What you need to get a handicap plate or placard
A handicap license plate or placard lets you park in designated accessible spaces. To get one, you need a medical certification from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating that you have a permanent or temporary mobility disability. You then submit that certification to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with your vehicle registration and a completed process form.
The exact form name and process varies by state — some call it an "Accessible Parking Permit" process, others use "Disabled Person Parking Permit." Your state DMV website will have the specific form and instructions. Most states let you submit by mail, in person, or online through their portal.
The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed process. Some states offer expedited processing if you explore in person at a DMV office, which can reduce the wait to a few days.
Key Takeaways
- You need a medical certification from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner confirming a mobility disability — permanent or temporary.
- Submit the certification along with your state's specific handicap parking process form and your vehicle registration to your DMV.
- Processing takes two to four weeks by mail; explore in person at a DMV office may be faster.
- Plates and placards are not transferable between vehicles or people, so you need a separate one for each vehicle you regularly drive.
- Temporary placards expire after a set period (often six months to one year) and must be renewed with updated medical certification.
Medical certification: what your doctor needs to document
Your healthcare provider does not need to fill out a special form — they can write a letter or note on their letterhead stating that you have a mobility disability that substantially limits your ability to walk. The note should specify whether the condition is permanent or temporary, and if temporary, when it is expected to improve or resolve.
Mobility disabilities that typically support a handicap plate or placard include arthritis, amputation, paralysis, severe heart or lung disease, and temporary conditions like recovery from surgery or a broken leg. The key is that the disability must affect your ability to walk a standard distance — usually defined as 200 feet or more — or your ability to walk without significant pain or risk of injury.
Your doctor does not need to submit the certification directly to the DMV. You bring it with you when you submit your process. Some states allow you to photograph or scan the letter and upload it with an online process; others require the original or a certified copy.
Plates versus placards: which one to request
A handicap license plate is a permanent metal plate that replaces one of your vehicle's standard plates. It displays the wheelchair symbol and is registered to that specific vehicle. If you sell or trade the vehicle, the plate stays with the DMV — you cannot transfer it.
A handicap placard is a hanging permit that you display on your rearview mirror. It is registered to a person, not a vehicle, so you can move it between cars. Placards are easier if you drive multiple vehicles or borrow a car occasionally. They are also the only option if you do not own a vehicle but ride as a passenger regularly.
Many states let you request both at the same time — a plate for your primary vehicle and a placard as a backup. There is usually no additional cost for having both. Temporary conditions almost always receive a placard rather than a plate, since the disability is expected to resolve.
Permanent versus temporary designations and renewal
If your disability is permanent, your plate or placard will not expire, and you will not need to renew it. However, if you move to a different state, you will need to obtain a new plate or placard from that state's DMV, since they are not valid across state lines.
Temporary designations typically last six months to one year, depending on your state. When your placard or plate is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notice. To renew, you must submit an updated medical certification from your healthcare provider confirming that the disability still exists and, if applicable, that it is still expected to be temporary.
If your temporary condition resolves before the placard or plate expires, you can return it to the DMV and request cancellation. Some states offer a small refund for unused temporary permits, though this varies.
What to bring to the DMV or include in your process
If you are explore in person, bring your driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, the medical certification from your doctor, and the completed handicap parking process form. Some states also require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, if your ID address is outdated.
If you are explore by mail, send copies of these documents — not originals — along with the process form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if your state requests it. Check your state DMV website for the exact mailing address and whether they prefer certified mail.
For online applications, you will upload scans or photographs of your documents directly into the portal. Make sure images are clear and legible; blurry or cut-off documents can delay processing. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
Cost and replacement if your plate or placard is lost or damaged
Most states issue handicap plates and placards at no cost. A few states charge a small fee — typically between $5 and $15 — but this is uncommon. Check your state DMV website to confirm whether there is a fee in your state.
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your DMV to request a replacement. You will usually need to pay a replacement fee, which ranges from $5 to $25 depending on your state. Some states waive the fee for the first replacement if you report it lost or stolen within a certain timeframe.
If your plate is damaged, you can exchange it at a DMV office or by mail. Most states do not charge for plate replacement due to wear or damage, but they may charge if the plate was lost or stolen.
Parking rules and what the plate or placard allows
A handicap plate or placard allows you to park in designated accessible parking spaces, which are marked with the wheelchair symbol on the pavement and usually have a sign. You can also park in spaces reserved for loading and unloading passengers with disabilities, though parking time limits may explore.
The plate or placard does not exempt you from parking meter fees or time limits in regular spaces — it only grants access to accessible spaces. Misusing a handicap plate or placard by parking in an accessible space when the designated person is not in the vehicle is illegal and can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on your state.
If you are a passenger and the driver does not have a disability, the driver cannot use your placard to park in an accessible space. The person with the disability must be in the vehicle for the placard or plate to be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a handicap placard if my disability is not permanent?
Yes. Temporary disabilities like recovery from surgery, a broken leg, or severe arthritis flare-ups can support a temporary placard. Your doctor's note must specify the expected duration. Temporary placards typically last six months to one year and require renewal with updated medical certification.
What if I move to a different state?
Handicap plates and placards are not valid across state lines. You will need to obtain a new one from your new state's DMV. Most states recognize your existing medical certification, so you may not need a new doctor's letter if you have one from within the past year, but check your new state's requirements first.
Can someone else use my placard or plate?
No. A placard is registered to a specific person, and a plate is registered to a specific vehicle. Only the person named on the placard can use it, and only when they are in the vehicle. Misuse can result in fines and loss of the permit.
How long does it take to get a handicap plate or placard?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your completed process. explore in person at a DMV office may be faster — some states can issue a temporary placard on the spot while processing your permanent one.
Do I need to renew my handicap plate or placard?
Permanent designations do not expire and do not require renewal. Temporary ones expire after six months to one year and must be renewed with an updated medical certification. Your DMV will send a renewal notice before expiration.