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Disabled Person Parking Permit
Special parking privileges are available for individuals with disabilities. Those who are certified by an authorized health care specialist as having a permanent or temporary disability are eligible for a Disabled Person Parking Permit.
 
The sections below provide more details on the following topics:
You may use the links above to go directly to any section.

Types of Permits
There are several types of disabled person parking permits with a variety of privileges:
You may use the links above to go directly to any particular type.
 
Parking privileges for all types of parking permits DO NOT apply to a zone where:
  • Parking is only permitted for 30 minutes or less:
    • Stopping, parking or standing of all vehicles is prohibited.
    • Late evening or overnight parking is prohibited.
  • Parking is reserved for special types of vehicles or activities.
 
Specific Permit Types
 
Renewable, Temporary, Temporary Duplicate (travel), Family, or Foreign Disabled Parking Permit
The renewable, temporary, temporary duplicate (travel), family or foreign disabled parking permit allows a person with a disability, or another person while transporting the person with a disability to or from the parking location to:
  • Park in a public parking zone that has a limit of more than 30 minutes. Park in any space reserved for disabled parking with the exception of the wheelchair user spaces.
 
Program Permit
The program disabled parking permit allows a person with a disability, or another person while transporting the person with a disability to or from the parking location to:
  • Park in a metered parking space for 3 hours or less while persons with disabilities are getting into or out of the vehicle;
  • Park in a public parking zone for 3 hours or less while persons with disabilities are getting into or out of the vehicle; or
  • Park in any space reserved for disabled parking, except for wheelchair user spaces.
 
Wheelchair User Permits
The Wheelchair disabled parking permit allows a person with a disability, or another person while transporting the person with a disability to or from the parking location to:
  • Park in a public parking zone that has a limit of more than 30 minutes without paying the parking meter fee;*
  • Park in a public parking zone that has a limit of more than 30 minutes without being charged overtime penalties; or*
  • Park in any space reserved for disabled parking.
* Local parking authorities may allow these privileges for any disabled parking permit holder. Check with local authorities for regulations governing these fees.
 

Styles Available
There are three different styles of disabled person parking permit placards currently in use. 
 
The most common styles have a light blue background or a dark blue background (shown below). 
 

 
However, as of January 1, 2008, a new disabled parking permit style was made available for persons that use wheelchairs, or low-powered motorized or mechanically propelled vehicles for use in the new wheelchair users only disabled parking areas.  These permits have a medium blue background and display the words “wheelchair User” on the lower portion of the permit.
 

Who Qualifies
 
You must meet the definition of a disabled person as outlined in ORS 801.387.
 
801.387 “Person with a Disability” means:
  1. A person who has severely limited mobility because of paralysis or the loss of use of some or all of the person’s legs or arms;
  2. A person who is affected by loss of vision or substantial loss of visual acuity or visual field beyond correction; or
  3. A person who has any other disability that prevents the person from walking without the use of an assistive device or that causes the person to be unable to walk more than 200 feet, including but not necessarily limited to:
             (a)  Chronic heart condition;
             (b)  Emphysema;
             (c)  Arthritis;
             (d)  Rheumatism; or
             (e)  Ulcerative colitis or related chronic bowel disorder. [Formerly 801.235]
 

Validity/Expiration
The valid term varies by the type of disabled person parking permit.
 
Validity of Specific Permit Types
 
Renewable Permit
A renewable permit is valid until the expiration of the driver license or ID card. The permit must be renewed when the license or ID card is renewed.
 
Temporary Duplicate (travel) Permit
A temporary travel permit is valid for 30 days.
 
Temporary Permit
A temporary permit is valid for the length of time the physician deems necessary, not to exceed 6 months.
 
Wheelchair User Permit
A wheelchair user permit is valid until the expiration of the driver license or ID card.  The permit must be renewed when the license or ID card is renewed.
 
Family Permit
A family permit is valid for 8 years from issuance.
 
Program Permit
A program permit is valid for 8 years from issuance.
 
Foreign Permit
A foreign visitor permit is valid for 30 days from issuance.
 
More Information

For more information contact DMV at:
  • Salem: (503) 945-5000
  • Portland Metro Area: (503) 299-9999
  • Bend: (541) 388-6322
  • Medford: (541) 776-6025
  • Roseburg: (541) 440-3395
  • Eugene: (541) 686-7855
  • TTY: (503) 945-5001
or call your local DMV office.
 

How to Apply
To apply for a disabled person parking permit you must:
  • Have a valid Oregon Driver License or an Identification Card to obtain a renewable, temporary duplicate (travel) or wheelchair permit;
  • Completed Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit (Form 265), with a licensed physician's signature; and 
  • Submit your completed application in person at a DMV office or by mail to:
DMV Driver Issuance Unit
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem , OR 97314

 
depending upon the specific instructions listed below for each type of permit.
Instructions for Specific Permit Types
 
Temporary Permits
You may apply in person or by mail.

Renewable Permits
If you have a current, valid Oregon Driver License or ID Card, you may apply in person or by mail. If you do NOT have a current, valid Oregon Driver License or ID Card you will need to apply in person.  

"No Photo" Parking Identification Cards
If you qualify for a "no photo" parking identification card as certified by your physician, then you must apply by mail.
 
Family or Program Permits
You must apply by mail.
 

How to Replace
If your permit is lost, destroyed or mutilated, complete the Application for Replacement Disabled Person Parking Permit (Form 265b). You do not need to submit a "Certificate of Disability" with the replacement application. There is no fee for a replacement permit.
 

How to Return
If you have a disabled person parking permit and you are moving out of the state, you must return it to the Oregon DMV either before or immediately after you move. 
 
Unused and found permits should be returned to DMV immediately.
 
Permits may be returned in person at a DMV office or by mail.  If returning a permit by mail, please include a note with a brief explanation of why it is being returned.
 

Disabled License Plates
The only disabled plates issued by DMV are Disabled Veterans Plates and they do NOT allow parking in disabled parking places. The purpose of these plates is to identify and honor the sacrifices made by veterans. 
 
If you have Disabled Veteran plates on your vehicle, you will also have to apply for a disabled parking permit or decal if you want to use parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
 

Reciprocity
Oregon recognizes disabled person parking permits that are issued by other states or countries for the purpose of identifying vehicles permitted to utilize parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
 

Fees
There is no fee required for obtaining a disabled person parking permit.
 

 
Page updated: March 11, 2009

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