Fast, easy, and affordable
Get Your Rhode Island
Handicap Parking Permit Online Today
Our physicians will review your medical records to verify your qualifying condition.
Uploading relevant documentation early helps ensure a fast review. Don’t have your records?
No problem—we can help you get them from your doctor.
Our physicians will review your medical records to verify your qualifying condition. Uploading relevant documentation early helps ensure a fast review. Don’t have your records? No problem—we can help you get them from your doctor.
See What Our Happy Customers Are Saying!
Michael Graves – Nevada
The Transformative Impact of My Handicap Parking Permit.
Living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) has been a constant challenge since my diagnosis five years ago. This heart rhythm disorder causes irregular beats, leading to debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath, and occasional dizziness. Simple tasks like walking across a parking lot could trigger episodes, leaving me exhausted or anxious about potential flare-ups. In the scorching heat of Las Vegas, where I reside, even short distances felt insurmountable. That all changed when I obtained my handicap parking permit—a small blue placard that has profoundly reshaped my daily life.
Before the permit, outings were logistical nightmares. Grocery shopping meant circling lots for spots near the entrance, often settling for far-off spaces that drained my energy before I even stepped inside. Doctor appointments turned into ordeals, with long treks from distant parking amplifying my symptoms. Socially, I withdrew; invitations to events were declined because the physical toll outweighed the joy. The permit, however, grants access to reserved spots, cutting walking distances dramatically. Now, I park mere steps from doors, conserving precious energy for what matters—spending time with family or enjoying a meal out without dreading the return trip.
Emotionally, it’s been liberating. The constant worry about overexertion has eased, boosting my confidence and independence. I no longer feel like a burden, asking friends to drop me off curbside. In a city like Las Vegas, where vast casino lots and strip malls dominate, this accessibility means I can participate in life more fully—attending shows or visiting the Strip without fear of AFib setbacks. It’s not just convenience; it’s empowerment, reminding me that accommodations exist to level the playing field.
Overall, the handicap parking permit hasn’t cured my AFib, but it has restored a sense of normalcy. It underscores how small changes can yield big differences, allowing me to focus on managing my health rather than battling my environment. In a world that often overlooks invisible disabilities, this permit is a lifeline, enabling me to live more vibrantly despite my condition.

Peter W. – California
It helps me with getting in and out of stores without having to suffer with more pain
Fern H. – Texas
Having a parking permit has significantly reduced the amount of walking I need to do each day, which has greatly increased my comfort. For someone who suffers from painfully feet, this change brings both comfort and delight.

Book Your Appointment
Skip the wait at the doctor’s office and schedule your DMV disability parking permit evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Match With
A Licensed Doctor
Connect with the right doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video.
Get Approved And Receive Your Certified Application Form
Once your evaluation is complete and approved, you'll receive Rhode Island's Disability Parking Placard Application with the medical certification section signed by our licensed doctors.
Disability Parking in Rhode Island:
Everything You Need to Know
Rhode Island Disability Parking Laws
- Qualifying conditions include inability to walk without assistive devices, severe lung disease, uses portable oxygen, Class III or IV cardiac condition, or legal blindness.
- A licensed physician with RI medical license must certify your condition on the Disability Parking Placard Application. Application must be submitted within 30 days of physician's certification.
- Permanent disability placards (blue) are valid for 5 years.
- Temporary disability placards (red) are valid for 6 months.
- Knowingly making false statements to obtain a placard is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail.
- Illegally parking in handicapped spaces: first offense $100, higher penalties for repeat violations.
- Unauthorized use of placard: $500 fine and immediate revocation of placard.
- Using expired placard: $500 fine and possible revocation.
- The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror when parked, visible from front and rear windshield, and removed when driving.
- Each individual is issued one placard.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply for, replace, or renew a Rhode Island disability parking placard, the required documents vary slightly depending on your situation. Here's a breakdown:
New Permanent, Long-Term, or Temporary Placard
To apply for a new disability parking placard in Rhode Island, you'll need:
- Disability Parking Placard Application, completed and signed by applicant and physician with RI medical license (must be submitted within 30 days of physician's certification)
- RI driver's license or RI state ID
Veteran Exemption
Veterans with 100% service-related disability may qualify for a disability placard without a medical certification. To receive this placard, you must submit:
- Disability Parking Placard for Disabled Rhode Island Veterans application
- Copy of letter from Veterans Administration stating disability is 100% service-related (replaces medical certification)
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 Disability Parking Placard Application completed by your RI-licensed physician, delivered to you via mail within 24-48 hours, ready for submission to the RI DMV
Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement
If your placard is lost or stolen, you'll need to provide:
- Affidavit for Lost & Damaged Placard form
- If stolen: copy of police report from local police
- If damaged: return damaged placard to DMV office
Permanent Placards
- Expire after 5 years.
