What a disabled parking permit is and who issues it
A disabled parking permit (also called a handicap placard or disability license plate) is an official document that lets you park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Your state's DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles issues it, though the process and requirements vary by state. The permit does not give you a discount on parking or waive parking fees — it only reserves certain spaces for your vehicle.
The permit comes in two forms: a hanging placard you display on your rearview mirror, or a special license plate you mount on your vehicle. Some states offer both options. The placard is temporary (usually valid for two to five years) and can move between vehicles. The license plate is permanent and stays with that vehicle. You cannot have both at the same time for the same vehicle.
You can only park in a disabled space if you are the person with the disability, or you are driving someone with a valid permit. Parking in a disabled space without authorization results in a fine — usually $250 to $500 depending on your state — and your vehicle can be towed.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV issues disabled parking permits, and the medical conditions that may have access to vary by state but typically include mobility, vision, or respiratory disabilities that limit walking.
- You must have a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant sign a medical certification form confirming your disability — the DMV does not make this information.
- You can explore in person at your local DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your state, and most states charge a small fee ($5 to $20) or no fee at all.
- Placards are temporary (two to five years) and can move between vehicles; license plates are permanent and stay with one vehicle.
- You must renew your permit before it expires, and some states send renewal notices while others require you to request one.
Medical conditions that may have access to for a disabled parking permit
Each state sets its own list of may have access to conditions, but most recognize disabilities that make walking difficult or impossible. Common may have access to conditions include arthritis, cerebral palsy, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and amputation. Temporary conditions — such as a broken leg, severe burn, or recovery from surgery — also may have access to in most states, though the permit will be marked as temporary.
Vision loss that prevents safe driving, severe hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities that affect mobility can also may have access to depending on your state. Some states have a specific list you can check on their DMV website; others leave it to the medical provider's judgment. The key question is whether the condition substantially limits your ability to walk or move about in public spaces.
Mental health conditions alone, such as anxiety or depression, do not typically may have access to unless they are accompanied by a physical limitation that affects mobility. Chronic pain conditions may have access to only if they significantly restrict walking — not all chronic pain does. If you are unsure whether your condition meets your state's standard, contact your state DMV directly or ask your medical provider.
Getting a medical certification from your doctor
The first step is obtaining a signed medical certification. Your state DMV provides a specific form — usually called a "Physician's Certification" or "Medical Certification for Disabled Parking" — that your doctor must complete and sign. You can read this form from your state DMV website, pick it up at a DMV office, or request it by mail.
Bring or mail this form to your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. In most states, only these three types of providers can sign the form — dentists, chiropractors, and other specialists cannot. The provider must have examined you within a certain timeframe (usually within the past year) and must confirm that your condition qualifies. They will sign and date the form and may charge a small fee ($10 to $50) for completing it, though many do not.
Do not submit the form to the DMV yourself. You will submit it as part of your permit process. Keep a copy for your records in case the DMV needs to contact your provider to verify the information.
how the process works for your permit at the DMV
The process process depends on your state. Some states allow you to explore entirely online through their DMV website; others require you to explore in person or by mail. Check your state DMV website to see which methods are available.
In-person process: Visit your local DMV office with your signed medical certification form, a valid photo ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your vehicle registration. Some states also require proof of vehicle ownership. Tell the staff member you are explore for a disabled parking permit. They will review your documents, take a photo if required, and process your process on the spot. You will usually receive your placard or license plate when ready or within a few days.
Mail process: Complete your state's process form (available on the DMV website), include your signed medical certification, a copy of your photo ID, proof of residency, and vehicle registration, and mail the packet to your state DMV. Include a check or money order for the process fee if your state charges one. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Some states will mail your placard or license plate to you; others require you to pick it up at a DMV office.
Online process: If your state offers this option, you will create an account on the DMV website, upload scans of your medical certification and ID, enter your vehicle information, and pay any fee by credit card. You will then either print your temporary placard when ready or receive your permanent placard by mail within one to two weeks.
Fees and what to bring to the DMV
Most states charge a small fee for a disabled parking permit — typically $5 to $20 — though some states issue them for free. A few states charge more if you request a license plate instead of a placard. Check your state DMV website to confirm the fee before you go.
