If you are a disabled person, you should be aware of the new requirements for disabled placards and disabled license plates. The new requirements are the result of a law change in June 2009. To view our press release and examples of the new placards and plates, click here. For more information about getting your new placard or plate, click here.

Effective January 1, 2010, SCDMV will begin issuing disabled placards that contain a photo of the individual to whom the placard was issued, along with certificates verifying their eligibility. If you currently have a valid disabled placard, you may continue to use it until it expires, or until December 31, 2012, whichever comes first.

Once your placard expires, you will have to recertify your disability with your physician before you can obtain a photo-bearing placard.  If you lose your current disabled placard and it has not yet expired, you can obtain a replacement, non-photo-bearing placard without having to recertify with a physician; however, your replacement placard will have an expiration date of December 31, 2012. Only one photo-bearing placard will be issued per customer and the cost is $1.00.

Vehicles displaying a disabled license plate or placard may only park in designated spaces if that vehicle is driven by or is transporting the disabled individual whose name appears on the license plate registration certificate or placard certificate.

Individuals applying for a new placard must complete Form RG-007A, Disabled Placard and License Plate Application.  Businesses applying for a new placard must complete Form RG-007B, Organization Disabled Placard and License Plate Application.

Vehicle owners with disabled license plates must also carry registration certificates that list the names of all eligible disabled persons in their household that operate or may be transported in the vehicle.  When customers renew their disabled license plate, they will receive a new license plate and registration certificate.

Businesses are not required to certify with a physician.  Businesses with disabled license plates must also carry registration certificates.  Business certificates will not list names of disabled persons.  The certificate will state that the vehicle is entitled to park in designated parking spaces.

Vehicles displaying a disabled license plate or placard may only park in designated spaces if that vehicle is driven by or is transporting the disabled individual whose name appears on the license plate registration certificate or placard certificate.

To apply for a disabled license plate for a privately owned vehicle, complete Form RG-007A, Disabled Placard and License Plate Application. To apply for a disabled license plate for a business vehicle, complete Form RG-007B, Organization Disabled Placard and License Plate Application.

For more information, click here.