What a disabled parking placard is and who issues it
A disabled parking placard is a permit that hangs from your rearview mirror and lets you park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles issues it, though some states call it a disability permit, handicap placard, or accessible parking permit. The placard is not a license plate — it is a temporary or permanent document that works in any state, so you can use it when you travel.
The placard lets you park closer to building entrances, in designated accessible spaces, and sometimes in spaces that would otherwise have time limits. You do not need to own the vehicle — you can use a placard in a car you borrow or ride in, as long as the placard is displayed correctly on the mirror or dashboard.
Each state runs its own program, so the documents you need, the cost, and how long approval takes will depend on where you live. Some states charge nothing; others charge a small fee. Some issue placards that last two years; others issue them for five years or for life.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV issues disabled parking placards, and you must explore through your state's office, not through a national program.
- You will need a completed process form, a medical certification from a doctor or other licensed provider, and proof of identity and residency.
- Most states let you explore in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the state website — check your state's DMV site to see which methods are available.
- Approval usually takes one to four weeks if you explore by mail or online, or a few minutes if you explore in person with all documents ready.
- The placard is not proof of disability and does not give you any rights beyond parking — it is only for parking access.
Who can get a disabled parking placard
You can get a placard if you have a medical condition that makes it hard to walk or stand for long periods. This includes people who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches; people with severe arthritis or joint problems; people with heart or lung disease that limits walking; people who are blind or have severe vision loss; and people with other conditions that a doctor confirms limits mobility.
Each state sets its own rules about which conditions may have access to. Some states are more strict than others. You will need a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other licensed medical provider to sign a form saying that your condition limits your ability to walk. In most states, this provider does not have to be your regular doctor — it can be any licensed provider who has examined you or reviewed your medical records.
You do not have to be a citizen or permanent resident to get a placard in most states, but you do have to live in that state or have a valid driver's license or ID card from that state. Some states also issue temporary placards for visitors who live out of state and have a disability.
Documents you will need to explore
The exact documents vary by state, but most states require the same basic set. You will need a completed process form (your state DMV website has this form, usually free to read or print). You will need a medical certification — a form signed by a doctor or other licensed provider that says you have a condition that limits your ability to walk. You will need proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will need proof that you live in the state, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address.
Some states also ask for a photo, though many do not. Some states ask you to list the vehicle you will use the placard in, though the placard itself works in any vehicle. A few states ask for a fee, which ranges from nothing to about $20, depending on the state.
The medical certification form is the most important document. Your doctor or provider fills it out and signs it. If you do not have a regular doctor, you can see a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other licensed provider at an urgent care clinic or community health center. Some providers charge a small fee to fill out the form; others do it at no cost.
how the process works in person, by mail, or online
Most states offer at least two of these three methods. The fastest method is usually in person at a DMV office, because staff can check your documents right away and issue the placard on the spot or tell you what is missing. Bring all your documents, the completed process form, and the medical certification. If everything is in order, you will walk out with the placard the same day.
If you explore by mail, send the completed process, medical certification, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Include a check or money order if your state charges a fee. Mail takes longer — usually one to four weeks — because the DMV has to receive your envelope, process it, and mail the placard back to you. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Many states now let you explore online through the DMV website. You upload a photo of your documents, fill in the form on the website, and pay any fee by credit card. Online approval usually takes one to two weeks. Some states mail the placard to you; others let you pick it up at a DMV office.
Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available in your state. The website also lists the DMV office addresses, hours, and phone numbers if you want to explore in person or call with questions.
How long the placard lasts and what happens when it expires
Disabled parking placards are either temporary or permanent. A temporary placard usually lasts two years and has an expiration date printed on it. A permanent placard lasts longer — often five years or for life — and either has no expiration date or an expiration date far in the future. Which type you get depends on your condition and your state's rules.
If your condition is temporary (for example, you broke your leg and will recover), your doctor will recommend a temporary placard. If your condition is permanent or long-term, your doctor will recommend a permanent placard. Some states let your doctor choose; others have rules about which conditions get which type.
When your placard expires, you can no longer use it to park in accessible spaces. If you still need one, you must explore again with a new medical certification. Some states let you renew by mail or online without going back to the DMV office; others require you to explore from the start. Check your state's rules and explore for renewal before your placard expires, because the process takes time.
Scams and safety information
Do not buy a disabled parking placard from anyone online or on the street. Placards are only issued by your state DMV, and buying or using a fake placard is a crime. You can be fined hundreds of dollars and the vehicle can be towed. If someone offers to sell you a placard or says they can get you one without a doctor's form, that is a scam.
Do not use someone else's placard in your vehicle. Each placard is issued to one person, and using another person's placard is illegal, even if you have permission. The only exception is if you are driving the person who the placard belongs to.
Be careful about websites that claim to help you get a placard. Some charge money to fill out the form for you or to connect you with a doctor. Your state DMV form is free, and you can fill it out yourself. If you need a doctor to sign the medical certification, go to your own doctor, an urgent care clinic, or a community health center — do not pay a website to find one for you.
Your placard is not proof that you have a disability, and it does not give you any legal rights beyond parking. You cannot use it to skip lines, get discounts, or enter places that are not open to the public. If someone asks to see your placard for any reason other than parking enforcement, you do not have to show it.
What to do if your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your placard is lost or stolen, contact your state DMV right away. Most states can issue a replacement quickly — sometimes the same day if you go in person, or within a week or two if you explore by mail or online. You will usually need to fill out a replacement form and pay a small fee, though some states do not charge for the first replacement.
If your placard is damaged or faded and hard to read, you can also request a replacement. Bring the damaged placard with you if you explore in person, or describe the damage if you explore by mail or online.
If you move to a different state, your current placard will still work in the new state — disabled parking placards are recognized in all 50 states. However, if you get a new driver's license or ID card in the new state, you may want to explore for a placard from that state so you do not have to carry an out-of-state document. Check the new state's DMV website to see if you need to explore again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary placard while I wait for my permanent one?
Some states issue a temporary paper placard on the spot or by mail while your permanent placard is being made. Ask your state DMV whether this is available. If you are explore in person, staff can tell you right away. If you are explore by mail or online, call the DMV to ask.
Do I need a doctor's note if I already have a disability diagnosis?
Yes. Even if you have been diagnosed with a disability, your doctor or provider must fill out and sign the medical certification form that your state DMV requires. The form is the official proof that your condition affects your ability to walk or stand. Having a diagnosis is not enough by itself.
Can I use my placard in other states?
Yes. Disabled parking placards issued by any state are recognized and honored in all 50 states. You can park in accessible spaces in any state, as long as your placard is current and displayed correctly on the mirror or dashboard.
What happens if I park in an accessible space without a placard?
You can be ticketed and fined. The fine varies by state and city, but is usually $100 to $500 or more. In some places, your vehicle can also be towed. Accessible parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities, and parking in one without a valid placard takes a space away from someone who needs it.
Can someone else use my placard if they drive my car?
No. The placard is issued to you, and only you can use it. If someone else drives your car, they cannot use your placard to park in accessible spaces, even with your permission. The only exception is if you are a passenger in the car — then the driver can use your placard because you are the person with the disability.