What a DMV disability placard is and who can get one
A DMV disability placard is a permit you hang from your rearview mirror or display on your dashboard that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The placard itself is issued by your state's DMV, but the medical certification comes from a licensed healthcare provider — your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant has to sign off that you have a mobility disability that makes walking difficult.
You can get a placard if you have a permanent or temporary condition that limits your ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, causes you severe pain when walking, or requires you to use a mobility device like a cane, walker, wheelchair, or crutches. Some states also issue placards for people with severe respiratory or cardiac conditions. The rules vary by state, so check your state DMV website for the exact medical criteria.
The placard is not the same as a license plate. Some people get both — a placard that you can move between vehicles, and a permanent license plate that stays on one car. You cannot have both on the same vehicle at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must complete and sign the medical certification form — the DMV does not make the medical judgment.
- You will need to submit the signed medical form, a completed process, and proof of identity to your state DMV in person, by mail, or online depending on your state.
- Temporary placards usually last 6 months; permanent placards last until you renew your vehicle registration or the placard expires, which varies by state from 2 to 6 years.
- You can use your placard in any state, but the rules for where you can park and how long you can stay vary by city and state.
How to get the medical certification your state DMV requires
Start by contacting your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant and telling them you need a disability placard. Ask them to complete your state's medical certification form — do not assume they have it. You will need to read it from your state DMV website or pick it up at a DMV office and bring it to your appointment.
The healthcare provider fills out the form, checks boxes for your condition and mobility limitations, signs and dates it, and includes their license number. Some states require the provider to write a brief description of your condition; others just need checkboxes. The form is yours to keep — you will submit it with your placard process.
If you do not have a regular doctor, you can see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant at an urgent care clinic or community health center. Some states also accept forms signed by chiropractors, optometrists, or podiatrists, but this varies. Check your state DMV website to see which providers your state accepts.
What documents you need to submit to the DMV
You will need three things: the signed medical certification form, a completed placard process, and proof of identity. The process form is available on your state DMV website, and you fill it out with your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number or state ID number.
For proof of identity, bring your driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some states also accept a utility bill or lease as proof of address if your ID is out of date. Check your state DMV website for the exact list of documents they accept, because it varies.
If you are explore for someone else — a family member or caregiver — you will need to show that you have legal authority to do so. This usually means a power of attorney, guardianship papers, or a notarized letter from the person with the disability. Rules differ by state, so contact your DMV before you submit.
How to submit your process and what happens next
Most states let you submit your placard process by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the DMV website. Mailing is usually the slowest option — allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing. In-person submission at a DMV office is faster, often same-day or within a few days. Some states now have online portals where you upload your documents and get your placard mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks.
When you submit, include the signed medical form, your completed process, and copies of your ID and proof of address. Do not send originals of your ID — send copies. Mail everything to the address listed on your state DMV website, or go to your local DMV office with the originals to show them.
Once the DMV receives your process, they check that the medical form is signed and complete, verify your identity, and issue the placard. You will receive it by mail or pick it up at a DMV office, depending on your state. Keep the placard in good condition — if it fades, tears, or becomes hard to read, you can request a replacement from the DMV.
Temporary versus permanent placards and how long they last
A temporary placard is issued when your condition is expected to improve or when you need one while waiting for a permanent one. Temporary placards usually last 6 months from the date issued. Your doctor will note on the medical form whether your condition is temporary or permanent.
A permanent placard lasts longer — the length varies by state from 2 to 6 years. Some states issue permanent placards that last until you renew your vehicle registration; others set a fixed expiration date. Check your placard or your state DMV website to find your expiration date.
When your placard is about to expire, you will need to renew it. Renewal usually requires a new medical certification form signed by your healthcare provider, plus a renewal process. Some states send you a renewal notice in the mail; others do not, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder. Driving with an expired placard can result in a parking ticket or fine.
Where you can park with a disability placard and what the rules are
A disability placard lets you park in designated accessible parking spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol. These spaces are usually located close to building entrances and have extra room on the sides so you can open your car door fully or deploy a wheelchair ramp.
The rules for how long you can park vary by location. In most places, you can park in an accessible space for as long as you need — there is no time limit. However, some cities have time limits even in accessible spaces, so check the sign. You cannot park in an accessible space without displaying your placard, and you cannot park in a space reserved for someone else's disability (for example, a reserved spot for a specific business or organization).
Your placard works in any state, but local parking rules differ. Some cities charge for accessible parking; most do not. Some cities have separate rules for residential streets versus commercial areas. If you are unsure whether you can park somewhere, look at the sign or call the city parking department.
What to do if your process is denied or your placard is lost
If the DMV denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include an incomplete medical form, a form signed by someone your state does not accept as a provider, or missing documents. If this happens, contact your DMV to ask what is missing, get your doctor to complete the form correctly, and resubmit.
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your state DMV and request a replacement. You will usually need to fill out a short form and pay a small replacement fee — this varies by state. Some states issue the replacement quickly; others take 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime, ask your DMV whether you can get a temporary placard or a letter stating that you have a valid placard on file.
If you move to a different state, your current placard remains valid in that state. However, if you become a resident of the new state and get a new driver's license there, you should get a new placard from that state's DMV. The process is the same — you will need a new medical certification form and a new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's disability placard if I am driving their car?
No. The placard is issued to a specific person and must be displayed when that person is in the vehicle. If you are driving someone else's car and they are not with you, you cannot use their placard. If the person with the disability is a passenger, the placard can be displayed.
What if my doctor will not sign the medical form?
If your doctor refuses, ask them why. They may need clarification about your condition or the form itself. If they still refuse, you can see a different healthcare provider — a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or another doctor. Your state DMV website lists which types of providers can sign the form.
Do I need a disability placard if I have a permanent disability license plate?
No. A permanent disability license plate serves the same purpose as a placard. You can have one or the other, but not both on the same vehicle. A placard is useful if you drive multiple vehicles; a plate is useful if you drive one vehicle most of the time.
Can I get a disability placard if I am not a resident of the state?
Rules vary by state. Some states issue placards only to residents with a state driver's license or ID. Others issue them to anyone with a valid out-of-state license. Contact your state DMV to ask whether you are may be able to access.
What happens if I park in an accessible space without a valid placard?
You can receive a parking ticket and fine, which varies by city from $100 to $500 or more. Some cities also tow vehicles parked illegally in accessible spaces. Always display your placard when you park in an accessible space.