PM stands for "Permanent" on Florida plates

The PM marking on a Florida license plate indicates that the plate is permanent — meaning it does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Once you receive a PM plate, you keep it for as long as you own the vehicle, even if you move out of state or change vehicle ownership within Florida.

PM plates are issued to specific groups of people under Florida law, most commonly disabled drivers and veterans. The marking itself is small and appears in the lower right corner of the plate, below the registration number. It is straightforward to miss if you are not looking for it, but law enforcement and parking attendants recognize it when ready.

The permanence of a PM plate does not mean you never interact with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) again. You still need to renew your vehicle registration and pay registration fees on schedule. The plate itself straightforward does not expire.

Key Takeaways

  • PM means the license plate is permanent and does not expire, though your vehicle registration still requires renewal.
  • PM plates are issued to disabled drivers, disabled veterans, and Purple Heart recipients under Florida law.
  • You cannot request a PM plate on your own — you must meet the criteria set by DHSMV and explore through the appropriate program.
  • If you receive a PM plate and later move to another state, you will need to follow that state's plate rules when you register your vehicle there.

Who receives PM plates in Florida

Florida issues PM plates to three main groups. The first is people with permanent disabilities who have been issued a disabled person parking permit by DHSMV. The second is disabled veterans — those with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The third is recipients of the Purple Heart medal.

For disabled drivers, the disability must be permanent, not temporary. A temporary disability — such as a broken leg or recovery from surgery — does not may have access to for a PM plate. DHSMV determines permanence based on medical documentation you provide when you request the plate.

Veterans must have a disability rating from the VA. Florida does not issue the rating itself; the VA does. You will need your VA disability letter or rating decision to prove your status when you request a PM plate.

How to get a PM plate if you meet the criteria

The process depends on which category you fall into. If you have a permanent disability, you first need to obtain a disabled person parking permit from DHSMV. You do this by visiting a local DHSMV office with proof of your disability — typically a letter from your physician stating that your condition is permanent and affects your mobility or ability to walk.

Once you have the parking permit, you can request a PM plate at the same DHSMV office or online through the DHSMV website. You will need your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and your parking permit. There is a fee for the plate itself, though disabled drivers may be exempt from certain registration fees depending on their situation.

If you are a disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient, you can request a PM plate directly without first obtaining a parking permit. Bring your VA disability letter or Purple Heart documentation, along with your vehicle registration and proof of ownership, to your local DHSMV office.

What happens to a PM plate when you sell or transfer the vehicle

A PM plate is tied to the person, not the vehicle. When you sell your car, you keep the plate — you do not transfer it to the new owner. The new owner will need to register the vehicle with a standard plate unless they also meet the criteria for a PM plate.

If you buy a different vehicle, you can use your existing PM plate on the new car. You will need to notify DHSMV of the vehicle change, but the plate itself remains valid. This is one of the practical advantages of a permanent plate: you do not need to order a new one each time you change vehicles.

PM plates and parking privileges

Having a PM plate does not automatically give you disabled parking privileges. The plate itself is straightforward a registration designation. To park in disabled spaces, you need a separate disabled person parking permit — the placard that hangs from your mirror or the decal that goes on your windshield.

Many people who have PM plates also have parking permits, because they often may have access to for both. But the two are separate documents issued for different purposes. The parking permit is what law enforcement checks when you park in a disabled space; the PM plate is what appears on your vehicle registration.

Moving out of state with a PM plate

If you move to another state, your Florida PM plate becomes invalid once you register your vehicle in the new state. Each state has its own plate system and its own rules for permanent or special plates. You will need to follow the new state's process to register your vehicle and obtain whatever plates that state issues.

Some states have their own versions of permanent plates for disabled drivers or veterans. Others do not. When you move, contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn what options are available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a PM plate mean I do not have to pay registration fees?

No. A PM plate means the plate itself does not expire, but you still must renew your vehicle registration and pay the associated fees on schedule. Some disabled drivers may be exempt from certain fees, but that exemption is separate from having a PM plate. Check with DHSMV about fee waivers for your specific situation.

Can I get a PM plate if I have a temporary disability?

No. PM plates are only for permanent disabilities. If your condition is expected to improve or is temporary, you do not meet the criteria. You may be able to get a temporary parking permit instead, which expires when your condition improves.

What if I lose or damage my PM plate?

Contact your local DHSMV office to request a replacement. You will need to provide your vehicle registration and proof of your disability status. There is typically a fee for a replacement plate, though disabled drivers may have reduced fees.

Do other states recognize my Florida PM plate?

No. Your Florida PM plate is only valid in Florida. If you travel to another state, that state recognizes your vehicle registration but not the PM designation. For parking privileges in other states, you would need to use a disabled parking permit or placard issued by that state.