The deadline is nearing for disabled motorists to replace their old parking placards with new, photo-bearing ones, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

The old placards must be replaced by the start of the new year, according to the DMV. In order to get one of the new placards, drivers have to recertify their disability with their physician and have a new prescription written. One placard can be issued to each motorist for $1.

The DMV started distributing photo placards in 2010 to disabled motorists. The placard allows cars to park in designated spaces so long as the person pictured in the placard is either driving or being transported in the vehicle parking.

Applications for the new placards can be found at www.scdmvonline.com or one of the department’s field offices.