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Disability Parking in Maine:
Everything You Need to Know

• Maine Disability Parking Laws

  • Qualifying conditions include inability to walk 200 feet , use of assistive device, lung disease, use of portable oxygen, cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV per American Heart Association standards, severe limitations in ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition, or recovering from childbirth (temporary placard only).
  • A physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse must certify your condition on Form PS-18.
  • Permanent placards are valid for 5 years (expire when driver's license or state ID expires).
  • Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months maximum, unless medical provider specifies shorter period. For cesarean delivery, valid for 1 week following receipt; for birth of preterm infant, valid up to 6 months.
  • Misuse of disability parking or access aisle is considered a traffic infraction and subject to a fine of not less than $200.
  • Vehicles displaying disability plates or placards may park at metered spaces for twice the time limit without charge.
  • Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles issues the placard. Applications may be processed at any BMV branch office or via mail/fax.

• Documents You’ll Need

  To apply for, replace, or renew a Maine disability parking placard, the required documents vary slightly depending on your situation. Here's a breakdown:

  New Permanent or Temporary Placard

  To apply for a new disability parking placard in Maine, you'll need:

  • Form PS-18 (Application for Disability Plates/Placard), with medical provider's section completed and signed by physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse
  • Valid driver's license or state ID card information

  Veteran Exemption

  Disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disability certified by Veterans Administration may qualify for disabled veteran plates. Apply in person or by mail with:

  • Written request for disabled veteran plate
  • Copy of vehicle registration
  • VA letter stating disability status

  Online Doctor's Certification

  If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A signed Form PS-18 delivered to you via email within 24-48 hours, ready for BMV submission

  Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement

  If your placard is lost or stolen, you'll need to:

  • Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles; your application must be on file and current with BMV
  • The expiration date of the new replacement placard will be the same as the old placard

• Permanent Placards

  • Expire after 5 years (when driver's license or state ID expires).
  • Renewal requires completing only the top portion of Form PS-18 and marking it as "Permanent Re-Issue"; no medical provider certification needed for renewal.
  • Can be submitted at any BMV branch office or mailed/faxed to BMV.

  Temporary Placards

  • Valid for up to 6 months; medical provider may specify shorter period.
  • Cannot be renewed; must apply for new placard if disability persists.

  Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard

  • Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or visit nearest BMV branch office.
  • Your application must be on file and current.
  • Replacement placard expires on same date as the lost, stolen, or damaged placard.

  Turnaround Time

  Applications processed at BMV branch offices may be issued same day. Applications submitted by mail or fax typically take 10-14 business days for processing, or up to 2-4 weeks.