Texas County Tax Office Checklist: Submitting Form VTR-214 After Certification
by Nida HammadLast updated:
This article is a Texas VTR-214 county checklist for what happens after your medical certification is complete. For eligibility, qualifying conditions, and how to get Form VTR-214 signed online, start on the Texas handicap placard page.
What Texas Issues (Quick Reference)
Texas offers temporary (red) placards, permanent (blue) placards, and disability license plates through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) program. County tax assessor-collector offices issue credentials — not DMV field offices.
| Credential | Typical validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary (red) placard | Up to 6 months | New application if the condition continues |
| Permanent (blue) placard | 4 years | Free; renew without a new doctor signature |
| Disability license plates | Vehicle-specific | Same parking privileges as a placard |
Texas VTR-214 County Checklist: Documents to Bring
Before you visit your county tax office, confirm you have:
- Completed Form VTR-214 with the medical certification section signed (or a valid original prescription when required)
- Valid Texas driver license or state ID
- Your preferred placard type clearly indicated (temporary vs permanent)
Download the current form from the TxDMV VTR-214 PDF if you need a fresh copy. Licensed physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses can complete the medical section — or you can get certification online via the Texas handicap placard evaluation.
County Tax Office Submission Steps
- Confirm your county office. Submit in person at your county tax assessor-collector’s office. Mail is generally not accepted for initial placard requests.
- Hand in Form VTR-214 + ID. Staff review the form, verify identification, and check that the medical certification is complete.
- Receive the placard when approved. Many counties issue approved placards on the spot. Permanent placards are free; temporary placards may include a small county fee.
- Note the expiration date. Temporary dates follow the provider’s estimate (max six months). Permanent placards expire four years from issuance.
A fuller walkthrough of these Texas DMV steps also lives in the collapsible “Texas DMV Application Steps” section on the Texas handicap placard page.
Proper Use, Privileges, and Penalties
- Hang the placard from the rearview mirror only while parked in an accessible space; remove it while driving
- Only the issued holder may use it — and they must be in the vehicle
- Privileges typically include designated accessible spaces and, where posted, meter or time-limit relief
- Texas law imposes serious penalties for misuse, including fines and possible criminal charges for fraud
Renewing or Replacing a Texas Placard
Temporary (red): If the condition continues past six months, file a new VTR-214 with updated medical certification — Texas treats this as a new application, not a simple extension.
Permanent (blue): Submit a new Form VTR-214 and your expiring placard to the county tax office. No new physician signature is required for permanent renewals, and there is no renewal fee. TxDMV typically mails notices about 60 days before expiration.
Lost, stolen, or damaged: Contact your county tax office promptly. Provide a copy of the original application or the damaged/expiring placard when requesting a replacement.
Placards vs Disability License Plates
Placards move between vehicles; plates stay with one registered vehicle. If you drive multiple cars, a placard is usually more practical. You can hold both when your situation warrants it. Plate applications still use Form VTR-214 plus vehicle registration details and standard plate fees (the disability designation itself has no extra state charge).
Common County Submission Mistakes
- Incomplete medical certification (missing license number or signature)
- Expired or wrong ID
- Wrong placard type selected (temporary vs permanent)
- Missing applicant signature
- Going to a DMV field office instead of the county tax assessor-collector
Need the certification step first? Return to the Texas handicap placard page to start your online evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a disabled parking placard in Texas?
If your VTR-214 form is properly completed with valid medical certification, you'll receive your placard immediately upon approval at your county tax office. The entire in-office process typically takes 15-30 minutes.
Can I apply for a disabled parking placard online in Texas?
Initial placard applications must be submitted in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office. However, some counties may offer online renewal options for existing placard holders with permanent disabilities.
How much does a disabled parking placard cost in Texas?
Texas does not charge fees for permanent disabled parking placards. Temporary placards may carry a small county fee. You may also incur costs from your healthcare provider for the medical examination and form completion.
Can my family member use my disabled parking placard when I'm not in the car?
No. Texas law requires that the person to whom the placard is issued must be present in the vehicle, either as the driver or passenger, for the placard to be legally used. Allowing others to use your placard without your presence is considered fraudulent use and subject to penalties.
What happens if I lose my disabled parking placard?
Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office immediately to report a lost or stolen placard. You can request a replacement placard, though some counties may charge a small replacement fee. Reporting lost placards prevents fraudulent use.
Do I need a new placard if I move to a different county in Texas?
Your disabled parking placard remains valid if you move within Texas, but you should update your address with the county tax office. When your placard expires and you need renewal, apply through your new county of residence.
Can I have both a disabled parking placard and disabled license plates?
Yes, Texas allows individuals to have both credentials simultaneously. This can be useful if you drive multiple vehicles—using disabled plates on your primary vehicle and a placard for other vehicles you occasionally drive.
Meet the author
Nida Hammad
With over 5 years of experience in accessibility content, I create clear resources on handicap parking permits, state requirements, and applications.
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