Harris County Disability Sticker: How To Get A Handicap Placard For Your Car In Texas

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In this community resource guide, you will learn how to get a Harris County handicap placard.

If you have a physical disability on mobility issues, a Harris County handicap placard for your car can help you to park closer to grocery stores pharmacies, your doctor’s office, or any other locations you may drive to. This can greatly help you if you use it.

My name is Nick Bryant and I am a case manager who has worked for 13 years in community health here in Houston Texas. I have connected over 7000 clients to supportive services which gives me a solid understanding of how government assistance programs and nonprofits work.

If you currently have a disability that makes it difficult to get around continue reading to learn how you can apply for a handicap sticker in Houston/Harris County, Texas.

Blue Disability Placard vs Red Disability Placard: What is the Difference?

There are two types of disability, placards blue and red. The difference between them is very simple.

The blue disability placard is for individuals with permanent disabilities. You must renew this disability placard every four years in Texas.

The red disability placard is only for temporary disabilities. This placard is renewed every six months. This is a placard that is typically given to individuals with temporary disabilities. An example would be a woman receiving a red placard during her pregnancy.

No matter, if you need a blue or red placard, you can get these at a Texas tax office also known as your county clerk’s office.

What Qualifies You For A Handicap Placard?

You will need to have a disability that limits your mobility and a doctor to certify this.

The definitions of disability and mobility issues mentioned in the table below is defined by the Texas Transportation Code, specifically in Section 681.001(2) and Section 681.001(5).

Disability Defined	Mobility Issues Defined
A condition in which a person has mobility problems that substantially impair the person’s ability to ambulate.	Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses.	Cannot walk without the use of or assistance from an assistance device, including a brace, cane, crutch, another person, or a prosthetic device.
Visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less.	Cannot ambulate without a wheelchair or similar device.
	Restricted by lung disease to the extent that the person’s forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second, measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.
	Uses portable oxygen.
	Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
	Severely limited in the ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
	Has a disorder of the foot that, in the opinion of a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state or in a state adjacent to this state, limits or impairs the person’s ability to walk.
	Has another debilitating condition that, in the opinion of a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state or a state adjacent to this state, or authorized by the applicable law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Veterans Administration, limits or impairs the person’s ability to walk.

Your Doctor Must Certify That You Have A Disability

In addition, you will also need to have your doctor certify that you have a qualifying disability. Your doctor will complete the “Disability Statement” portion of the Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/ or License Plate. You will also need to include an original prescription with your name and stating that you have a permanent or temporary disability.

Below is a screenshot of the portion of the application that your doctor will need to complete. It is here that they will certify that you have a disability that limits your mobility.

texas disability placard (1) — Your doctor will need to complete this portion of the Texas disability placard application to certify that you have mobility issues that qualify you for the placard.

Where Can I Get A Handicap Placard In Harris County Texas?

You must contact the Harris County tax office (713.274.8000) to get a handicap placard for your car. The Houston disability placard offices are also known as Harris County Clerks office is as well.

You can find a listing of Harris County tax offices where you can get your disability placard for your car here.

Disability Placard Offices in Harris County

Below is a map of Houston, disability, placard offices that you can visit to get your disability placard or license plate. You do not need an appointment to visit these locations. However, if you have questions, you are encouraged to contact the county clerk’s office before visiting.

How Do I Get A Disability License Plate In Harris County Texas?

You can complete the Application For Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate form to get a handicapped license plate. You can either download the Harris County disability license plate application or visit one of the Harris County Clerk’s offices for assistance.

Download Harris County Disability Placard Application

You can download your Harris County handicap placard/license plate application here. The application is a 2-page document that both you and your doctor will need to complete. Below is a screenshot of what the application looks like.

texas handicap placard application (1) — This is what the Texas disability placard application looks like. You can also use this form to get a disability license plate in Texas.

On the application you will need to provide:

Demographic information (name, address, phone, etc)
Include your driver’s license number
State whether you need a disability placard or license plate.

Enter the VIN number, license plate, year, make, and model of your car.
A signature from your doctor certifying that you have a disability that qualifies you for a handicap placard

Conclusion

To get a disability placard in Harris County, you will need to complete the Texas handicap placard/license plate application and have it certified by your doctor. You will also need to have a prescription with your name and stating that you have a qualifying disability.

Once your handicapped placard application is complete you can visit your local Harris County Tax office to drop off your application. If you would like to mail your application in then call the main Tax Office number at 713.274.8000 or contact your local tax office.

If you have additional questions, feel free to comment below and I will try to help you. I have worked in community services here in Houston since 2007, so if you have specific questions, I can point you in the right direction.

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Harris County Handicap Placard FAQ

Can I Renew My Texas Handicap Placard Online?

No, you must renew your Texas disability placard in person at a local Tax Office or mail it to them. You can however download and print your Texas handicap placard application online.

How Do I Renew My Handicap Placard In Houston?

You will need to complete the disability parking placard application and then take it to a Harris County Clerk’s office. You can also mail it, but you are encouraged to contact the Harris County Clerk’s office at 713.274.8000 to learn where to mail your application.

How Much Is A Handicap Placard In Harris County?

There is no cost for a permanent placard (red placard). The temporary placard, which is the color blue is $5.

When Do I Renew My Texas Disabilty Placard?

The permanent placard (blue) needs to be renewed every 4 years. The temporary placard (red) is valid for 6 months.

How Do I Get A Temporary Placard If I Am Pregnant?

You can get a temporary placard if a medical condition related to your pregnancy limits your mobility. To obtain a temporary disabled parking placard in Texas due to pregnancy, you must first obtain a written statement from your doctor. Next, complete the handicap placard application and have your doctor sign it. Last take it to your local tax office.

Nick Bryant

Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.