Ask The DMV: Disability Placards

Ask the DMV: Do I need to reapply for my disability placard?

Q: I was issued a Handicap blue placard back in February 2018. Is this an automatic renewal or do I have to reapply? The placard expires on Feb. 28.

- Hope, Cranston

A: Having a blue disability placard means that it is a long term disability placard or it is a permanent disability placard. I checked your record. You have a long term disability placard.

If you feel you still need your long term disability beyond the expiration date, you will need to fill out another Disability Application and have your doctor fill out the second sheet on the back of that application.

Once your application has been filled out completely by you and your doctor, please mail it back to us or drop it off at the Cranston DMV’s Drop Box. Please make sure that we have your current address. Once we receive your application, we will process it and send out your new sticker and your new certificate. Information when you are filling out your application. You can change your address online with us or you can fill out a Change of Address form. Mail it or drop it off to us along with your renewal application.

Long term disability placards are for the time period of one to three years and permanent means just that, it is permanently assigned to the person and does not need their doctor’s signature for renewals.

The DMV also has red disability placards that are for short term use which is needed for up to 12 months.

Short term and long term disability placards do not receive renewal notices but if the placard is needed beyond the initial approved time frame, a new application will need to be filled out by the customer and their doctor and resubmitted to the DMV.

We also have disability placard applications for disabled veterans and for R.I. group care facilities. It is for the use of the person who it is assigned to. Can be used in any vehicle the person is in. Unauthorized or improper use of these placards may result in revocation.
- The placard is to be used and placed on the vehicle’s rear view mirror only when the vehicle is parked and not while the vehicle is in motion.
- The disability placard certificate should be carried on the person who the placard is assigned to.
- If your placard is damaged, you can mail it or drop it off at the Cranston DMV and we will issue a replacement.
- If the placard is stolen, it must be reported to the DMV by filling out the Affidavit For Lost Parking Placard.
- If you no longer need your placard, please return it to the Cranston DMV by mail or drop it off.
All our disability forms on our website: www.dmv.ri.gov under the Forms & Fees tab and Disability Forms.

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.