For the purposes of determining eligibility under chapter 46.19 RCW, for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Identification card" means the identification card bearing the name and date of birth of the person to whom the placard/plate/tab is issued.

(2) "Health care practitioner" means that as defined in RCW 46.19.010(2). Health care practitioner does not include persons licensed in the professions of dentistry and optometry.

(3) "Permanent" means a health care practitioner has certified the qualifying disability condition is expected to last at least five years.

(4) "Permit" means the eligibility for the temporary or permanent placard or special license plate(s), license tab, and identification card.

(5) "Privilege" means the right to utilize the benefits associated with the special parking privileges for persons with disabilities.

(6) "Resident" means an individual who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis, or an individual or dependent of an Armed Forces member who is currently stationed in the state of Washington.

(7) "Signature" means any memorandum, mark, stamp, or sign made with intent to authenticate an application for a placard/plate, or the subscription of any person.

(1) How to qualify for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities? A health care practitioner must certify, on a department approved application form and on a written authorization, that an individual has a qualifying disability in accordance with those listed in RCW 46.19.010(1).

(2) Who may apply? To qualify for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities, you must be a Washington state resident or be stationed with the Armed Forces in Washington state.

(3) How to apply for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities? The individual must complete and sign the appropriate portion of the application. Once the health care practitioner portion of the application is completed, and the health care practitioner has provided a written authorization, submit these documents to a vehicle licensing office or the department. The application and written authorization are required on all applications, originals and renewals.

(4) Can the materials be submitted electronically? No. The health care practitioner may send you the signed application and written authorization by electronic means of their choosing. You must remit the application and written authorization in hard copy to a vehicle licensing office or the department.

(5) Can my health care practitioner combine the application and written authorization? Yes. The application may be printed on the health care practitioner's letterhead or prescription paper and be submitted as a complete application.

(6) Who may sign the application for an individual who is unable to sign or is a minor? An authorized representative of the individual applying for the parking privilege may sign the application. The application must be accompanied by a copy of one of the following:

(a) A power of attorney;

(b) A Washington state court order or certification from the clerk of court confirming the court's action; or

(c) A declaration under penalty of perjury explaining why the applicant is unable to sign and explaining the signing person's association with the applicant. Example: Signature, Jane Doe, daughter.

(7) Why is the identification card issued? The identification card is issued to identify the individual with the parking privilege and to ensure that only those who qualify use the parking privilege. The identification card must be available for display to law enforcement or parking enforcement officials.

If you have just applied for the parking privilege and have not yet received the identification card, show the receipt you received at the time of application when requested.

(8) How long is the special parking privilege for persons with disabilities valid?

(a) Temporary privileges are valid for up to 12 months from the date of authorization by the health care practitioner. The privilege is valid until the last day of the month of expiration.

(b) Permanent privileges are issued for five years from the date of authorization by the health care practitioner. The privilege is valid until the last day of the month of expiration. The expiration date can be located on the identification card or as marked on the placard.

(9) How do I renew or extend my parking privilege?

(a) For a temporary privilege, if your condition continues beyond the expiration date, you must apply for a new privilege as described in WAC 308-96B-010(2).

(b) For a permanent privilege, the department will mail you a notice before your privilege expires.

You must apply for a new privilege as described in WAC 308-96B-010(2).

(10) What if the parking placard or identification card is lost, mutilated, destroyed, or stolen? To replace your parking placard or identification card, complete and sign an authorized department of licensing form indicating such. A new parking placard or identification card will be issued, indicating the original expiration date. The placard or identification card being replaced are no longer valid and should be destroyed if located.

(11) What should I do with my placard and identification card when they are no longer valid? They should be destroyed.

(1) When can a qualifying organization use disabled parking license plate or parking placard? Qualifying organizations may only use a disabled parking license plate or parking placard when transporting any person who meets the criteria under chapter 46.19 RCW.

(2) How does a qualifying organization apply for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities? The organization must submit a completed application with appropriate documentation as indicated on the application.

(3) What does a qualifying organization receive when approved for parking privileges?

(a) Disabled parking license plates. These may be issued for vehicles registered to the organization; or

(b) Parking placard(s). These may be used only when the vehicle in which they are displayed is transporting persons who have or would qualify for the parking privilege.

(4) Is a qualifying organization issued an identification card? No.

(5) When do the disabled parking license plates or placard(s) for organizations expire? The placard expires five years from the date of issuance, on the last day of the month specified on the placard.

(6) When are the disabled parking license plates and/or placard(s) no longer valid? The individual with disabled parking license plates are no longer valid when:

(a) The plates/placard(s) expire;

(b) The privilege expires;

(c) The vehicle is no longer being used for the purpose of transporting individuals with disabilities;

(d) The disabled parking license plates/placard(s) have been canceled by department administrative action;

(e) The organization no longer qualifies;

(f) The organization's business license is canceled or expires; or

(g) If the privilege was issued in error.

(7) How does an organization replace placards or disabled parking license plates if they become lost, mutilated, destroyed, or stolen? The organization must complete and sign a department form explaining what happened to the placard or plate. A replacement placard or disabled parking license plate will be issued indicating the original expiration date.

(8) How does an organization renew its permanent parking placard(s)? The department will send a notice to the organization before the privilege expires. The organization must submit a completed application with appropriate documentation as indicated on the application.

(9) Does an organization qualify for disabled parking license plate tabs? No.