What a disability parking permit does and who issues it

A disability parking permit is a placard or license plate issued by your state's DMV that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The permit itself does not cost money — most states issue them free — but you do need to request one from your DMV and provide medical documentation that meets your state's definition of disability.

The permit is tied to a specific vehicle or person, depending on which type you request. A placard hangs from your rearview mirror and moves between vehicles; a license plate stays with one car. Either way, the DMV verifies your medical condition before approving the request, and the permit is valid only in spaces marked for people with disabilities.

Parking in an accessible space without a valid permit can result in a fine — typically $250 to $500 depending on your state — and your vehicle may be towed. The permit itself does not reduce registration fees or provide other benefits; it is purely for parking access.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV issues disability parking permits free of charge, but you must submit a completed process form and medical documentation signed by a licensed physician or other approved medical professional.
  • You can request either a placard (which moves between vehicles) or a permanent or temporary license plate (which stays with one vehicle), and the choice depends on your situation and your state's rules.
  • Medical documentation requirements vary by state but typically include a form signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant stating that you have a permanent or temporary mobility disability.
  • Processing time ranges from one to four weeks in most states, though some offer expedited options at a DMV office if you need the permit sooner.
  • Permits expire after a set period — usually three to five years for permanent permits — and you must renew by submitting updated medical documentation to your DMV.

Medical documentation your state DMV will require

Every state requires a medical professional to certify that you have a may have access to disability. The specific form varies by state, but your DMV website lists the exact document you need. Common may have access to conditions include permanent mobility impairment, severe arthritis, heart or lung disease that limits walking, and blindness or severe vision loss. Temporary disabilities — such as recovery from surgery or a broken leg — also may have access to in most states, though the permit will expire sooner.

The medical professional who signs the form must be licensed in your state. Most states accept physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Some states also accept chiropractors, optometrists, or podiatrists for certain conditions. The form itself is usually available on your DMV's website as a PDF you can print and bring to your doctor's office, or your doctor may have their own version that meets state requirements.

The doctor does not need to perform an exam specifically for the permit — they can sign the form based on your existing medical record if they are already treating you. However, they must state whether your disability is permanent or temporary, and if temporary, when it is expected to improve. This determines how long your permit will be valid.

How to request a placard versus a license plate

A placard is a cardboard or plastic hang tag that displays your permit number and expiration date. You hang it from your rearview mirror when you park in an accessible space, then remove it when you leave. Placards work in any vehicle — you can use the same placard in a borrowed car, a rental, or a family member's vehicle. Most states issue placards for free and they typically last three to five years.

A disability license plate is a permanent or temporary plate that replaces your regular registration plate on one vehicle. The plate itself shows a wheelchair symbol and your permit number. License plates do not move between vehicles, so you would need a separate plate for each car you drive regularly. Some states charge a small fee for plates — typically $10 to $20 — while others issue them free. Plates last as long as your vehicle registration, usually four to five years.

Choose a placard if you drive different vehicles or want the flexibility to move the permit. Choose a license plate if you drive the same vehicle most of the time and want a permanent solution that does not require hanging anything. Some people request both — a placard for occasional use in other vehicles and a plate for their primary car — though you will need to submit separate requests and medical documentation for each.

Steps to submit your request to the DMV

Start by visiting your state DMV's website and finding the disability parking permit section. read the process form and the medical certification form. Fill out the process with your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information (if requesting a plate). Then take the medical certification form to your doctor and have them complete and sign it.

Once both forms are signed, you can submit them to your DMV in one of three ways: by mail to the address listed on the form, in person at a DMV office, or online if your state offers that option. Mailing typically takes one to three weeks for processing. Submitting in person at a DMV office is faster — many states process applications the same day or within a few days — but you may need to wait in line. Check your state DMV's website to see which submission methods are available.

Include a copy of your driver's license or state ID with your submission, and keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your state charges a fee for a license plate, include payment with your process or pay at the DMV office. Most states do not charge for placards, but verify this on your state's website before submitting.

Processing time and what happens after approval

Processing time varies by state and submission method. Mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks. In-person submissions at a DMV office often process within one to three business days, though some states offer same-day service if you submit during off-peak hours. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need the permit urgently.

Once approved, your DMV will mail your permit to the address on your process. A placard arrives as a cardboard or plastic hang tag with a string or clip. A license plate arrives as a metal plate ready to install on your vehicle. If you requested a plate, you will also receive instructions for removing your old plate and installing the new one, or you can have a DMV office install it for you.

Your permit is valid only in spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol and the words "Accessible Parking" or "Handicapped Parking." Using it in regular spaces or spaces reserved for other purposes is illegal and can result in a fine and towing. The permit does not override time limits or other parking rules — you still cannot park in a loading zone or a fire lane, even with a valid permit.

Renewing your permit before it expires

Disability parking permits expire after a set period, usually three to five years for permanent disabilities and sooner for temporary ones. Your permit will show an expiration date. Most states send a renewal notice by mail a few months before expiration, but do not rely on this — check your permit's expiration date and plan ahead.

To renew, you will need to submit a new medical certification form signed by a licensed medical professional. You can use the same doctor or a different one, as long as they are licensed in your state. The renewal process is the same as the initial request: fill out the renewal form, have your doctor sign the medical certification, and submit both to your DMV by mail or in person.

If your medical condition has improved or changed, tell your doctor before they sign the renewal form. If you no longer need the permit, you can surrender it to your DMV instead of renewing. If you requested a license plate and no longer need it, contact your DMV to remove the disability designation from your plate or request a regular replacement plate.

Temporary permits for short-term disabilities

If you have a temporary disability — such as a broken leg, post-surgical recovery, or a condition expected to improve — your state DMV can issue a temporary permit valid for a shorter period, typically three to six months. The process is the same as requesting a permanent permit, but your doctor must specify on the medical certification form that the disability is temporary and when it is expected to resolve.

Temporary permits are useful because they do not require renewal if your condition improves as expected. Once the permit expires, you straightforward stop using it. If your condition does not improve as expected, you can request a renewal or conversion to a permanent permit by submitting updated medical documentation.

Some states charge a small fee for temporary permits while issuing permanent ones free, so check your state's fee schedule before submitting. Temporary placards and plates work exactly like permanent ones — you can park in accessible spaces for as long as your permit is valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's disability parking permit?

No. A disability parking permit is issued to a specific person or vehicle and is not transferable. Using someone else's permit is illegal and can result in a fine and towing. If a family member needs a permit, they must request their own from the DMV with their own medical documentation.

What if my doctor will not sign the medical certification form?

If your regular doctor will not sign the form, you can ask another licensed medical professional who treats you — such as a specialist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant — to sign it instead. If no medical professional will certify your disability, you do not meet your state's requirements for a permit. You can request reconsideration if your condition changes or if you have new medical documentation.

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

Yes. Most states issue permits to people who do not drive, as long as they have a state ID or other form of identification. The permit is for the person with the disability, not the driver. If you do not drive, you can use the permit when someone else drives you and parks in an accessible space.

What happens if my permit is lost or stolen?

Contact your DMV and request a replacement. Most states charge a small fee — typically $5 to $10 — for a replacement placard or plate. You may need to provide a police report if your vehicle was broken into, though this is not always required. Processing time for a replacement is usually one to two weeks.

Do I need to renew my permit if I move to a different state?

Yes. Each state issues its own permits and recognizes permits from other states while you are visiting, but if you move permanently, you must request a new permit from your new state's DMV. Your old permit will no longer be valid once you establish residency in the new state. Contact your new state's DMV for the process process.