What a handicap placard is and who issues it

A handicap placard (also called a disability placard or disabled parking permit) is an official document your state DMV issues that lets you park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. The placard hangs from your rearview mirror or attaches to your dashboard. It is not the same as a license plate — it is a temporary or permanent permit that moves between vehicles if you need it to.

Your state DMV handles the process and renewal, but a doctor or medical professional must first certify that you have a disability that affects your mobility. The DMV does not decide whether you may have access to — the medical provider does. Once you have that certification, you submit it to your DMV along with an process form and identification.

Parking spaces with the wheelchair symbol are reserved for placard holders and license plate holders. Using someone else's placard, parking in those spaces without one, or lending your placard to someone else is illegal in every state and can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a doctor's certification of a mobility-related disability before the DMV will issue a placard — the DMV does not make the medical decision.
  • Placards are temporary (usually one to two years) or permanent depending on your condition, and you renew them through your DMV before they expire.
  • Each state has its own process form and fees, which range from free to about $20, and processing takes one to four weeks depending on your state.
  • Misusing a placard — lending it, using an expired one, or parking in reserved spaces without one — carries fines and can result in criminal charges in some states.

Medical certification: what your doctor needs to provide

Before you contact your DMV, you need a medical certification form signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or other medical professional your state recognizes. This form states that you have a condition that substantially limits your mobility. Conditions that typically may have access to include arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, mobility impairments, and neurological conditions — but the specific list varies by state.

Your doctor does not need to write a letter. Most states provide a specific form on their DMV website that your provider fills out and signs. The form usually asks for your name, the provider's license number, the date of certification, and whether the disability is temporary or permanent. Some states also ask the provider to estimate how long the condition will last.

Call your doctor's office ahead of time and ask if they charge a fee to complete the form — many do not, but some charge $15 to $50. If your regular doctor is unavailable, you can use any licensed provider who has examined you within the past year. Urgent care clinics and walk-in medical centers can also sign the form if they have your medical history on file.

how the process works through your state DMV

Once you have the signed medical form, visit your state DMV's website and read the handicap placard process. The form name varies — some states call it a "Disabled Parking Permit process," others call it a "Mobility Placard Request." Search your state DMV's site for "handicap placard" or "disability parking" to find the right form.

Fill out the process with your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information (make, model, year, and license plate). Attach the signed medical certification form. Some states also require a copy of your driver's license or state ID. Mail the completed process and documents to the address listed on the form, or submit them in person at a DMV office if your state allows it.

Processing time ranges from one to four weeks depending on your state. Some states send the placard by mail; others require you to pick it up at a DMV office. A few states now offer online applications and can issue temporary digital placards while you wait for the physical one. Check your state DMV's website for the current process and timeline.

Temporary versus permanent placards and renewal

Your DMV will issue either a temporary placard (valid for one to two years) or a permanent placard (valid for four to six years, sometimes longer) depending on whether your condition is expected to improve or is lifelong. The medical provider's certification determines this — if they indicate the disability is permanent, you receive a permanent placard.

Temporary placards expire on a specific date printed on the placard itself. Permanent placards also expire, though the date is further out. You must renew before the expiration date or you lose the right to use reserved parking spaces. Renewal usually requires a new medical certification from your doctor — some states require it every time, others only every other renewal.

To renew, contact your DMV 30 to 60 days before expiration and request a renewal form. You will need an updated medical certification unless your state waives it for permanent placard renewals. Mail or submit the renewal form and new certification to your DMV. Some states allow you to renew by mail or online; others require an in-person visit.

Fees and what they cover

Placard fees vary widely by state. Some states issue them for free; others charge $5 to $20 for the initial placard and a similar amount for renewal. A few states charge different fees for temporary versus permanent placards. Check your state DMV's website for the exact fee before you explore.

The fee covers the cost of producing and issuing the placard. It does not cover the doctor's certification form, which you pay for separately if your provider charges. Some states waive fees for veterans or people receiving certain benefits, so ask your DMV if you may have access to for a waiver.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Most states charge a small replacement fee (usually $5 to $10) and issue a new placard within one to two weeks. Report a stolen placard to your DMV right away so it cannot be misused.

Scams and misuse to watch for

Do not buy a placard online from anyone claiming to sell one without a doctor's signature. These are counterfeit and illegal to use. Law enforcement can identify fake placards, and using one results in fines and possible criminal charges. The only legal way to get a placard is through your state DMV with a genuine medical certification.

Do not lend your placard to a family member or friend, even if they have a disability. Placards are issued to a specific person and are not transferable. If someone else uses your placard, you are both breaking the law — the user can be fined, and you can be charged with allowing misuse of your permit. If your placard is stolen and used, report it to your DMV and police when ready.

Do not use an expired placard. Once it expires, you have no legal right to park in reserved spaces. Parking enforcement will ticket you, and you cannot dispute the ticket by saying you once had a valid placard. Renew before the expiration date.

Using your placard correctly

Display your placard on your rearview mirror so it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle, or attach it to your dashboard if your state allows it. The exact placement rules vary by state — check your DMV's instructions. If the placard is not visible, parking enforcement may ticket you even though you have a valid permit.

You can park in any space marked for disabled parking as long as your placard is current and displayed. You do not need a special license plate — the placard alone is enough. If you have both a placard and a disabled license plate, you can use either one, but you do not need both.

Parking in a reserved space without a placard or license plate is illegal and results in a fine. Parking in a reserved space with an expired placard is also illegal. If you are ticketed and believe the ticket is wrong, you can contest it at the address listed on the ticket, but you will need to show proof that your placard was valid on the date of the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a placard if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. You need a state ID card or other government-issued photo identification, but not a driver's license. Contact your DMV to confirm what forms of ID they accept. Some states also issue placards to people who do not drive but ride as passengers.

What if my doctor will not sign the certification form?

If your doctor believes you do not meet the criteria, you can seek a second opinion from another licensed provider. Some people use urgent care, a rheumatologist, or a specialist who treats their specific condition. The provider must have examined you within the past year and have your medical records.

Can I use my placard in another state?

Yes. All states recognize disability placards issued by other states. Your placard is valid for parking in reserved spaces in any state. However, if you move permanently to another state, you should obtain a placard from your new state's DMV.

What happens if I lose my placard?

Contact your DMV and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10) and provide your name and placard number if you have it. Most states issue a replacement within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you have no legal right to park in reserved spaces.

Do I need to renew my placard every year?

No. Temporary placards last one to two years, and permanent placards last four to six years or longer. The expiration date is printed on your placard. You only renew when that date approaches. Some states require a new medical certification at renewal; others do not.