Temporary red placard
For a qualifying temporary disability. It expires in six months or less and generally costs $5.
Texas accessible parking
Texas Disabled Parking Placards and License Plates
Learn who qualifies for a Texas disabled parking placard or license plate, which forms to use, how medical certification works, what the placards cost, and when a Disabled Veteran plate does or does not include accessible-parking privileges.
Placard and plate options
Permanent blue placard
For a qualifying permanent disability. There is no fee, and it is renewable every four years.
ISA license plate
A license plate displaying the International Symbol of Access is available for a qualifying permanent disability.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is based on the Texas legal definition of disability. Qualifying conditions include severe visual impairment or mobility limitations that substantially impair a person's ability to move around. Mobility limitations may result from paralysis, lung disease, cardiac deficiency, wheelchair use, arthritis, a foot disorder, or another condition requiring a brace, cane, crutch, or similar assistive device.
A licensed physician or other authorized health care provider must complete the disability certification or provide an acceptable original prescription.
How to apply
- 1. Complete Form VTR-214. Use the Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate.
- 2. Obtain medical certification. Have the authorized provider complete the disability statement or supply the required original prescription.
- 3. Include identification. Provide a copy of the applicant's current driver license or government-issued photo ID.
- 4. Submit through the county. Apply in person or by mail at the county tax assessor-collector office in the applicant's county of residence.
- 5. Pay any applicable fee. Permanent placards are free; temporary placards are generally $5.
Renewal and replacement
Permanent placard renewal
Complete a new Form VTR-214. The health care provider generally does not need to recertify the disability when the renewal is supported by the original application or the expiring placard, subject to county requirements.
Temporary placard expiration
A temporary placard is not simply extended. Apply for a new placard with new medical certification if the temporary disability continues beyond the original expiration date.
Disabled Veteran plates and accessible parking
Disabled Veteran plates use Form VTR-615 and have separate military-service eligibility rules. A DV plate without the International Symbol of Access does not authorize parking in an accessible space. A veteran who needs accessible-parking privileges must qualify for a placard or an ISA-bearing plate under the disability standard.
Government-meter exemptions and other parking benefits can vary by plate type and local ordinance. Private garages, airports, campuses, and federal facilities may follow different rules.
Using the placard legally
- The person with the disability must be driving or riding in the vehicle.
- Display the placard as required when parked, but remove it from the mirror before driving if it obstructs visibility.
- A valid placard or ISA plate may be used in designated accessible spaces.
- Meter exemptions apply to state and local government meters, but local time limits may still apply.
- Misuse can result in fines of up to $1,250 and up to 50 hours of community service.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Texas disabled parking placard?
A permanent blue placard has no fee. A temporary red placard costs $5. Confirm accepted payment methods with your county tax office.
How long is a Texas disabled parking placard valid?
A temporary red placard expires in six months or less. A permanent blue placard is renewable every four years.
Can a disabled veteran plate without the ISA use an accessible parking space?
No. Texas requires either a disabled parking placard or a license plate displaying the International Symbol of Access to use a designated accessible parking space.
Can someone else use my placard?
Only when the person with the disability is in the vehicle, either driving or being transported. Misuse can lead to fines and community service.
Where do I apply?
Apply in person or by mail through the county tax assessor-collector office in your county of residence using the required TxDMV form and medical certification.
Eligibility, forms, medical-certification rules, fees, and local parking privileges can change. Confirm current requirements with TxDMV and your county tax assessor-collector.