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South Carolina Handicap Parking Placards

Check out the South Carolina Handicap Parking Placards Information


South Carolina Handicap Parking Placards


South Carolina Handicap Parking Placards: How to Get One and What You Need to Know

 Residents with disabilities can take advantage of parking benefits by applying for a South Carolina handicap parking placard. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues various types of permits, including temporary accessible placards valid for up to one year, permanent accessible placards valid for up to four years, standard or personalized disability license plates valid with your vehicle registration, and disabled veteran license plates valid for two years. If you have any of these SC disability permits, you can park in designated disability spaces and park at meters within the city for free.


South Carolina Handicap permit Laws

Unauthorized use of a accessible pass is a serious offense in SC. The DMV takes enforcement seriously and requires your pass to have your picture on it so only you can use it. You must also keep your disability certificate with you at all times when using your disability pass. Providing false information on your disability permit application could result in a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine between $500 and $1,000.


What qualifies you for a handicap permit in South Carolina?

To qualify for a disability placard in SC, you must have a physical or mental impairment that limits your mobility and meets one or more of the following criteria:

You are unable to walk 100 feet without stopping to rest due to a medical condition such as an orthopedic, neurological, arthritic, or cardiac condition.

You require the use of a cane, crutch, walker, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device to move around.

You have a lung disease that severely limits your breathing capacity.

You require portable oxygen to breathe.

You have a Class III or IV cardiac condition according to the standards of the American Heart Association.

You are legally blind.

To obtain a disability tag in SC, you must complete the disability placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A) and provide a medical certification from a licensed physician. The application must be submitted either by mail or in person at a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office, along with the applicable fees. Temporary accessible passes are valid for up to one year, depending on your medical certification, while permanent disability passes are valid for up to four years.


How To Get a Handicap Placard in South Carolina

To obtain a handicap parking pass in SC, you must complete the disability placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A), provide a medical certification from a licensed physician, provide a prescription from the licensed physician along with their signature, and pay the applicable fees (passes are $1; license plates are $20; disabled veteran license plates are free; personalized license plates are an additional $30). You can submit the completed application either via mail or in person at the DMV office. It is also important to note that whether you have a temporary or permanent handicap pass, you must apply to receive a new one before your current one expires.

To obtain a disability permit, you need to:

  1. Sign Up Online: Complete the quick and easy application
  2. Obtain Certification: Have a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant certify your disability. This can be done by completing the relevant section of the application form, indicating the nature and extent of your disability.
  3. Complete the Application: Fill out the Application for disability placard and/or License Plate form, available through the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website or at any SCDMV office.
  4. Submit Your Application: Bring or mail your completed application and medical certification to any SCDMV branch office.

South Carolina Handicap Parking Placards


If you have a disability, you may qualify for a SC accessible pass. The application process involves providing a medical certification from a licensed physician, completing the disability placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A), providing a prescription from the licensed physician, and paying the applicable fees. It is important to follow the rules and regulations related to the use of disability passes in SC to avoid fines or other penalties. By obtaining a disability parking pass, you can take advantage of benefits and make your life easier.


Is Disabled Parking Free in South Carolina?

Yes, with a SC disability pass, you can park in designated disability spaces and park at meters within the city for free. This applies to both temporary and permanent disability passes issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as standard or personalized disability license plates and disabled veteran license plates. However, it's important to note that unauthorized use of a disability pass is taken seriously in SC, and there are strict laws and penalties in place to prevent misuse of these  benefits.


Do disabled people pay for parking in SC?

No, individuals with a valid SC accessible disability placard or disability license plate are not required to pay for at parking meters within the city. This is one of the benefits of having a disability pass or license plate, as it allows individuals with disabilities to park in designated disability spaces and have access to convenient parking without having to pay for meters. However, it's important to note that these  privileges are reserved only for individuals with disabilities who have been issued a valid disability pass or license plate by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Unauthorized use of a disability pass or license plate is taken seriously in SC and can result in severe penalties.


How long does it take to get a accessible placard in South Carolina?

