The Department of Licensing (DOL) will start July 1 issuing a redesigned disabled parking privilege license plate tab for use on specialty license plates.

This special tab can be used to make most types of specialty license plates function like a regular disabled parking (DP) license plate. They can’t be used on standard issue plates, regular disabled parking plates, rideshare plates, ham radio operator plates or on license plates that do not require annual renewal.

In the past, the DP tab was produced using the same color background and text as regular license expiration tabs. The new DP tabs will be produced using a bright yellow background with black text. This will make them much easier to distinguish from standard license tabs.

DOL began working on this change following reports that the tab used for this purpose looked too much like a regular tab and wasn’t being recognized as a legitimate DP parking credential by law enforcement, parking attendants or other motorists.

Individuals requesting the new yellow disabled parking tab also will receive a blue decal with the universal symbol of access and the phrase “Disabled Parking Priveleges” in white letters. This decal, which is about six inches long, can be placed between the bolt holes on the bottom of the plate for added visibility. The use of this decal is optional.

These changes were approved by the Washington State Patrol.