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Disability Parking in Colorado:
Everything You Need to Know

• Colorado Disability Parking Laws

  • State-specified mobility impairments that significantly limit walking ability or require use of assistive devices.
  • Medical certification required on Form DR 2219, with special provisions for organizations and parents/guardians of children under 16.
  • Permanent placards are blue with 3-year validity for lifelong conditions. Extended placards are valid up to 30 months for conditions not expected to change within 30 months.
  • Temporary placards valid less than 3 months for conditions expected to resolve.
  • Short-term placards are red with 90-day validity for conditions lasting 90 days or less, renewable once.
  • Remuneration-exempt placards are purple with 3-year validity and exempt from parking meter fees.
  • All placards are free, but standard registration fees and ownership taxes apply for license plates.
  • Maximum 2 placards or plates per person, plus up to 2 additional remuneration-exempt placards.
  • Using someone else's permit illegally can result in fines up to $5,000, incarceration, community service, and permit suspension.
  • Medical professionals providing false certification face fines up to $500,000 for Class 4 felony or $1,000 for Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Placard must be hung on rearview mirror or placed on dashboard, clearly visible to law enforcement, and removed while driving.
  • Placard issued to the person, not the vehicle, and can only be used when authorized holder is in vehicle.

• Documents You’ll Need

  To apply for, replace, or renew a Colorado disability parking permit, the required documents vary depending on your situation:

  • Form DR 2219 completed and signed by a licensed medical professional is required for all new disability parking permit applications. Secure and verifiable identification for the person with the disability must also be provided.
  • Online medical certification available through services like ParkingMD with signed forms delivered via email within 24-48 hours.
  • Power of Attorney applications require Form DR 2175 if applicant cannot apply in person with representative providing their own identification.
  • Organizations providing transportation for persons with disabilities can apply by submitting letter on organization letterhead signed by CEO describing vehicle use. Copies of vehicle registration/titles must be provided with vehicles titled to organization and all documents must be kept in vehicle while placard displayed.
  • Disabled veterans have an alternative process through Disabled Veteran license plates if they meet requirements under state law. Provide proper VA documentation of service-related disability instead of standard medical certification.
  • Lost or stolen permit replacement requires new Form DR 2219 with medical certification and valid identification.
  • Expired permits cannot be managed online and require standard application process.

• Permanent Placards

  Colorado disability parking permits have specific renewal requirements and timelines depending on the permit type:

  • Permanent placards expire every 3 years and must be renewed before the expiration date. Years 3 and 6 renewals allow self-certification with no new medical documentation required, while year 9 renewal requires new medical certification.
  • No fee for renewals and most counties allow online renewal through mydmv.colorado.gov.
  • Extended permits valid up to 30 months and temporary permits valid less than 3 months both require new medical certification for each renewal cycle.
  • All renewals processed at no cost regardless of permit type.
  • Short-term permit are valid for 90 days from the last day of the month issued and can be renewed once with medical authorization. If mobility issues persist after expiration, you must apply for a completely new permit with fresh medical certification.
  • To replace lost, stolen, or damaged permits, you must complete Form DR 2219 with medical certification and present paperwork at any Colorado Motor Vehicle office or apply online for non-expired permits. There's no fee for permanent or temporary replacements.

  Turnaround Time

  Most Colorado Motor Vehicle offices process applications the same day when paperwork is complete; online and mail-in requests typically take longer (contact your local office for current processing times).