What a handicap parking placard is and who issues it
A handicap parking placard is a permit that hangs from your rearview mirror or attaches to your license plate, allowing you to park in designated accessible spaces. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency issues it — not a federal office. The placard itself is free, though some states charge a small processing fee when you renew it.
The placard is tied to a specific vehicle and person. If you own multiple vehicles, you can request a placard for each one, but you'll need to submit separate applications. The placard remains valid for a set period — typically three to five years depending on your state — and then requires renewal.
Most states issue two types: temporary placards (usually valid for six months) and permanent ones (valid for several years). A temporary placard is issued when your disability is expected to improve; a permanent one when the condition is long-term or lifelong. Your medical provider determines which type you need.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV issues handicap placards, and the process requires a completed medical certification form signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
- You can explore in person at your local DMV office, by mail, or through your state's online portal — the method varies by state.
- Processing typically takes one to three weeks for in-person applications and two to four weeks for mail submissions.
- You must renew your placard when it expires, which involves submitting an updated medical form and paying any renewal fee your state charges.
- If your disability improves or resolves, you are required to return the placard to the DMV rather than keep it.
Medical certification: what your doctor needs to complete
The DMV will not issue a placard without a medical certification form signed by a licensed healthcare provider. This form is the core document in the process. Your state DMV website lists which providers can sign: typically physicians (MDs and DOs), physician assistants (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). Chiropractors, therapists, and other practitioners cannot sign, even if they treat you regularly.
The form asks your provider to confirm that you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your ability to walk or makes walking painful. The provider does not need to diagnose you in detail — they straightforward certify that your condition meets the state's definition. Common may have access to conditions include mobility impairments, severe arthritis, heart or lung disease, and neurological conditions that affect balance or endurance.
You can request this form from your DMV website (most states offer a downloadable PDF) or pick one up at your local DMV office. Bring it to your next appointment with your doctor and ask them to complete and sign it. Some providers charge a small fee for this service; others do not. The form is valid only for a limited time after the provider signs it — usually 30 to 60 days — so plan to submit your process soon after you receive it.
How to submit your process
Your state offers three main routes: in-person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through your state's portal. Check your state DMV website to see which methods are available, as not all states offer all three.
In-person process: Bring your completed medical form, a valid photo ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your vehicle registration or proof of ownership. Some states also require the vehicle's VIN. Walk in during office hours or book an appointment online if your state offers it. Processing usually takes one to three weeks; some states issue a temporary placard on the spot while you wait for the permanent one.
Mail process: Send your medical form, photo ID copy, proof of residency, and vehicle registration to the address listed on your state DMV website. Include a check or money order if your state charges a fee. Mail submissions take longer — typically two to four weeks — because the DMV must verify your documents before issuing the placard. Use certified mail if you want tracking.
Online process: A growing number of states allow you to upload documents and pay fees through their DMV portal. You'll need to create an account, enter your vehicle and personal information, upload scans of your medical form and ID, and pay any fee by credit card. Processing times are similar to mail submissions. Not all states offer this yet, so check your state's website first.
What documents you need before you start
Gather these items before you visit the DMV, mail your process, or log into the online portal:
- Completed medical certification form signed by a licensed physician, PA, or NP within the last 30 to 60 days (your state specifies the window).
- Valid photo ID — driver's license, state ID card, or passport.
- Proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address.
- Vehicle registration or proof of ownership — your current registration card or title.
- Vehicle VIN — found on your registration, title, or dashboard. Some states require this; others do not.
- Payment for any fee — cash, check, money order, or credit card depending on your submission method. Most states charge $0 to $25 for initial issuance and $0 to $15 for renewal.
If you are explore for a placard for a second vehicle, you do not need a new medical form — one form covers all your vehicles. You will need the registration for each vehicle, though.
Processing time and what happens next
After you submit your process, the DMV verifies your medical form and documents. This verification step is where delays usually occur, especially if your medical provider's signature is unclear or if the form is incomplete.
In-person applications at a DMV office typically process in one to three weeks. Some states issue a temporary paper placard when ready so you can use accessible parking while you wait for the permanent one. The permanent placard arrives by mail.
Mail and online applications take two to four weeks on average. The DMV may contact you by phone or email if they need clarification on your medical form or documents. Check your email and answer calls from your state DMV during business hours so you don't miss a request for more information.
Once approved, your placard arrives by mail. It includes your name, a unique number, and an expiration date. Hang it from your rearview mirror so it is visible from outside the vehicle, or use the adhesive option if your state provides one for the license plate. The placard is not transferable — only you can use it, and only in the vehicle it was issued for.
Renewing your placard before it expires
Your placard has an expiration date printed on it. You must renew it before that date if you still need it. Renewal requires a new medical certification form signed by your provider, even if nothing has changed about your condition.
Start the renewal process 60 to 90 days before your placard expires. Request a new medical form from your DMV website, have your provider sign it, and submit it using the same method you used for your initial process (in person, mail, or online). The renewal fee, if any, is usually the same as the initial fee.
If you do not renew before the expiration date, your placard becomes invalid and you cannot use it. You will have to reapply as a new applicant, which takes longer than a renewal. Some states allow a grace period of a few weeks after expiration, but do not rely on this — renew on time.
What to do if your disability improves or resolves
If your condition improves and you no longer meet your state's definition of disability, you are required to return your placard to the DMV. Continuing to use an expired or invalid placard can result in a fine. Contact your local DMV office to arrange return of the placard or ask how to surrender it by mail.
If you are unsure whether your condition still qualifies, ask your healthcare provider. They can advise whether a renewal medical form would be appropriate. If your provider believes you no longer may have access to, inform the DMV and return the placard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my handicap placard if I'm not in the car?
No. The placard is issued to you specifically and is only valid when you are in the vehicle. If someone else parks using your placard without you present, that is misuse and can result in a fine for both the driver and the placard holder. Some states treat repeated misuse as a criminal offense.
What if I lose my placard or it gets damaged?
Contact your local DMV office to request a replacement. You will typically need to pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $15) and provide your ID and vehicle registration. Replacement processing takes one to two weeks. Some states allow you to request a replacement online.
Can I get a placard for a rental car or borrowed vehicle?
No. A placard is issued for a specific vehicle that you own or lease. If you rent a car, you cannot use your placard in it. Some rental companies offer temporary accessible parking permits for their vehicles, but you must arrange this directly with the rental agency at the time of rental.
Do I need a placard if I have a disabled license plate instead?
Your state issues either a placard or a disabled license plate, not both. A disabled plate is permanent and stays with the vehicle even if you sell it, while a placard is temporary and tied to you. Ask your DMV which option is right for your situation — some states let you choose, others assign one based on your condition.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your current placard is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move, you must explore for a new placard through your new state's DMV using the same process. Your old placard becomes invalid once you establish residency in the new state. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their specific requirements.