What a Virginia disabled license plate is and who can get one

A Virginia disabled license plate is a special registration plate that allows people with permanent disabilities to park in designated accessible spaces. The plate displays the International Symbol of Accessibility — a white wheelchair on a blue background — and must be displayed on the front or rear of your vehicle. Virginia issues these plates to people whose disabilities significantly limit their ability to walk or stand.

You do not need to own the vehicle to get a disabled plate. If you are the registered owner, a family member who drives you regularly, or someone who transports you, you can request one. The plate stays with the vehicle, not with you personally, so if you sell the car or stop using it, you return the plate to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Virginia also issues temporary disabled plates for people recovering from surgery, injury, or illness that temporarily affects mobility. These are valid for up to six months and must be renewed if the condition persists beyond that time.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia disabled plates are issued by the DMV to people with permanent mobility disabilities and allow parking in accessible spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol.
  • You must submit a completed process form, a medical certification from a licensed physician, and proof of vehicle ownership or registration to the DMV.
  • Permanent disabled plates do not expire as long as your vehicle registration remains active, but temporary plates last six months and require renewal.
  • You can request a plate by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through the DMV website, and processing typically takes two to four weeks.

Medical certification requirements

Virginia requires a medical certification form completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The form is called the process for Disabled Parking Permit (Form DL 78), and your healthcare provider must sign and date it. The provider must confirm that your condition substantially limits your ability to walk or stand and that the limitation is permanent or expected to last at least six months.

The form does not require a specific diagnosis — your provider only needs to document the functional limitation. For example, they might note that you cannot walk more than 50 feet without information, or that you cannot stand for extended periods. The DMV does not contact your provider to verify the information; they rely on the provider's professional judgment and signature.

If you are explore for a temporary plate due to recent surgery or injury, your provider must indicate the expected duration of the mobility limitation. Temporary plates are issued for the period your provider specifies, up to a maximum of six months.

How to submit your process

You have three ways to submit your disabled plate process: by mail, in person at a DMV customer service center, or online through the Virginia DMV website. The online option is the fastest if your vehicle registration is current and your information is already in the DMV system.

By mail, send the completed Form DL 78 (signed by your healthcare provider), a copy of your vehicle registration or proof of ownership, and a check or money order for the plate fee to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. By in-person, bring the same documents to any DMV customer service center during business hours; staff can often process your request the same day if everything is complete.

Online, visit the Virginia DMV website, log into your account, and follow the prompts to request a disabled plate. You will need to upload a photo of your completed medical certification form and your vehicle registration. The DMV will contact you by email or phone if they need additional information.

Plate fees and renewal

Virginia charges a one-time fee for a disabled license plate. The fee varies depending on whether you are requesting a permanent or temporary plate and whether you are replacing an existing plate. As of 2024, permanent disabled plates cost the same as a standard registration renewal, and temporary plates are typically lower. Check the current fee schedule on the Virginia DMV website before submitting your process, as fees can change.

Permanent disabled plates do not expire separately from your vehicle registration. When you renew your vehicle registration, your disabled plate remains valid as long as your medical condition has not changed. You do not need to resubmit medical certification unless the DMV requests it or your registration lapses.

Temporary plates must be renewed before they expire. The DMV will send you a notice before your temporary plate expires, and you can renew it by submitting an updated medical certification form from your healthcare provider. If your condition has resolved, you can return the temporary plate and request a standard registration plate instead.

What you can and cannot do with a disabled plate

A disabled license plate allows you to park in designated accessible parking spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. These spaces are typically located near building entrances and are wider than standard spaces to allow room for wheelchair lifts or transfer equipment. Parking in an accessible space without a disabled plate or permit is illegal and can result in a citation and fine.

You can use the plate only when the person with the disability is in the vehicle or being picked up or dropped off. Parking in an accessible space when the disabled person is not present is a violation, even if you own the plate. Virginia parking enforcement officers and police can issue citations for misuse of disabled plates.

If your vehicle is parked illegally in an accessible space, the fine is typically $100 to $250, depending on the locality. Repeated violations can result in higher fines or the suspension of your disabled plate privileges. Some localities also offer payment plans if you receive a citation.

Replacing or returning your plate

If your disabled plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Virginia DMV to request a replacement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Replacement plates usually cost less than the original plate fee. If your plate is stolen, you may need to file a police report and provide the report number to the DMV.

If you no longer need your disabled plate — because your vehicle is sold, your condition has improved, or you no longer drive — return the plate to the DMV. You can mail it or drop it off at any customer service center. Returning the plate does not refund the fee you paid, but it prevents the plate from being misused after you no longer own the vehicle.

If your vehicle registration is suspended or revoked, your disabled plate is no longer valid. You must return it to the DMV and cannot use it on another vehicle unless you update your registration and reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled plate if my disability is not permanent?

Yes. Virginia issues temporary disabled plates for conditions expected to last at least six months but not permanently. Your healthcare provider must indicate the expected duration on the medical certification form. When the temporary plate expires, you can renew it if your condition persists, or return it if you have recovered.

What if I have a disabled placard from another state?

Virginia recognizes out-of-state disabled placards and plates while you are visiting, but you cannot use them to register a vehicle in Virginia. If you move to Virginia or purchase a vehicle here, you must obtain a Virginia disabled plate by submitting the required process and medical certification to the DMV.

Can someone else drive my vehicle with my disabled plate?

Yes, but the plate can only be used to park in accessible spaces when you are in the vehicle or being picked up or dropped off. If someone else drives your vehicle without you present, they cannot legally park in an accessible space, even though the plate is on the car. Misuse of the plate can result in a citation.

How long does it take to get a disabled plate?

Processing time depends on how you submit your process. Online requests typically take one to two weeks if your information is already in the DMV system. In-person applications can be processed the same day if complete. Mail applications usually take two to four weeks. The DMV will contact you if additional information is needed.

Do I need to renew my medical certification every year?

No. Once your permanent disabled plate is issued, you do not need to renew your medical certification unless the DMV specifically requests it or your vehicle registration lapses. Temporary plates require renewal with updated medical certification before they expire.