Navigating disability parking in Maryland shouldn’t feel like decoding a rulebook written in another language. Whether you’re applying for a new handicap parking placard, requesting license plates, or dealing with a lost or damaged placard, this guide breaks the process down clearly, calmly, and correctly.
At Maryland Express Services (MES), we handle these situations daily. Below is a complete, up-to-date overview designed to help you understand what’s required — and what’s not.
What Is a Maryland Handicap Parking Placard or Plate?
Maryland offers disability parking access through two main options:
- Disability Parking Placard – a removable sign displayed inside the vehicle
- Disability License Plates – permanently issued to a specific vehicle
Placards are issued as temporary or permanent, depending on the medical condition certified by a licensed healthcare provider.
How to Apply for a New Handicap Parking Placard or Plates in Maryland
Required Documents
To apply for a new disability parking placard or plates, you will need:
- MVA Form VR-210
Application for Disability Parking Placard and/or License Plates- Must be fully completed
- Medical certification section must be signed by an approved healthcare provider
- Medical Certification
Accepted certifying providers may include:- Physician (MD or DO)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA)
- Chiropractor
- Podiatrist
- Optometrist (for vision-related conditions)
- Proof of Identity
- Maryland driver’s license or Maryland ID card
- Vehicle Information (for license plates only)
- Current Maryland registration
- VIN and tag number
Temporary vs. Permanent Handicap Parking Placards
Temporary Placard
- Issued for short-term medical conditions (e.g., surgery recovery, injury)
- Valid for up to 6 months
- Expiration date is specified by the healthcare provider
Permanent Placard or Plates
- Issued for long-term or permanent medical conditions
- Typically valid for multiple years
- Renewal may be required at expiration
Fees and Processing Time
- Disability Parking Placards: No MVA fee
- Disability License Plates: Standard registration fees may apply
Processing time varies depending on submission method (in-person, mail, or authorized service provider).
What If Your Handicap Parking Placard Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged in Maryland?
This happens more often than people think — placards get misplaced, stolen from vehicles, or damaged over time. The good news: replacement is usually straightforward.
Lost or Damaged Placard
- A police report is not required
- You may request a replacement placard
Stolen Placard
- A police report is recommended
- This helps protect against misuse and parking violations
How to Request a Duplicate Handicap Parking Placard
To request a replacement or duplicate placard:
- Complete Form VR-210 again
- Indicate that the request is for a replacement/duplicate
- In most cases, new medical certification is not required, as long as:
- The original placard is still valid
- The medical condition has not changed
If the placard is expired, a new medical certification may be required.
Replacement placards are generally issued without an additional fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an incomplete VR-210 form
- Missing or invalid medical provider signature
- Requesting plates without vehicle registration
- Assuming a police report is required for a lost placard
Avoiding these errors can save significant processing delays.
How Maryland Express Services (MES) Can Help
As an MVA-authorized Tag & Title service, MES can assist with:
- Reviewing applications for completeness
- Submitting placard or plate requests properly
- Helping with replacement or duplicate placards
- Reducing unnecessary trips to the MVA
If you prefer professional assistance, we’re here to help.
Internal link suggestion:
Maryland Tag & Title Services – MES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to disclose my medical diagnosis publicly?
No. Medical details are protected and are only reviewed by authorized entities.
Can someone else use my handicap placard?
No. Placards are issued to individuals, not vehicles, and misuse may result in fines or revocation.
Can I use my Maryland placard in other states?
Generally yes. Most states honor out-of-state disability placards, but local parking rules still apply.
Do I need a police report for a lost placard?
No, not if it was lost or damaged. A police report is recommended only if it was stolen.
Can MES submit the application for me?
Yes. MES can assist with proper submission and documentation review.
Official Reference:
For official state guidance, you may also review the Maryland MVA’s disability parking information:
Reference Link:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration – Disability Parking
https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/Disability-Parking.aspx
Download VR-120 form here: Application for Military Related Plates (VR-120)
Important Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Requirements may change, and individual circumstances may vary. Always refer to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or consult a licensed healthcare provider for official determinations
