How do I obtain a disabled parking placard or license plate to use on my car?

In Washington State, disabled permits (license plates and/or placard hangtags) are issued by the State Department of Licensing (DOL) under authorization from a medical provider. Information is available at http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/parking.html or (360) 902-3770.

Does my out of state/country disabled parking placard or license plate work for parking in Seattle?

Valid disabled permits, used by their registered owner, that are issued by other states or countries are treated the same as Washington-issued placards. Any temporary placards, or similar, would be issued by your state or country per local guidelines.

How can I use my parking permit in Seattle?

Designated disabled space with 4-hour time limit 7 AM - 6 PM

Under Washington state law, the City of Seattle allows on-street parking in general parking spaces at no cost to holders of valid disabled parking permits. Parking may be time-limited for permit holders for no less than 4 hours if clearly signed. Without the 4-hour limit for disabled permit holders, vehicles may park longer than any other posted time limits. Any vehicle parked in Seattle longer than 72 hours may be considered abandoned and subject to citation and towing. In addition, parking restrictions for utility or other roadway work may be posted with as little as 24 hours' notice.



A disabled permit does not allow the permit owner to use Commercial Vehicle Load Zones, spaces reserved for certain users (including carpool users), or parking in No Parking areas. It also does not allow for parking in load zones longer than posted limits.

Free parking is generally not provided in off-street or privately-owned and managed parking areas, but this is up to the parking lot owner.

How can I find out more information about off-street parking for disabled permit holders?

SDOT does not regulate parking on private property. The Seattle Building Code, chapter 11 section 1106, lists the required minimum number of accessible spaces based on parking lot size. Questions about designated disabled spaces in off-street lots should be directed to Department of Construction & Inspections' Parking - Location, Size & Number of Spots.

How can I request a disabled parking sign at my residence?

Seattle residents who possess a valid permanent Washington State Disabled Parking Permit may request installation of a disabled parking space adjacent to their residence, subject to certain conditions.

Conditions where SDOT would award a disability zone:

Small driveway or garage cannot accommodate current vehicle

Steep incline or decline in off-street parking area

No off-street parking area

Shared driveway

Conditions where SDOT would not award a disability zone:

Requester has a temporary disability placard

Existing parking restrictions on-street

There is off-street parking that the requester can use

Requester does not live at the address full-time

A signed space may be used by any vehicle with a valid permit and is not dedicated to exclusive use by the requesting resident. To request a disabled parking sign at your residence, please complete the Residential Disabled Request Form and send to Andrew Fegan at Andrew.Fegan@seattle.gov or mail to the address listed below. You can contact Andrew Fegan by email or phone at (206) 684-5092 with any questions.

Seattle Municipal Tower

C/O Andrew Fegan

700 5th Ave

Suite 3800

PO Box 34996

Seattle, WA 98124

Is SDOT working to install designated disabled parking in other areas?

SDOT is currently working to design and install additional designated disabled spaces in on-street paid parking areas in Seattle, beginning with downtown Seattle in late 2018. More information on these spaces is available on a project flyer.

How can I report disabled parking abuse?

Seattle Police Department (SPD) Parking Enforcement enforces disabled parking regulations. Their main line is 206-386-9012 and you can also reach them to report a violation in progress via SPD's non-emergency number at 206-625-5011.

What can I do if I received a parking citation?

The Seattle Municipal Court handles all appeals to parking citations. Information is provided on the back of the citation and is online at www.seattle.gov/courts/hearings/hearinginformation.htm.