• You'll be notified of your placard eligibility within 30 days of applying.handicap parking only sign image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles issues disability placards free of charge to people who meet certain requirements. With the handicap placard, you are entitled to park in spaces that are designated for disabled peoples; the placard is designed to help simplify your everyday activities that involve driving, such as commuting to work, going to school and running errands. If you have a disabling medical condition and you are currently living in Massachusetts, you may qualify for a handicap placard for the car or motorcycle that is registered under your name.
  
  

Massachusetts Residency

• You must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be eligible for a Massachusetts handicap placard. Therefore, you will be required to have a Massachusetts driver's license. If you are a resident of another state, you should apply for a handicap placard with your own state.
  
  

Medical Eligibility

• A Massachusetts licensed and registered health care provider must affirm that you are medically eligible to receive a handicap placard. If you wish to obtain a placard, you are required by law to satisfy one of the following medical criteria: you are unable to walk 200 feet without a break, without someone assisting you or without a prosthetic aid or device; you have a lung condition, heart condition or arthritis; you have lost at least one of your limbs or have lost functionality in at least one of your limbs; or you are legally blind. If applying for a temporary placard, your disability must be expected to last at least two months.
  
  

Paperwork

• A completed Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate must be submitted to the RMV for consideration (see Resources for application). Both the person who is applying for the handicap placard and his health care provider must fill out and sign the application. In addition, you may be asked to submit documentation that verifies your medical condition(s); for example, if you are legally blind, you must attach the document declaring your status.
  
  Within 30 days of your doctor's certification, you must submit the application and any supporting documents to the RMV either in person at a branch office or via mail. To find your local RMV office, see Resources. The mailing address is as follows:
  
  Attn: Medical Affairs Branch
  
  Registry of Motor Vehicles
  
  P.O. Box 55889
  
  Boston, MA 02205-5889