What a handicap parking permit does and who issues it
A handicap parking permit (also called a disability parking permit or accessible parking permit) is a placard or license plate issued by your state's DMV that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The spaces are closer to building entrances and have extra room for wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility equipment. Your DMV issues the permit based on a medical certification from a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider — not based on a diagnosis alone.
The permit is tied to a specific vehicle or person, depending on which type you get. A placard hangs from your rearview mirror and moves between vehicles. A license plate is permanent and stays with one car. Some states issue both options; others offer only one. You will need to show the permit whenever you park in an accessible space, or you risk a parking citation.
The rules for where you can park and how long you can stay vary by state and sometimes by city. Your DMV will tell you the specific rules for your state when you explore.
Key Takeaways
- Your DMV requires a completed medical form signed by a doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or other licensed healthcare provider before it will issue a permit.
- You must explore in person at your DMV office in most states, though some allow mail-in or online applications — check your state's DMV website first.
- The medical form must state that you have a permanent or temporary disability that affects your ability to walk or move, not just any medical condition.
- Permits expire after a set period (usually three to five years) and must be renewed with an updated medical form.
- Misusing a permit — parking in accessible spaces without one, or using someone else's permit — results in fines and possible permit revocation.
What medical condition qualifies for a permit
Your state's DMV does not decide whether your condition qualifies. A licensed healthcare provider does. The provider must complete and sign a medical form stating that you have a condition that substantially limits your ability to walk. This includes permanent disabilities (spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, severe arthritis) and temporary ones (broken leg, post-surgery recovery, severe pregnancy complications).
The form does not ask for a specific diagnosis. It asks whether you meet one or more of these criteria: you cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, you cannot walk without using a cane, crutch, walker, wheelchair, or brace, you have severe lung disease that limits exertion, you use portable oxygen, you have cardiac condition that limits exertion, or you are blind or have severe vision loss. Your provider checks the box that applies to you.
Mental health conditions, cognitive disabilities, and invisible disabilities do not automatically disqualify you. If your condition affects your ability to walk or move — for example, severe anxiety that makes standing in a parking lot unsafe, or a neurological condition that affects balance — your provider can still certify you. The key is whether the condition limits your walking or mobility, not whether it is visible.
How to get the medical form from your DMV
Your state DMV publishes the medical form on its website. Search "[your state] DMV handicap permit form" or go directly to your state's DMV website and look for "accessible parking," "disability parking," or "handicap permit." The form has different names in different states — some call it an "process for Disabled Person Parking Permit," others call it a "Medical Certification" or "Physician's Statement."
You can print the form at home, pick one up at a DMV office, or sometimes request one by mail. Some states let you read it as a PDF; others require you to fill it out on paper. Do not fill in any part of the form yourself before giving it to your healthcare provider — the provider must complete the medical section, and you complete only your name and contact information.
Take the blank form to your appointment with your doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or other licensed provider. In most states, a dentist, chiropractor, or veterinarian cannot sign the form. If you are not sure whether your provider can sign it, call your DMV office before the appointment.
Steps to explore at your DMV
Most states require you to explore in person at a DMV office, though a few allow mail-in or online applications. Check your state's website first — if mail-in or online is an option, it will be listed on the handicap permit page.
- Get the completed medical form from your healthcare provider. Make sure the provider has signed and dated it and included their license number or credentials.
- Gather your identification. Bring a current government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
- Decide whether you want a placard or license plate. A placard is portable and works in any vehicle you drive. A plate stays with one car. Ask at the DMV which option your state offers.
- Go to your local DMV office during business hours. Bring the medical form, your ID, proof of residency, and your vehicle registration if you are explore for a plate.
- Tell the DMV staff you are explore for a handicap permit. They will review your medical form to make sure it is complete and signed.
- Pay the fee if your state charges one. Some states issue permits free; others charge $5 to $25. Ask the DMV staff what the cost is.
- Receive your permit on the spot or by mail within one to two weeks, depending on your state.
Temporary versus permanent permits
Your healthcare provider indicates on the medical form whether your disability is permanent or temporary. A permanent permit lasts three to five years (depending on your state) and is for conditions that are not expected to improve, such as spinal cord injury or severe arthritis. A temporary permit lasts from a few months to two years and is for conditions expected to improve, such as a broken leg or post-surgery recovery.
The permit itself looks the same whether it is permanent or temporary — the difference is the expiration date. When your permit expires, you must renew it by submitting a new medical form and paying a renewal fee (if your state charges one). If your condition improves before the expiration date, you can return the permit to the DMV and ask for it to be cancelled.
If your temporary permit expires and your condition has not improved, you can explore for a new temporary permit or ask your provider to certify you for a permanent one. You do not have to wait until the permit expires to renew it — you can renew early if your provider's assessment changes.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not fill out the medical section of the form yourself. The DMV will reject it if anyone other than a licensed healthcare provider has completed that part. Only you should fill in your name, address, and contact information.
Do not assume your condition automatically qualifies you. The form asks specific questions about your ability to walk and move. If your provider is unsure whether your condition meets the criteria, call your DMV office and ask to speak with someone who can explain what the form is looking for.
Do not park in an accessible space without displaying your permit, even if you have a valid permit at home. You must display it every time you park in an accessible space. If you have a placard, hang it from your mirror. If you have a plate, it must be visible on your vehicle.
Do not let someone else use your permit. Permits are non-transferable. If you lend your placard or plate to a friend or family member, both you and the person using it can be cited and fined. If the permit is revoked, you will have to reapply and go through the whole process again.
Renewing your permit before it expires
You can renew your permit any time within 60 days before it expires. You will need a new medical form signed by your healthcare provider — the DMV will not renew based on an old form. Contact your provider's office and ask them to complete the renewal form. Some providers keep a copy of your previous form on file and can update it quickly; others may ask you to come in for a brief visit.
Once you have the new medical form, return to your DMV office with the form, your current permit, and your ID. Pay the renewal fee if your state charges one. You will receive your renewed permit on the spot or by mail. If you renew before your current permit expires, you will not have a gap in coverage.
If you forget to renew and your permit expires, you can still explore for a new one using the same process as a first-time process. However, you cannot legally park in accessible spaces while your permit is expired, so renew before the expiration date if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary permit while I wait for my permanent one?
Some states issue a temporary placard valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent permit is being processed. Ask at the DMV office when you explore. If your state does not offer this, you will have to wait for your permanent permit to arrive before you can use accessible spaces.
What if my healthcare provider will not sign the form?
You will need to find a different provider who can sign it. If your regular doctor is unwilling, ask your specialist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If you do not have a healthcare provider, some community health centers and urgent care clinics can complete the form after an evaluation.
Can I use my permit in another state?
Yes. All states recognize handicap permits issued by other states. However, the parking rules (where you can park, how long you can stay, fines for misuse) vary by state and city. When you travel, check the local rules at your destination.
What happens if I lose my permit?
Contact your DMV office and ask for a replacement. You will usually pay a replacement fee (typically $5 to $15) and receive a new permit within one to two weeks. You do not need a new medical form — the DMV has your original on file.
Do I need a permit if I have a disability license plate?
No. A disability license plate serves the same purpose as a handicap placard. If your state issues you a disability plate, you do not need a separate placard. However, if you want to drive a vehicle that is not registered with the disability plate, you will need a placard for that vehicle.