Individuals with Disabilities

The MVA is committed to providing a premier experience for all. We believe that all of our customers have unique needs, and we are devoted to helping them succeed. Whether you are interested in accommodations for testing and language, accessibility in our branch office locations, or getting a product that makes your life easier, we understand our impact and the important job we have to serve you.

Disability parking 

MVA oversees the distribution of temporary and permanent disability placards, permanent disability license plates, and Disabled Parking Space in Residential Area (except in Baltimore City). 

Learn more about Disability Plates & Placards

License and ID card symbols and designations

Obtaining a speech/hearing impairment designation (restriction code)

You may request to have a restriction code indicating you have a hearing and/or speech impairment, placed on (or removed from) your new, renewed or corrected license, permit, or identification (ID) card at any time.  The placement (or removal) of the code is entirely voluntary. It simply alerts law enforcement and other authorities about your impairment(s).

Possible codes include:

• H – Hearing impairment
• S – Speech impairment
• HS – Hearing and speech impairments

Adding a hearing/speech impairment designation (restriction code H, S or HS) to your license, permit or ID card

1. Obtain and complete the MVA Request for Hearing/Speech Impairment ID form (DL-036) or by visiting a branch office.
   1. The request form must be signed by a representative of the Maryland Association for the Deaf or a licensed physician.
2. Bring your completed and signed form to any MVA office and request the correction of your license, permit, or ID card.
3. You can also request code placement when you renew your license or obtain a new product.
   1. Only full-service offices can process a request for a new product; both express and full-service offices can process renewed and corrected products.

Hidden Disability (Butterfly) symbol

Maryland residents now have the option to add a butterfly symbol to their driver's license or identification card to show a hidden (developmental or intellectual) disability. Hidden disabilities may not be immediately noticeable, but they can affect communication, mobility, and/or behavior.

The butterfly symbol helps first responders and law enforcement understand a person's needs during an interaction.

Adding the symbol is voluntary

You can add or remove the butterfly symbol at any time through your myMVA account or at an MVA branch kiosk. If this is the only change you are making, the updated license or ID card is free. However, if you are renewing, updating other information, or making additional changes, standard fees will apply. There is never an extra charge to include the butterfly as part of those transactions.

If a parent or guardian added the butterfly symbol to your license while you were a minor, you may choose to have it removed when you turn 18. The MVA will not ask you to explain or show proof of your hidden disability and your diagnosis will not be used for any MVA imposed restriction.

To add or remove the symbol please visit myMVA Online Services. ​

For a handout on the Hidden Disability (Butterfly) Symbol, download the Butterfly Symbol Postcard here - PDF​.​
Download our Butterfly Symbol Social Toolkit here​.

Voluntary developmental disability disclosure (blue) card

The Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card is designed to help people with developmental disabilities communicate with law enforcement officers.

• The card is the size of a driver's license and blue for easy recognition.
• It includes a message to law enforcement officers on how best to interact with the customer.
• There is space for a person to provide details on their developmental disability.
  • The MVA will NOT ask customers to explain or show proof of their disability in order to obtain this card.
• MVA provides this card upon request to customers, parent/guardians, and organizations for distribution.

If you would like to pick up a Voluntary Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card, please visit the information desk at any of our 24 branches statewide during normal operational hours.

If you are an organization who would like to request a pack of cards to distribute, please submit your request in the Blue Card ​Order Form.

Download our Blue Card Toolkit​.

MVA reasonable accommodations