funeral or memorial notice,
  • Police report or other notice from law enforcement,
  • Signed statement containing deceased person’s name and date of birth, or
  • Returned license with signed note.
Please destroy the placard so that it cannot be used by anyone else.​

How can I get a disabled parking space added near my home (or a business) (on the street, in an apartment community, etc.)?
Additional designated disabled parking spaces must be requested from either the local governmental jurisdiction (i.e., city, county, …) for street or other public parking, or the property manager or landlord of the property for private parking where you would like the new space(s), such as an apartment complex.  A search for the city or county name and “disabled parking” is a good place to start.

  • Disabled Person Parking Permit Placards and Decals
  • Oregon Disabilities Commission
  • If you have questions regarding your permit, placard or decal:
    • Call 503-945-5000 (Statewide Relay TTY 711)​.
    • Submit an online inquiry. 
      • Before you submit your inquiry, please check the webpage above for the form or information you are looking for:
      • ​ ​​​​​Application forms are in the To Apply, Renew, or Replace… box above.
      • The number of placards Oregon is authorized to issue by law appears in bold in the second bulleted list at the top of this page.
      • The answers to many commonly asked questions are in the Frequently Asked Questions box above.
    • Visit any local DMV office​.​
  • Report an Accessibility Concern​ in Oregon’s transportation system  (includes state highways, interstates, and the bikeways and walkways along those routes, etc).  
  • Reciprocity – Oregon recognizes and honors Disabled Parking Permits from other states and those issued internationally when the placard or permit displayed in the vehicle when parked includes the international symbol of accessibility​ and the vehicle is transporting the disabled individual. 


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​DMV2U link​