The State of Colorado issues license plates and placards to qualified persons with disabilities to park in reserved parking spaces. Disability parking is provided to assure that individuals requiring additional space to enter or exit their vehicles have the needed space and provide parking as close to the main entrance of a facility. The disability privilege allows a qualifying individual to park in any space marked with the International Symbol of Access.
The State of Colorado offers identifying license plates and placards for persons with disabilities to park in reserved parking spaces.
House Bill 18-1285 Remuneration-Exempt Disability Parking Placard is effective January 1, 2019. House Bill 18-1285 Remuneration-Exempt Disability Parking Placard creates a remuneration-exempt identifying placard that exempts an individual with a disability from paying for parking at parking device if the disability limits the individual's:
- Fine motor control in both hands,
- Ability to reach a height of 48 inches from the ground due to lack of finger, hand, or upper extremity strength or mobility, or
- Ability to reach or access a parking meter due to the use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device.
A person with a disability may apply for:
- An identifying placard to be prominently displayed on a motor vehicle used to transport such person with a disability.
- A distinguishing license plate to be displayed on a motor vehicle owned by such person.
- If the person with a disability is also a Disabled Veteran as determined by 42-3-213(5), C.R.S., that person may elect to display the Disabled Veteran license plates.
To be considered "disabled" and eligible for persons with disabilities license plates and/or placards, the applicant must meet one of the criteria below and have it verified in writing by a Professional*. Information on the process for applying can be found in DR2816. You may apply for a new placard or request a replacement through our myDMV online system (see Vehicle Services tab). Identifying license plates or placards may also be issued by submitting a completed DR 2219 Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application to the County Motor Vehicle Office. The application must be signed by the applicant or representative.
- Mobility: Persons who cannot walk two-hundred feet without stopping to rest.
- Assisted Mobility: Persons who cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
- Respiratory: Persons who are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person's forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second when measured by spirometry is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air or at rest.
- Oxygen: Persons who use portable oxygen.
- Cardiac: Persons who have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as class III or IV according to the standards of the American Heart Association.
- Other: Persons who are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
- Remuneration Exempt Disability Parking Placard-
- Fine motor control in both hands,
- Ability to reach a height of 48 inches from the ground due to lack of finger, hand, or upper extremity strength or mobility, or
- Ability to reach or access a parking meter due to the use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device.
Temporary Placards:
Submit the items below to your County motor vehicle office. You may receive a temporary placard if your disability is not permanent.
You may also receive a three year placard for permanent impairments as well as plates for either a motor vehicle or motorcycle.
- Completed DR 2219 Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application to your County Motor Vehicle Office.
- Applicant’s secure and verifiable identification is required.
NOTE: Issuance of three year placards to organizations that transport Persons with Disabilities can be done upon submission of the following documents (all documents must be kept in the vehicle while the placard is displayed):
- A letter, on the organization’s letterhead stationary, signed by the CEO (or equivalent) of the organization describing the use of the vehicle(s).
- Copies of the registration or titles for the vehicles that will use the placard. Vehicles must be titled in the name of the organization.
Replacement Placards:
Placards may be managed through our online system. Please note: expired placards cannot be managed online, you will need to contact your county motor vehicle office.
For instructions on receiving a replacement placard, please view this document.
Customers may elect to be issued a new placard, re-setting their three (3) year certification date by completing a DR 2219 Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application with a professional's validation.
More Information & Resources:
- Colorado Revised Statutes: §42-3-204 C.R.S., §42-4-1208 C.R.S.,1 CCR 204-10 Rule 25, Code of Federal Regulations 23 CFR 1235.
* "Professional" means a physician licensed to practice medicine or practicing medicine pursuant to section 12-36-106 (3) (i), C.R.S. (i) the performance by commissioned medical officers of the armed forces of the United States of America or of the United States public health service or of the United States veterans administration of their lawful duties in this state as such officers. A physician assistant licensed pursuant to section 12-36-107.4, C.R.S., a podiatrist licensed under article 32 of title 12, C.R.S., an advanced practice nurse registered pursuant to section 12-38-111.5, C.R.S., or a physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, or advanced practice nurse authorized to practice professionally by another state that shares a common border with Colorado. Additional professionals for Short Term Placards only: Chiropractor licensed under article 32 of title 12, C.R.S and Physical Therapist licensed under article 32 of title 12, C.R.S