Q.	I am disabled and would like to obtain a disabled placard and/or license plates with the international symbol of access. How do I apply?
A disability statement form is available from the Harris County Tax office. The applicant's physician must complete the form VTR-214. The physician's signature must be notarized unless a separate written original prescription is submitted. The fee for a placard is $5.00. Placards must be renewed every four years. Texas law allows disabled residents to obtain either a) one set of plates with the international symbol of access plus one placard, or b) two placards. A placard may be displayed in any vehicle being used to transport the disabled person. If the vehicle does not have disabled-person license plates, the law requires that the placard be displayed on the rear-view mirror whenever the vehicle is parked in a disabled-person parking space. There is an exchange fee of $1.30 ($1.00 processing fee if done through the mail) for a set of disabled-person license plates, if the registration is current. Additional sets of disabled person plates may be obtained for vehicles specially equipped for operation by a person who has lost the use of one or both legs.
Q.	What’s the difference between a blue or red placard?
Blue Disabled Placards (Permanent or Temporary) are issued to individuals with “specific mobility problems” which means the individual cannot walk without the use of an assistance device. Assistance devices are categorized as a brace, a cane, a crutch, another person, or a prosthetic device. Blue Disabled Placards are also issued to individuals who cannot ambulate without a wheelchair or similar device. Red Disabled Placards (Permanent or Temporary) are issued to all other disabled persons who have disabilities other than the specific mobility-related disabilities associated with the Blue Disabled Placards.
Q.	A disabled relative recently passed away. What should I do with their disabled placard?
When the holder of a disabled placard (blue or red) dies, the disabled placard should be returned by family members or friends to the Harris County Tax Office. It is illegal to continue using an invalid disabled placard or to improperly renew a disabled placard. A violation is punishable by fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and between 10 and 50 hours of community service.
Q.	How long are disabled placards valid?
Permanent disabled parking placards are valid for four years. Temporary disabled parking placards are valid for six months from month of issue. License plates with the international symbol of access are valid as long as the vehicle belongs to the disabled individual. License plates should be removed from vehicles when sold. Please note that new license plates are required after seven years. The vehicle owner’s registration renewal notice will indicate “new plates required” when the plate age reaches seven years.
Q.	What should I do about disabled parking if I do not own a vehicle?
An individual with a disability may apply for a disabled parking placard instead of disabled license plates. The placard may be displayed in any vehicle used for transportation of the disabled person.
Q.	Can I send someone in to renew my placard for me?
Someone other than the disabled applicant can renew a placard with the following information: a new application completed and signed by the disabled applicant expired placard(s) written authorization allowing someone else to renew disabled placard
Q.	On the disabled application what does it mean by "Making application on behalf of a disabled person"?
A person may apply for disabled parking on behalf of a disabled individual who does not possess a Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Q.	How do I get a disabled placard for my child, who does not have a driver's license?
The disabled application would be completed by the physician based on the disabled child. The legal guardian would check "Making application on behalf of a disabled person" and include the guardian’s name, signature and driver's license number.