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Disability Parking in Houston, Texas:
Everything You Need to Know

• Houston, Texas Disability Parking Laws

  You may qualify for a Houston disability placard if you:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without resting or without assistance (brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic, wheelchair, or similar device).
  • Have severe lung disease (FEV1 < 1 liter or oxygen tension < 60 mmHg on room air) or require portable oxygen.
  • Have a Class III or IV cardiac condition (per American Heart Association).
  • Are severely limited in walking due to arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, or foot disorders, as confirmed by a licensed physician.
  • Have another debilitating condition that limits walking, as certified by a licensed physician in Texas, a neighboring state (AR, LA, NM, OK), or a VA facility.
  • Nonresidents seeking medical treatment in Houston may use out-of-state or foreign ID/DL numbers.

  Blue Disabled Parking Placard

  • For Texas residents with a permanent disability.
  • Valid 4 years.

  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.

  Red Disabled Parking Placard

  • For temporary disabilities or nonresidents with permanent disabilities receiving medical care in Houston.
  • Valid 6 months or until recovery, whichever comes first.

  Disability Statement

  Must be completed by a licensed medical professional — physician, podiatrist, optometrist, qualified physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse.

• Documents You'll Need

  The required paperwork depends on your situation:

  New Placard (Permanent or Temporary)

  • Complete Form VTR-214 from TxDMV.
  • Include a doctor's recommendation or certification from an approved medical professional.
  • Attach a copy of your Texas ID or driver's license.

  Veteran Exemption

  Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled submit:

  • Form VTR-615
  • VA disability documentation
  • Texas ID or driver's license copy

  Online Doctor's Certification

  If using a telehealth service like ParkingMD:

  • You'll receive a signed and dated Form VTR-214 by email.
  • You can print and submit it to one of the following Harris County Tax Office locations or any authorized third-party provider.

  Downtown Houston Office 1001 Preston Street Houston, TX 77002

  Raul C. Martinez Annex 1001 SGT Macario Garcia Drive Houston, TX 77011

  Palm Center Annex 5300 Griggs Road Houston, TX 77021

  ParkingMD provides the medical evaluation and certification only. The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector reviews the application and issues the placard in Houston, TX.

  Lost or Stolen Placard

  • Fill out a new Form VTR-214 (doctor's section not needed if still valid).
  • Provide a Texas ID copy.

  Nonresidents getting medical care in Houston may use an out-of-state or foreign ID.

• Renewal & Replacement Process

  Steps to Renew a Disabled Parking Placard

  • Check your placard type — Permanent (Blue) placards are valid for 4 years.
  • Complete Form VTR-214 (Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard).
  • Fill out the affidavit section and submit it in person or by mail to the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector's office.
  • Include either a new medical certification or a copy of your original application with an updated signature.

  Steps to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard

  • Contact the Harris County Tax Office to report the lost, stolen, or damaged placard.
  • Request the replacement procedure and forms.
  • Submit a copy of your original application or the expiring/damaged placard as proof.

  Important Notes

  • A doctor's prescription or statement is usually required.
  • Download Form VTR-214 from the TxDMV website.
  • No fee for permanent (blue) placard renewals.
  • Contact the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector's office for updated procedures and mailing details.

  TEXAS COMPLIANCE NOTE: Temporary placard extension = NEW APPLICATION, not renewal. Users cannot simply extend a temporary permit — they must submit a new application if they need to continue. This applies to both temporary permit extension and renewal processes.