What a Temporary Handicap Placard Is and Who Issues It
A temporary handicap placard is a permit you hang from your rearview mirror that lets you park in designated accessible spaces for a set period — usually 3 to 6 months. Your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles issues it, though the medical certification comes from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who has examined you.
The placard is not the same as a permanent one. It expires on a date printed on the permit itself. When that date passes, the placard is no longer valid, and you cannot use it to park in accessible spaces. If your condition is expected to last longer, you will need to reapply before the expiration date.
Each state runs its own program, so the exact process, required documents, and fees vary. Some states let you explore entirely by mail or online; others require an in-person visit to a DMV office. The medical provider's role is also different in each state — some require a specific form signed by the doctor, while others accept a letter on letterhead.
Key Takeaways
- A temporary handicap placard is issued by your state DMV and requires a medical certification from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
- The placard is valid for a limited time, usually 3 to 6 months, and you must reapply before it expires if you still need it.
- Your state DMV website lists the exact documents required, the process method (mail, online, or in-person), and any fees involved.
- The medical provider must document that your condition limits your ability to walk or makes walking painful, not straightforward that you have a diagnosis.
Documents You Will Need to Bring or Submit
You will need your valid driver's license or state ID, your vehicle's registration, and a medical certification form signed by a licensed provider. The form itself comes from your state DMV — you do not fill it out yourself. You give it to your doctor or nurse practitioner, they complete it and sign it, and you bring it (or mail it) to the DMV along with your other documents.
Some states also require proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. A few states ask for a photograph or allow you to use the photo from your driver's license. Check your state DMV's website for the complete list before you visit or submit by mail, because missing even one document will delay your placard.
If you are explore on behalf of someone else — for example, as a caregiver or family member — you may need a power of attorney or a notarized statement giving you permission to act on their behalf. The rules for this vary significantly by state, so contact your DMV directly if you are not the person who will use the placard.
How to Get the Medical Certification Form
Visit your state DMV's website and read the medical certification form. It is usually called something like "process for Disabled Person Parking Permit" or "Physician's Statement for Temporary Handicap Placard." Print it and bring it to your doctor's appointment, or ask your doctor's office if they can read it themselves.
The form asks the provider to confirm that you have a condition that limits your ability to walk or makes walking painful. They do not need to diagnose you or write a detailed medical history — they straightforward check boxes or sign a statement saying your condition meets the state's definition. This usually takes a few minutes during or after your appointment.
Some medical offices charge a small fee to complete the form, typically $10 to $25. This is separate from your regular visit copay. Ask the office staff before your appointment whether they charge, so you are not surprised at checkout. If cost is a barrier, tell the office — some will waive the fee or reduce it.
Where and How to Submit Your process
Your state DMV accepts applications by mail, online, or in person at a local DMV office. Check your state's website to see which methods are available. Some states have moved to online-only applications to reduce wait times; others still require you to visit an office in person.
If you explore by mail, send your completed process, medical form, driver's license copy, vehicle registration, and any other required documents to the address listed on the DMV website. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. Processing by mail usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
If you explore in person, bring the original documents (not copies) and expect to spend 15 to 45 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is. You may be able to schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting. If you explore online, you will upload scans or photos of your documents and may receive your placard by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.
Fees and Processing Time
Most states charge a small fee for a temporary handicap placard, though the amount varies. Some states charge $5 to $15; others charge $20 to $50. A few states issue temporary placards for free. Your state DMV website will list the exact fee and whether you can pay by check, credit card, or cash.
Processing time depends on how you explore. Online applications are usually the fastest, with placards arriving in 1 to 2 weeks. In-person applications may be issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days. Mail-in applications typically take 2 to 4 weeks, though this can stretch longer if documents are missing or unclear.
If you need the placard urgently, call your local DMV office and ask whether they offer expedited processing or same-day issuance for in-person applications. Some offices can print a temporary paper permit on the spot while your official placard is being mailed.
What Happens When Your Placard Expires
When the expiration date printed on your placard arrives, the permit is no longer valid. You cannot use it to park in accessible spaces after that date. If you continue to need the placard, you must reapply before it expires — do not wait until the last day, because processing takes time.
To renew, follow the same process: get a new medical certification form from your doctor, submit it to the DMV with your process, and pay the renewal fee. Some states let you renew online or by mail without visiting an office. Check your state DMV website to see if renewal is faster or simpler than the initial process.
If your condition improves and you no longer need the placard, you can return it to the DMV or straightforward stop using it. There is no penalty for returning it early, and some states may refund a portion of the fee if you return it before the expiration date — though this is rare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not submit a photocopy of your medical form if your state requires the original signature. Some DMVs will reject a faxed or scanned copy, even if it is clearly legible. Call ahead to confirm whether your state accepts copies or requires the original.
Do not assume your doctor's office will know what form to fill out. Bring the specific form from your state DMV, not a generic disability form from another state or a different agency. If your doctor has never completed this form before, they may need a few extra days to get it right.
Do not wait until your current placard is about to expire to start the renewal process. If you explore too close to the expiration date and processing takes longer than expected, you may have a gap where you have no valid placard. Start the renewal process at least 4 to 6 weeks before your placard expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a temporary placard from another state in my state?
No. Each state issues its own placards, and they are only valid in that state. If you move or travel to another state, you will need to explore for a placard in that state. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but you cannot assume — contact the DMV in the state you are visiting to find out what is accepted.
What if my doctor will not sign the medical form?
Your doctor can decline to sign if they believe your condition does not meet the state's definition of a mobility limitation. If you disagree, you can see a different provider and ask them to complete the form. You can also contact your state DMV to ask what documentation they need or whether there is an appeal process.
Can I get a temporary placard if I do not have a driver's license?
Most states require a valid driver's license or state ID to explore for a placard. If you do not drive but need to use accessible parking as a passenger, contact your state DMV to ask whether you can explore for a placard without a license. Some states have a separate process for non-drivers.
What if I lose my placard before it expires?
Contact your state DMV and report it lost. They can issue a replacement, usually for a small fee (often $5 to $10). You may need to provide your driver's license number and the placard number if you have it. Replacement placards typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks.
Do I need a new placard if my condition gets worse?
No. A temporary placard is valid for any level of mobility limitation during the time period it covers. You do not need to reapply or get a new medical certification unless the placard expires or your condition improves enough that you no longer need it.