Sometimes, it seems, things can be more difficult than imagined. This is, and isn’t, true when it comes to “How to get Massachusetts Handicap Plates.” I guess it depends on your imagination.
First of all, Handicap Plates, in MA are Disability Plates and Placards. According to Mass. gov:
Apply for a disability placard or license plate
To apply for a disability plate or placard, you must:
- Complete an Application for Disabled Parking
- Your healthcare provider will have to fill out a section to verify your disability status
- Retain a copy of your 2-sided placard application
- If applying for a Disabled Veteran (DV) plate, you will also need a DV plate letter (RMV35A) from the veteran’s administration. You can contact the veteran’s affairs at (800) 827-1000 to request the letter.
Fees for Apply for a disability placard or license plate
A disability placard has no fee.
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Passenger Plate Fee (2-year) | $60 | each |
| Disability Motorcycle Plate Fee (annual) | $20 | each |
Disability Placards
If your temporary disability placard is nearing expiration or requires re-certification, you will need to submit a new application for your placard for to stay valid.
If you have a permanent disability placard, a new placard will automatically be mailed to you when it expires.
Disability Plates
The RMV will mail you a registration renewal reminder approximately 6 – 8 weeks before expiration.
Disability plates
Disability plates are issued to qualified Massachusetts residents who are primary owners of a registered passenger vehicle or a motorcycle. A holder of a passenger vehicle disability plate is entitled to a temporary disabled placard. A person must demonstrate “good cause” or need for the placard in writing to the medical affairs. “Good cause” means a valid reason why the plate cannot be used and duration of the need. Placards may be issued for up to 24 months.
Disability placards
Disability placards are issued to qualified applicants on a temporary or permanent basis. A person may be issued only one valid placard at a time.
Disability Veteran plates
Disability Veteran plates are issued only to qualified Massachusetts resident veterans who meet the same qualifications as those applying for a disability plate. The DV plate letter (RMV35A) details your service connected disabilities. You must have a combined rating of at least 60% service connected disabilities for qualifying conditions. These are the same disabilities that would qualify you for disabled parking. These plates are issued only to qualifying persons who are the primary owner of a registered passenger vehicle.
In summation, How to get Massachusetts Handicap plates, if you have all your materials BEFORE you go to the RMV, it will be easier than imagined. No matter how imaginative you are!
I have arthritis in both knees. I applied for an handicap plate June 10 2021. As of now I have not received anything from your department. My doctor made out the application and signed it I sent it in certified and have not received anything as of yet Could someone please give me a call to tell me why it is taking so long because I have not received it yet
Hi Virginia,
We are independent insurance agents that shop for the best Massachusetts auto insurance rates for our client. I suggest you call the RMV’s Medical Affairs at: 857-368-8020.
Best wishes,
Kevin Johnson
Where can I find a sample RMV 35A?
It is known as a “DV plate request letter.”
I can’t find a sample, however you can call the VA at 800-827-1000 when prompted press #9 an then #2
Hope this helps you. Please let us know if it doesn’t.
You can also reach the VA at 800-698-2411.
I received a sample RMV 35a from the registry. The sample is a copy of a VA letter dated SEP, 2001. Nobody at the VA has seen this RMV 35a. After 22 years I can see why. The RMV requirements are a “Combind Rating of 60%”. When talking with a registry representative on the phone she tried to misstatement the requirement. Something is NOT right here. Seems that not many disabled veterans get one of these plates.