How to get a handicap parking permit in Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania handicapped parking sign with details of the penalty for offenders

Eligibility
How to obtain a permit
Fee
Validity / expiration of permits
Renewals
Lost, stolen, or damaged placards
Where to hang the placard

Eligibility extends to someone who is

• does not have full use of an arm or both arms;
• cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;
• cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device;
• is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that his or her forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 MM/HG on room air at rest;
• uses portable oxygen;
• has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association;
• is blind;
• is severely limited in his or her ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition; or
• is someone in loco parentis of a person specified by any of the conditions above.

Applicants must complete Form MV-145A and submit it to

There is no fee for a disability parking placard.

Four types of placards are available:

1. Person with Disability Parking Placard, which is valid for 5 years;
2. Severely Disabled Veteran Person with Disability Parking Placard, which is valid for 5 years;
3. Person with Disability Temporary Parking Placard, which is valid 6 months; or
4. Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Decal, which is valid during Pennsylvania’s motorcycle registration period

Permanent placards are renewed in March and September each year. Permanent placard holders will be mailed a renewal notice 60 days before the placard expiration date. Those who do not receive the renewal notice should complete Form MV-145A.

Temporary placards may not be renewed. Temporary placard holders require recertification by a licensed health care provider after their placard expires.

Replacement placards may be applied for by completing Form MV-145A. The previous placard number will be listed in PennDOT’s computer system. If the previous placard is ever located, it should be returned to the PennDOT as it will be considered null and void.

The placard must be hung from the rear view mirror so that it is visible from the front and rear windshield of the vehicle.

Difficulty

Source URL

FAQs about Disability Parking Placards

Things You’ll Need
	Applicable Fee: No charge
	Computer with Internet Access: The application form is available on the state DMV site.
	Physician Certificate: Physician to certify disability in the application form
	Mail Original Documents: Original application to be submitted by mail