All placards, regardless of the duration they are valid, will display the International Symbol of Access (ISA), which you probably recognize as the little white stick figure with a wheelchair. But, Colorado uses a few versions instead of solely the classic blue and white. Each of the three colors used represents something different:

Blue: People who have a long-term impairment

Purple: People who cannot access parking meters due to a disability

Red: People who have a short-term impairment

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s take a look at who is eligible for a handicap placard and how to complete the application process.

Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?

To be considered handicapped by the state of Colorado, the severity of your impairment will need to fall into one of these legal definitions:

Mobility: Persons who cannot walk 200 consecutive feet without stopping to rest

Assisted Mobility: Persons who cannot walk without assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, or another assistive device

Respiratory: Persons physically restricted to a certain extent by lung disease

Oxygen: Persons who use portable oxygen

Cardiac: Persons physically restricted to a certain extent by heart disease

Other: Persons who are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

Exemptions: Persons who cannot access a parking meter due to a disability that affects fine motor control in both hands or who have an inability to reach a height of 48 inches from the ground or reach the meter from a wheelchair

The DMV won’t just take your word for any of these conditions—you’ll need a written statement that verifies your disability. Here are the licensed professionals who can provide this statement, so long as they comply with Colorado Revised Statutes:

Physicians licensed to practice medicine

Commissioned medical officers of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Public Health Service, and/or U.S. Veterans Administration

Advanced practice nurses

Physician assistants

Podiatrists

Physical therapists (short-term permit only)

Chiropractors (short-term permit only)

Once the licensed professional gives you the green light—in this case, their signature—you can begin your application.

How to apply

Handicap placard regulations in Colorado state that you must fill out a DR 2219 form, also called the

Persons with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application

. Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll need to confirm the type of permit you’re applying for.

Here are your options in Colorado:

Two sets of

Colorado license plates

(fees apply)

One set of license plates (fees apply), one permanent (blue) no-fee placard, and one remuneration placard

Up to two permanent (blue) no-fee placards and no license plates

You can either deliver your completed application to one of

Colorado’s DMV locations

or return it by mail to the following address:

Department of Revenue – Division of Motor Vehicles

1881 Pierce Street

Lakewood, CO 80214

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Renewing a disabled parking placard

Renewing your handicap parking placard is a fairly straightforward process. Simply reapply with the same DR 2219 form when your expiration date arrives. Permits must be renewed every three years unless the expiration date states sooner. Short-term permits last 90 days and can only be renewed once under that designation.

Key Takeaway Colorado requires all disabled drivers to complete an application and health evaluation before receiving their handicap parking permit.

Guidelines for veterans with disabilities

For veterans to qualify for a handicap placard, they will have to demonstrate being 50% disabled or more due to permanent service-connected impairment. This validation will come in the form of a certified letter from the Veterans Affairs department or the applicant's branch of service.

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