In the State of Vermont, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides special license plates and placards for people who have disabilities. If you have a disability that qualifies you for a plate or placard, you can apply for one.
Types of permits
Depending on the type of disability you have, in Vermont you can apply for:
Placards identifying you as a person with a permanent disability.
Placards that identify you as a person with a temporary disability.
License plates that identify you as permanently disabled if you have a car that is registered in your own name.
Your rights
If you have a disabled placard or plate in the State of Vermont, then you can:
- Park in spots that are designated for disabled people
- Park in spots that have time limits, without having to obey the time limits
- Get assistance at gas stations, even if they are designated as “self-serve”
You may not, however, park anywhere that standard parking is not permitted. And you may not allow anyone else to use your disability permit.
Travelling
If you are a visitor to the State of Vermont, you do not have to apply for special permits if you are disabled. The State of Vermont will recognize your out-of-state permit, and give you the same rights and privileges as it would a disabled person in the State of Vermont.
Applying
You can apply for a special permit either in person, or by mail. You will have to fill out the Vermont Temporary Disabled Parking Placard Application and Medical Form and provide medical certification.
You will also have to complete the Universal Medical Evaluation/Progress Report Form and have it verified by a health professional.
To apply for a plate, you must complete the Registration/Tax/Title Application.
Fees
Disability placards are available to you at no cost. If you want a plate, you will have to pay the same fees as you would if you were applying for an ordinary license plate.
Return the application to the address on the form.
Renewal
Placards and plates will expire. A permanent placard is good for four years. A temporary placard is good for six months. Disability license plates must be renewed on the third renewal of your registration.
When you renew, you do not have to re-submit your medical information if your original application states that your disability is not reversible.
As a disabled resident of the State of Vermont, you are entitled to certain rights and privileges that are not accorded to non-disabled residents. However, you do have to apply in order to obtain special placards and plates. The State of Vermont does not automatically identify you as a person with a disability. The onus is on you to prove that you are disabled and to fill out the correct paperwork if you want to take advantage of the special privileges that are available to you.
