Accessible parking is key to ensuring equal access for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set standards for accessible parking spaces at facilities including businesses, government buildings, and other public accommodations. This guide explains how the ADA applies to parking and answers some common questions about accessible parking.
State or local laws may include additional requirements for accessible parking spaces.
Note: For more information about accessible parking as a work accommodation, see our Accessible Parking as an Employment Accommodation guide.
Last Updated: 12/17/2025
How does someone get a disability parking permit?
Disability parking permits are issued by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Licensing (DOL). The process can differ slightly depending on the state, but it usually involves completing an application form, having a healthcare provider verify you have a qualifying disability, and submitting the application online, by mail, or in person. Some states offer different types of permits, such as temporary placards, permanent placards, or disability license plates. It’s important to note that a qualifying disability may be defined differently than the ADA’s definition of disability.
For specific instructions and eligibility requirements, you can visit your state’s information page:
- Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
- Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)
What makes a parking space “accessible” under the ADA?
Accessible parking spaces have features that can reduce barriers for people with disabilities when accessing programs, goods, and services. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design have specific technical requirements for accessible parking spaces including the number of required spaces, where those spaces are located, and the dimensions and signage of each space. Accessible parking must also connect to an accessible route that leads to the business or building entrance.
Where can I find the ADA’s technical requirements for accessible parking spaces?
You can find the technical requirements for parking dimensions, signage, and locations by visiting the U.S. Access Board’s Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards - Chapter 5: Parking..
There are also specific technical requirements for on-street parking, and you can find those online at the U.S. Access Board’s Technical Requirements On-Street Parking.
How many accessible parking spaces are required in a parking lot?
When state or local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations provide parking lots or garages, accessible parking spaces must be provided. The number of required accessible parking spaces depends on the total number of parking spaces for each parking structure (lot or garage). The ADA sets minimums that increase as the size of the parking facility increases. At least one of every six accessible parking spaces must be van accessible.
To easily calculate the minimum number of accessible parking spaces required by the ADA Standards, use our calculator: Calculate Accessible Parking Spaces
Can a business provide additional accessible parking beyond the minimum?
Yes! The ADA sets the minimum number of required accessible parking spaces when parking is provided. Businesses or public entities that know their community would benefit from additional accessible parking may choose to provide more than the minimum.
What is the difference between a standard accessible space and a van-accessible space?
A van-accessible parking provides additional space and clearance to accommodate vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps. These spaces have additional vertical clearance (98 inches) for the parking space and access aisle. Van-accessible spaces also include additional signage identifying the space as “Van Accessible” along with the international symbol of accessibility. Under the ADA, van accessible spaces must be at least 132 inches wide if paired with a 60 inches wide access aisle, or if 96 inches wide paired with an access aisle at least 96 inches wide.
Standard accessible parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide with an access aisle at least 60 inches wide. They do not require the extra vertical clearance needed by some vans with lifts.
Any parking lot with one or more accessible parking spaces must have at least one van-accessible space. Van-accessible spaces are not limited to vans, and any vehicle with a valid disability permit may use them. Where parking spaces are limited to four or fewer spaces, one van accessible parking space must be provided. A sign identifying the accessible space is not required.
Are out-of-state disability placards valid?
Yes. When traveling, disability placards and permits issued by other states are generally valid throughout the United States. Local parking rules such as time limits, payment requirements, and enforcement procedures may vary.
Do electric vehicle (EV) charging stations need accessible parking spaces?
Yes. EV charging is an emerging issue for accessibility, and public EV charging stations must comply with the ADA. While the current ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010) do not specifically address EV chargers, they still require that when a business or public entity provides EV charging to the public, the program as a whole must be accessible. This means EV charging stations must follow relevant ADA technical requirements such as accessible routes, clear floor space at controls, reach ranges, operable parts, and surface requirements.
The ADA Standards do not currently specify how many EV chargers at a site must be accessible, or what signage should be used for accessible charging. However, some states have adopted their own accessibility requirements for EV charging stations, and the U.S. Access Board has published Design Recommendations to guide accessibility until formal federal standards are updated. For example, Washington has published standards for accessible EV parking spaces: WAC 51-50-0429
Is accessible parking free?
The ADA does not require accessible parking to be free. In general, accessible parking must be provided at the same rate and under the same conditions as other parking spaces. This means that if parking is free for the public, accessible parking must also be free. If a lot or garage charges for parking, accessible spaces may require payment like any other space.
Some state and local governments have additional rules that allow accessible public parking (often street parking) to be free or provided at reduced rates for people with disabilities. For example, in Oregon, cities and counties can decide whether public parking is free for people who have accessible parking permits. Check with the city or county where you plan to park for accurate information about parking fees.
Where can I learn more about how to use an accessible parking permit?
In Alaska, contact the state agency that issues accessible parking permits for more information: Disability Parking and Permits
In Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department includes state-specific rules for using an accessible parking permit on the second page of the permit application: License Plate and Placard Application (PDF)
In Oregon, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) answers frequently asked questions about accessible parking permits: Disabled Person Parking Permits
In Washington, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) provides a guide on how to use an accessible parking permit: Using Disabled Parking
Who can enforce accessible parking rules?
Accessible parking enforcement is usually handled by local police, sheriff's departments, or parking enforcement officers.
If you believe someone is misusing accessible parking, you may contact local law enforcement. It is important not to assume that someone does or does not have a disability based on appearance. Many disabilities are not visible. In addition, a driver may legitimately use accessible parking when transporting a passenger with a disability.
How can I request a disabled parking sign on a residential street?
First, it’s important to figure out who controls or owns the street. If the street is city owned, the city may have an established residential disabled parking program. These are typically run by the city’s department of transportation.
There is limited information about residential parking under the ADA. Currently, the ADA does not explicitly address whether a city must have a specific process for requesting residential accessible on-street parking. However, the ADA does require that cities generally ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to their programs and services, including parking. Proving an accessible on-street parking space can be one way that cities ensure their parking programs are accessible. Under the ADA, these types of accommodation requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Often the best person to contact about accessibility issues, like accessible parking spaces, is your city’s ADA Coordinator.
Additional resources for information on accessible parking
- U.S. Access Board Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards (Chapter 5: Parking Spaces)
- U.S. Access Board Design Recommendations for Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Accessible Parking Spaces (ADA.gov)
- Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
- Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Washington Department of Licensing (DOL)
If you have additional questions about accessible parking, please contact us at 1-800-949-4232 or email us at .
Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. It provides a general introduction to the ADA. This may simplify some technical legal details.