Bring these documents to the DMV or include them with a mail process: your signed medical certification form (original or certified copy), a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), your vehicle registration or proof of vehicle ownership, and payment for the process fee if applicable. Some states also ask for your Social Security number. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace — bring copies instead, or ask the DMV which documents must be originals.
If you are explore on behalf of someone else (such as a parent or guardian), bring a power of attorney document or guardianship papers proving you have legal authority to act for them. Some states have specific forms for this; check your state DMV website.
Placard versus license plate: which to choose
A placard is a temporary permit (valid two to five years depending on your state) that hangs from your rearview mirror. You can move it between vehicles — if you own two cars or borrow someone else's vehicle, you can take the placard with you. Placards are easier to replace if lost or damaged. The downside is that they can fall off or be forgotten, and they are visible inside the car, which some people prefer to avoid.
A license plate is a permanent permit (valid for the life of the vehicle or until you sell it) that replaces your regular license plate. It stays with the vehicle, so you do not have to remember to move it. License plates are harder to forget or lose. The downside is that it is permanent for that vehicle — if you sell the car, you cannot transfer the plate to a new one. You would need to explore for a new plate for a different vehicle. License plates are also more visible, which some people find intrusive.
Most people choose a placard if they own one vehicle or frequently borrow others. Choose a license plate if you own one vehicle long-term and want a permanent solution. Some states let you have both a placard and a plate for different vehicles; check your state's rules.
Renewing your permit before it expires
Placards expire after a set period — usually two, three, or five years depending on your state. Your state DMV may send you a renewal notice in the mail a few months before expiration, or you may need to request a renewal yourself. Check your state DMV website to see whether they send notices or whether you must initiate renewal.
To renew, you will need a new signed medical certification from your doctor confirming that your condition still qualifies. The process is the same as the initial process: obtain the form from your state DMV, have your doctor sign it, and submit it with a renewal process (in person, by mail, or online depending on your state). Some states charge a renewal fee; others do not.
If your placard expires and you do not renew it, you lose the right to park in disabled spaces. Parking in a disabled space with an expired permit can result in a fine. If your condition has improved and you no longer need the permit, you can straightforward let it expire without renewing.
What happens if your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your state DMV and request a replacement. Most states issue replacements quickly — sometimes the same day if you visit in person, or within one to two weeks by mail. You may need to pay a small replacement fee ($5 to $15), though some states waive it for lost or stolen permits. You will not need a new medical certification for a replacement — the DMV has your original on file.
If your license plate is lost or damaged, the process is similar. Visit your local DMV office or contact them by phone or online to request a replacement. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. License plate replacements usually take one to two weeks.
If your permit was stolen, some states ask you to file a police report first. Ask your DMV whether this is required before you request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's disabled parking permit?
No. The permit is issued to a specific person with a disability, and only that person can use it. Parking in a disabled space with someone else's permit is illegal and can result in a fine of $250 to $500 or more. You can drive someone with a valid permit and park in a disabled space, but only if that person is in the vehicle with you.
What if my disability is temporary, like a broken leg?
Most states issue temporary permits for conditions expected to heal within a certain timeframe (usually three to six months). Your doctor will note on the medical certification that the condition is temporary. The permit will be marked as temporary and will expire sooner than a permanent permit. You do not need to renew it if your condition heals before expiration.
Do I have to display my placard every time I park in a disabled space?
Yes. The placard must be visible on your rearview mirror when you park in a disabled space. If you park in a disabled space without displaying your permit, you can be ticketed even if you have a valid permit. If you have a license plate, it is always visible, so you do not have to do anything extra.
Can I park in a disabled space if I am just dropping someone off?
No, unless the person you are dropping off has a valid disabled parking permit and is in the vehicle with you. If you are dropping someone off and leaving, you cannot use a disabled space. You must park in a regular space or a loading zone if available.
What if my state's DMV website does not have the medical certification form?
Call your state DMV directly or visit a local office to request the form. You can also ask your doctor's office — many medical providers keep copies of state DMV forms on hand. Do not use a form from a different state; your state DMV will only accept the form it provides.