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Disability Parking in Ohio:
Everything You Need to Know

• Ohio Disability Parking Laws

  • Qualifying conditions include mobility impairments that limit or impair the ability to walk, inability to walk 200 feet, needing assistance device, wheelchair, or another person; lung disease; cardiac condition classified as Class III or Class IV; or severe limitation in walking ability due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.
  • A licensed healthcare provider (physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor) must certify your condition on a prescription that accompanies Form BMV 4826.
  • Temporary placards (red) are valid for up to 6 months for disabilities expected to last 6 months or less.
  • Standard placards (blue) are valid for disabilities lasting over 6 months and up to 10 years, as indicated by your healthcare provider.
  • Permanent placards are valid for 5 years.
  • Parking in a disability space without a valid placard or plate is a misdemeanor with fines ranging from $250 to $500.
  • The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror when parked and removed when driving.
  • Applications must be submitted to any local Ohio Deputy Registrar agency or mailed to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

• Documents You’ll Need

  To apply for, replace, or renew an Ohio disability parking placard, here's what you need:

  New Temporary, Standard, or Permanent Placard

  To apply for a new disability parking placard in Ohio, you'll need:

  • Form BMV 4826 (Application for Disability Placards), completed and signed by the person with the disability
  • A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider that states the date, name of the person with the disability, the expected duration of the disabling condition, and is signed and dated by the healthcare provider stating it is for a disability placard

  Online Doctor's Certification

  If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A signed prescription for a disability placard delivered to you via email within 24-48 hours, ready for BMV submission with Form BMV 4826

  Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement

  If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to provide:

  • Form BMV 4826 (top portion only)
  • No new prescription required for replacements
  • Replacement placards expire on the same date as the original placard

  Note:

  Organizations that transport individuals with disabilities on a regular basis may obtain a placard by completing the organization section of Form BMV 4826.

• Permanent Placards

  • Expire after 5 years.
  • If the Ohio BMV sends you a renewal application, follow the instructions provided.
  • Renewal does not require new medical certification.

  Permanent placard holders may also qualify for the America the Beautiful Access Pass — a free lifetime pass for entry to over 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites.

  Standard Placards

  • Valid for disabilities lasting over 6 months and up to 10 years.
  • The Ohio BMV will send you a renewal application 60 days before your placard expires

  Temporary Placards

  • Valid for up to 6 months for disabilities expected to last 6 months or less.
  • Temporary placards cannot be renewed. If your condition persists beyond 6 months, you must apply for a standard or permanent placard with new medical certification.

  Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard

  • Complete the top portion of Form BMV 4826.
  • Submit the form to any local Deputy Registrar agency or mail to: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Registration Support Services, P.O. Box 16521, Columbus, OH 43216-6521.
  • No new prescription required.
  • Replacement placard expires on the same date as the original placard.

  Turnaround Time

  Processing typically takes 10-15 business days if the form is submitted by mail. In-person applications at Deputy Registrar agencies may be processed more quickly.