What you need to know about DMV handicap permits

A handicap parking permit (also called a disabled parking permit or accessible parking placard) is issued by your state's DMV and lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The permit itself is a physical placard you hang from your rearview mirror, or a license plate you mount on your vehicle. You do not need to own the vehicle — you can get a permit for a car you regularly use, even if someone else owns it.

The process process starts with your doctor, not the DMV. Your physician must complete a medical certification form stating that you have a permanent or temporary mobility disability. Once you have that signed form, you submit it to your DMV along with your process, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must sign a medical certification form before you contact the DMV — the DMV cannot issue a permit based on your word alone.
  • You can get a permit for a vehicle you do not own, as long as you are the primary driver or regular user of that car.
  • Permits are state-specific and valid only in the state that issued them, though most states honor permits from other states.
  • Temporary permits (usually valid for six months) are available if your disability is expected to improve; permanent permits require no renewal.
  • The process form, medical certification form, and required documents vary by state, so check your state DMV website for the exact list.

Getting your doctor's medical certification

Before you fill out any DMV form, schedule an appointment with your physician — a primary care doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner can all sign the certification. Tell them you need documentation of a mobility disability for a parking permit. They will complete a form (your state DMV provides the exact form) that describes your condition and whether it is permanent or temporary.

The doctor does not need to write a letter or detailed explanation. They fill in checkboxes or brief fields on the official state form. Common may have access to conditions include arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, mobility impairments, neurological conditions, and visual impairments. The form asks whether your condition is permanent (lasting six months or longer) or temporary (expected to improve within six months).

Keep the signed original form — you will need it when you submit your process to the DMV. Some states allow you to submit it by mail with your process; others require you to bring it in person.

Gathering documents and completing the DMV process

Once you have the signed medical form, collect the other documents your state requires. Most states ask for a completed process form (available on the DMV website), a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states also require vehicle registration or proof that you are an authorized driver of the vehicle.

The process form itself is straightforward. You provide your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. You indicate whether you want a placard (the hanging permit) or a license plate (the mounted plate). You also specify whether the permit is for your own vehicle or for a vehicle you use regularly but do not own. If it is not your vehicle, you may need to provide the vehicle owner's name and signature on the form.

Check your state DMV website for the exact process form and any additional requirements — some states ask for a recent photo, others ask you to list the vehicle's license plate number, and a few require a separate form if you are explore for someone else's vehicle.

Submitting your process in person or by mail

Most states let you submit your process by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mailing is slower but more convenient — you send your completed form, signed medical certification, copies of your ID and proof of residency, and the process fee (usually $5 to $20, depending on the state). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the permit mailed back to you.

In-person submission is faster and lets you ask questions on the spot. Bring the original signed medical form, your ID, proof of residency, and the completed process. The DMV staff will verify everything and issue your permit the same day or within a few days. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. The DMV will mail your permit to the address on your process. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact your state DMV to check the status — delays happen, and staff can tell you whether your process is still being processed or if something is missing.

Permanent versus temporary permits

Your doctor's certification determines whether you get a permanent or temporary permit. A permanent permit is valid indefinitely and requires no renewal — you keep it as long as you own or regularly use the vehicle. A temporary permit is usually valid for six months and must be renewed if your condition does not improve as expected.

If you received a temporary permit and your condition has not improved, you can renew it by submitting a new medical certification from your doctor. Some states allow you to renew by mail; others require you to visit a DMV office. Check your permit or your state DMV website for renewal instructions specific to your state.

If your condition improves and you no longer need the permit, you can surrender it to the DMV. Some states ask you to mail it back; others let you turn it in at any DMV office. Surrendering an unused permit does not affect your driving record or registration.

Using your permit in other states

Most states honor handicap permits issued by other states, meaning you can park in accessible spaces when you travel. However, the rules are not uniform — a few states have restrictions or require you to register your out-of-state permit. Before traveling, check the DMV website of the state you are visiting to confirm it honors your permit.

If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new permit from that state's DMV. Your old permit becomes invalid once you establish residency in the new state. The process is the same: get a new medical certification from a doctor in your new state, complete the new state's process form, and submit it to the new state's DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit for a vehicle I do not own?

Yes. You can get a permit for any vehicle you are the primary driver of or regularly use, even if someone else owns it. The vehicle owner may need to sign the process form or provide written consent, depending on your state. Check your state DMV website for the exact requirement.

How much does a handicap permit cost?

Most states charge between $5 and $20 for a permit. Some states issue the first permit free and charge for replacements. A few states charge nothing. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee and accepted payment methods.

What if my doctor will not sign the medical form?

Your doctor may decline if they do not believe you meet the criteria or if they have not examined you recently enough to certify your condition. If this happens, seek a second opinion from another physician or specialist. The DMV cannot override a doctor's judgment or issue a permit without medical certification.

Can I get a placard and a license plate at the same time?

Most states issue one or the other, not both. A placard is portable and works on any vehicle you drive; a license plate is permanent and tied to one vehicle. Choose based on whether you use the same vehicle regularly or drive different vehicles. Some states allow you to request both if you have a strong reason, but this is uncommon.

What happens if my permit is lost or stolen?

Contact your state DMV to report it and request a replacement. You will likely need to pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10) and may need to provide a police report if it was stolen. The DMV will issue a new permit with a different number to prevent misuse of the lost one.