What a handicap parking permit does and who issues it
A handicap parking permit (also called a disability parking permit or accessible parking placard) lets you park in spaces marked for people with disabilities. The permit hangs from your rearview mirror or attaches to your license plate, and it's recognized across all 50 states. Your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles issues the permit, though the medical certification comes from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner licensed in your state.
The permit itself is free in most states, though a few charge a small fee (usually under $20). You can get either a temporary permit, valid for a few months to a year, or a permanent one that lasts several years. The permit belongs to you as a person, not to a specific vehicle, so you can use it in any car you're riding in.
Handicap spaces are reserved by law and enforced by local parking enforcement. Parking in one without a valid permit can result in a fine ranging from $100 to $500 depending on your state and city. The spaces themselves are closer to building entrances and wider than standard spaces to allow room for wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility equipment.
Key Takeaways
- You need a doctor's certification of your disability before you contact the DMV — the DMV does not determine whether you may have access to.
- Most states let you start the permit process online or by mail, though some require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
- Temporary permits usually arrive within two to four weeks; permanent permits may take longer.
- The permit is tied to you, not your vehicle, so you can use it in any car as long as you are the one with the disability.
- Misusing a permit — parking in a handicap space without one, or using someone else's permit — is a crime in most states and can result in fines, vehicle impound, or both.
Medical certification: what your doctor needs to document
Before you contact the DMV, you need a medical certification form signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. This form confirms that you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your mobility. The doctor does not need to diagnose you publicly or share details with the DMV — they only certify that a may have access to condition exists.
may have access to conditions typically include: inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, inability to walk without a walker, cane, crutches, or prosthetic device, severe arthritis or joint damage affecting mobility, blindness or severe vision loss, heart or lung disease limiting exertion, and paralysis or severe mobility loss. Some states also cover temporary disabilities like a broken leg in a cast or recovery from surgery, though these get temporary permits only.
Most DMV offices provide the medical certification form on their website as a PDF you can print and bring to your doctor's office. Your doctor fills it out, signs it, and dates it. You then bring the signed form to the DMV along with your other documents. Some states allow you to mail the form in; others require you to present it in person.
How to start the permit process: online, by mail, or in person
The first step is to visit your state's DMV website and look for "handicap parking permit," "disability parking placard," or "accessible parking permit." The website will show you whether your state lets you begin the process online, by mail, or only in person at an office. Some states offer all three options; others limit you to one or two.
If your state allows online registration, you typically create an account, enter your personal information, upload a photo of your medical certification form, and choose whether you want a temporary or permanent permit. You may also upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID. The DMV then mails the physical permit to your address.
If your state requires in-person process, you will need to visit a DMV office with your signed medical certification form, a valid photo ID, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). Bring originals, not copies, unless the DMV website says copies are acceptable. Some states let you mail in the process instead, but you still need to include certified copies of documents and often pay a small processing fee.
Processing time varies by state. Most states issue temporary permits within two to four weeks of receiving your process. Permanent permits sometimes take six to eight weeks because they are printed on more durable material and may require additional verification.
Documents you will need to bring or submit
| Document | Why it's needed | Original or copy? |
|---|---|---|
| Signed medical certification form | Proves a doctor has confirmed your disability | Original, signed by doctor |
| Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID) | Confirms your identity | Original |
| Proof of current address | Confirms where to mail the permit | Original or copy (utility bill, lease, bank statement) |
| process form (if required by your state) | Official record of your request | Completed and signed |
| Payment (if your state charges a fee) | Processing cost | Check, money order, or online payment per DMV instructions |
Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary. Some states ask for a copy of your Social Security number; others do not. Some accept digital uploads; others require originals mailed in. Starting with your state's website saves you a trip to the office.
Temporary versus permanent permits: which one you need
A temporary permit is issued when your disability is expected to improve or when you need to test whether the permit will help you. Temporary permits are usually valid for three to six months, though some states offer one-year temporary permits. You can renew a temporary permit if your condition has not improved, but you will need a new medical certification from your doctor each time.
A permanent permit is issued when your disability is expected to last indefinitely or for the rest of your life. Permanent permits are usually valid for four to six years, depending on your state. When it expires, you renew it by submitting a new medical certification and paying any renewal fee. You do not have to reapply from scratch — renewal is usually faster than the initial process.
Your doctor decides which type to recommend based on your condition. If you are unsure, ask your doctor whether your disability is likely to improve. If it will, request a temporary permit. If it will not, request a permanent one. You can always explore for a permanent permit later if your temporary condition becomes permanent.
Scams and misuse: what to watch for and what is illegal
Handicap parking permits are frequently misused because they are valuable and hard to verify on sight. Never buy a permit online from anyone other than your state DMV, and never accept one from a friend or family member. Using someone else's permit is fraud and can result in a fine of $250 to $500, vehicle impound, and a criminal record in some states.
Scammers sometimes pose as DMV agents and offer to "fast-track" your permit for a fee paid upfront. The DMV does not work this way. Your state DMV will never ask you to pay extra to speed up processing, and there is no way to pay for expedited service. If someone contacts you claiming to represent the DMV and asking for payment beyond the official fee, it is a scam.
Parking in a handicap space without a valid permit is also illegal, even if you have a disability. You must display the permit every time you park in a reserved space. Fines for parking without a permit range from $100 to $500, and your vehicle can be towed. If you lose your permit, contact your DMV when ready to request a replacement.
If you see someone using a permit that is not theirs, you can report it to local parking enforcement or police. Many cities have tip lines for parking violations. Reporting helps protect the spaces for people who actually need them.
Renewing or replacing your permit when it expires or is lost
When your permit is about to expire, your state DMV usually sends a renewal notice to your address. The renewal process is simpler than the initial process — you typically only need to submit a new medical certification form and pay any renewal fee. Some states let you renew online; others require you to mail in the form or visit an office.
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your DMV and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $15) and may need to provide a new medical certification, depending on your state. Replacements usually arrive within two to four weeks.
If you move to a different state, your current permit remains valid in that state — handicap permits are recognized nationwide. However, if you become a resident of the new state and want to get a permit issued by that state's DMV, you will need to follow that state's process. Some people keep their original permit and also get one from their new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's handicap permit if they give me permission?
No. The permit is tied to the person with the disability, not the vehicle. Using someone else's permit is fraud and can result in a fine of $250 to $500, vehicle impound, and criminal charges. The person with the disability must be in the vehicle for the permit to be valid.
What if my disability is temporary, like a broken leg?
You can request a temporary permit from your doctor. Temporary permits are usually valid for three to six months. When it expires, you can renew it if your condition has not healed, or let it expire if you no longer need it. You will need a new medical certification each time you renew.
Do I have to renew my permit every year?
No. Permanent permits are usually valid for four to six years before expiration. Temporary permits expire sooner, typically in three to six months. Your DMV will send a renewal notice before your permit expires, so you will know when to renew.
Can I get a permit if I have a mental health condition or chronic pain?
Possibly, depending on whether the condition limits your ability to walk. The DMV does not decide this — your doctor does. If your condition makes it difficult to walk 200 feet without stopping or requires you to use mobility aids, your doctor can certify you. Bring this question to your doctor's appointment.
What happens if I park in a handicap space without displaying my permit?
You can be fined $100 to $500, depending on your state and city. Your vehicle may also be towed. Always display your permit on your rearview mirror or license plate before you park in a reserved space, even if you have a valid permit.