- Renewal requires a new Disability Parking Placard Application with medical certification.
Long-Term Disability Placards
- Expire after 1-3 years as determined by physician.
- Renewal requires a new Disability Parking Placard Application with medical certification.
Temporary Disability Placards
- Valid for 6 months as determined by physician.
- If needed beyond expiration, a new application with medical certification is required.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard
- Complete Affidavit for Lost & Damaged Placard form.
- Submit copy of police report (if stolen) or return damaged placard (if damaged) to any DMV office or mail to the Disability Parking Placards Office.
Turnaround Time
Rhode Island Disabled parking permit applications are processed within 2-4 weeks from submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed and may require additional documentation.
Rhode Island Disability Parking Laws
- Qualifying conditions include inability to walk without assistive devices, severe lung disease, uses portable oxygen, Class III or IV cardiac condition, or legal blindness.
- A licensed physician with RI medical license must certify your condition on the Disability Parking Placard Application. Application must be submitted within 30 days of physician’s certification.
- Permanent disability placards (blue) are valid for 5 years.
- Temporary disability placards (red) are valid for 6 months.
- Knowingly making false statements to obtain a placard is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail.
- Illegally parking in handicapped spaces: first offense $100, higher penalties for repeat violations.
- Unauthorized use of placard: $500 fine and immediate revocation of placard.
- Using expired placard: $500 fine and possible revocation.
- The placard must be hung from the rearview mirror when parked, visible from front and rear windshield, and removed when driving.
- Each individual is issued one placard.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply for, replace, or renew a Rhode Island disability parking placard, the required documents vary slightly depending on your situation. Here’s a breakdown:
New Permanent, Long-Term, or Temporary Placard
To apply for a new disability parking placard in Rhode Island, you’ll need:
- Disability Parking Placard Application, completed and signed by applicant and physician with RI medical license (must be submitted within 30 days of physician’s certification)
- RI driver’s license or RI state ID
Veteran Exemption
Veterans with 100% service-related disability may qualify for a disability placard without a medical certification. To receive this placard, you must submit:
- Disability Parking Placard for Disabled Rhode Island Veterans application
- Copy of letter from Veterans Administration stating disability is 100% service-related (replaces medical certification)
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 Disability Parking Placard Application completed by your RI-licensed physician, delivered to you via mail within 24-48 hours, ready for submission to the RI DMV
Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement
If your placard is lost or stolen, you’ll need to provide:
- Affidavit for Lost & Damaged Placard form
- If stolen: copy of police report from local police
- If damaged: return damaged placard to DMV office
Permanent Placards
- Expire after 5 years.
- Renewal requires a new Disability Parking Placard Application with medical certification.
Long-Term Disability Placards
- Expire after 1-3 years as determined by physician.
- Renewal requires a new Disability Parking Placard Application with medical certification.
Temporary Disability Placards
- Valid for 6 months as determined by physician.
- If needed beyond expiration, a new application with medical certification is required.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard
- Complete Affidavit for Lost & Damaged Placard form.
- Submit copy of police report (if stolen) or return damaged placard (if damaged) to any DMV office or mail to the Disability Parking Placards Office.
Turnaround Time
Rhode Island Disabled parking permit applications are processed within 2-4 weeks from submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed and may require additional documentation.
Benefits of Having a Handicap Placard
Driver’s License Exemption for In-Person Submission
Extended Time Limits
Convenience and Safety
No Meter Payment in Some Cities
FAQs
How do I apply for a disability parking permit in Rhode Island?
To apply through an online service like ParkingMD, start by completing a quick evaluation with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. If you're approved, your medically certified Disability Parking Placard Application will be delivered to you via email within 24-48 hours. Mail the completed application within 30 days to: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Disability Parking Placards Office, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-3024, to receive your handicap placard.
Can out-of-state visitors use their disability placards in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island recognizes valid disability placards and license plates issued by other U.S. states. Visitors can use their existing placard to access accessible parking spaces while in Rhode Island. Just make sure it's clearly displayed and up-to-date.
What are the parking rules for disability placards in Rhode Island?
Your Rhode Island disability placard must hang from the rearview mirror when parked, visible from the front and rear windshield. Remove the placard when driving. The placard is valid only when the authorized person is present in the vehicle. Unauthorized use results in a $500 fine and immediate revocation. Using an expired placard results in a $500 fine. Illegally parking in handicapped spaces results in a $100 fine for first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations.
Explore Rhode Island Hotspots
With Your Accessible Parking Permit
Newport