The processing time for a disability pass application in SC can vary depending on the method of submission and the workload of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you submit your application by mail, it may take several weeks to process, while applications submitted in person at a DMV office may be processed more quickly. Generally, it's a good idea to allow several weeks for processing, especially if you're applying for the first time or if your application requires additional review due to medical certification requirements. It's also important to note that if you're applying for a temporary disability pass, it will be valid for up to one year, depending on your medical certification, while permanent disability passes are valid for up to four years.


Is a SC accessible placard valid in other states?

Yes, SC accessible tags are generally recognized and valid in other states, although it's important to note that rules and regulations can vary by state and even by city. Individuals with a valid SC disability placard or disability license plate can typically use it to park in designated accessible spaces and take advantage of other benefits when traveling out of state. However, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the state or city you're visiting to avoid any confusion or potential violations. Additionally, some states may have different application requirements or fees for obtaining a accessible tag  or license plate, so it's a good idea to check with the relevant motor vehicle department before traveling.


Different Types of South Carolina Disability Parking Tags

South Carolina offers:

  • Temporary tags: For those with temporary disabilities, valid for up to four months.
  • Permanent tags: For individuals with long-term disabilities, valid for four years.
  • Disability License Plates: Available for individuals with permanent disabilities who own a vehicle.


Where Can I Get a Tag Near Me in SC?

You can obtain a DMV disabled placard online then submit the signed form at any Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) branch office. To find the nearest location, visit the SCDMV website.


How to Use Your Disability Parking Permit in South Carolina?

Your disability permit should be:

  • tags: Displayed hanging from the rearview mirror when parked in designated disability spaces. Remove or place it on the dashboard when driving.
  • License Plates: Automatically serve as your permit; no additional display is necessary.


Where to Hang the Handicap Placard/Permit

The disability  tag should be hung from the rearview mirror facing forward when parked. If your vehicle lacks a rearview mirror, place the disability placard on the dashboard where it is clearly visible from the exterior.


How long are handicap placards valid for in South Carolina?

In SC, the validity of disability passes can vary depending on whether they are temporary or permanent.

Temporary disability passes are valid for up to six months or the duration of the medical certification, whichever is shorter. A maximum of two renewals can be granted, making the total validity of temporary disability passes up to one year.

Permanent disability passes are valid for up to four years, and they can be renewed by submitting a new application and medical certification.

It's important to note that regardless of the type of disability pass, individuals must apply for a new one before the current one expires. The application process is the same as the initial application, and a new medical certification from a licensed physician is required.


How Do I Get a Disability Veteran License Plate in SC?

Veterans with disabilities can apply for a special license plate by:

  • Providing proof of a service-connected disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Completing the appropriate section of the Application for Disabled Placard and/or License Plate form and submitting it to the SCDMV.


How do I renew my handicap placard in South Carolina?

To renew a handicap placard in South Carolina, you will need to follow the same application process as the initial application. Here are the steps to renew your disability permit:

Complete the Disabled permit and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A) indicating that you are seeking to renew your accessible pass.

Provide a new medical certification from a licensed physician, indicating that your condition still qualifies you for a disability pass.

Submit the application and medical certification either by mail or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

Pay the applicable fees for the renewal. In the state, disability passes are $1.

It's important to note that even if you have a permanent disability pass, you must still apply for a renewal before the current one expires. Temporary disability passes are valid for up to one year, including renewals.

If you have any questions about the renewal process, you can contact the DMV customer service center at 803-896-5000.


Things You’ll Need

When applying for a disability tag, ensure you have:

  • A completed application form.
  • Medical certification from a licensed healthcare professional.
  • Proof of identification and vehicle ownership (for license plates).
  • Payment for any applicable fees.


How to Get a Disabled Parking Badge Online Today

For a convenient online option, you can use our services to apply for your disability parking permit. This typically involves:

  • Completing an online application form.
  • Undergoing a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare professional for your certification.
  • Submitting the signed certification along with your application to the SCDMV.

By following these steps, individuals can smoothly navigate the process of obtaining and using a disabled parking permit in South Carolina, ensuring accessibility and adherence to state regulations.