What disabled plates and placards are, and who gets them

A disabled parking plate or placard is a permit that lets you park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. The plate is a metal tag you bolt to your vehicle; the placard is a hanging tag you display on your rearview mirror. Both give you access to closer parking spaces and longer time limits than regular parking allows.

You get one through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — not through a doctor or a disability program. The state issues it based on a medical certification that you have a permanent or temporary disability affecting your mobility. Once you have it, you can use it at any parking space marked for disabled use, anywhere in the country.

The difference between a plate and a placard matters: a plate stays with the vehicle, so anyone driving that car can use it. A placard is tied to a person, so only you can use it — if someone else drives your car, they cannot park in disabled spaces with your placard. Some states let you have both.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through your state DMV with a completed medical form signed by a licensed doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner — not through a disability benefits program.
  • Plates are permanent and stay with the vehicle; placards are temporary or permanent and tied to the person who holds them.
  • Processing time varies by state, from a few days to several weeks, and some states charge a small fee while others do not.
  • You can use your plate or placard at any disabled parking space in any state, but the rules about how long you can park vary by location.
  • If your disability is temporary — such as after surgery or during recovery — you can request a temporary placard valid for a few months.

How to start the process at your state DMV

Contact your state's DMV office directly — by phone, online, or in person — and ask for the disabled parking permit process. Each state has its own form and its own name for the program. Some call it "disabled parking plates," others call it "handicap permits" or "mobility permits." The DMV website will have the exact form and the list of what you need to bring.

You will need a medical certification signed by a doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or in some states a chiropractor. The form itself is usually short — it asks the doctor to confirm that you have a condition that limits your ability to walk or move. The doctor does not need to write a detailed explanation; the form has checkboxes for common conditions like mobility impairment, chronic pain, or respiratory disease.

Bring your completed form, your driver's license or state ID, proof of vehicle registration (if you are getting a plate), and any fee your state charges. Some states charge $5 to $20; others charge nothing. Ask the DMV whether you can mail the form or whether you must appear in person.

Permanent versus temporary permits

A permanent permit lasts as long as your disability does — usually several years before you need to renew. Your state will tell you the renewal date on the permit itself. If your condition changes or improves, you can return the permit early.

A temporary permit is issued when your disability is expected to last a few months to a year — for example, after surgery, during cancer treatment, or while recovering from an injury. You request it on the same form as a permanent permit, and you tell the doctor the expected length of your recovery. Temporary permits are usually valid for 3 to 6 months, though some states allow up to a year. When it expires, you do not renew it unless your condition has not improved as expected.

Some people have both: a permanent permit for their main vehicle and a temporary placard to carry with them if they borrow someone else's car during recovery. Ask your DMV what combination is allowed in your state.

What you can and cannot do with your permit

With a disabled plate or placard, you can park in any space marked with the international symbol of accessibility — the white wheelchair symbol on a blue background. You can park there even if a regular parking meter would normally charge you, and you can stay longer than the posted time limit allows. Some spaces have no time limit at all.

You cannot park in a disabled space if you are not the person listed on the permit (if you have a placard) or if the vehicle is not registered to someone with a permit (if you have a plate). You cannot park in a space marked "van accessible" unless the vehicle is a van and you have a special van-accessible permit — these are issued separately and require additional medical documentation. You cannot use your permit to park in regular spaces, loading zones, fire lanes, or any other restricted area.

Misusing a disabled permit — parking in a disabled space without one, or lending someone else's placard — is a violation in every state. Fines range from $100 to $500 depending on where you park. Some cities also tow vehicles parked illegally in disabled spaces.

How long processing takes and what to expect

Processing time varies widely by state. Some states issue permits within 3 to 5 business days if you explore online or in person; others take 2 to 4 weeks if you mail the form. A few states have walk-in service at DMV offices where you can get a temporary placard the same day while your permanent plate is being made.

If you are in urgent need — for example, you are having surgery next week — call your DMV and explain the situation. Some offices will expedite a temporary placard if you have a doctor's letter confirming the timeline. Others cannot speed up the process but can tell you the fastest way to submit your form.

Once your permit arrives, check that the information is correct: your name, the vehicle registration number (if you have a plate), and the expiration date. If something is wrong, contact the DMV to request a correction. If you lose your permit, you can request a replacement, usually for a small fee.

Using your permit in other states

Your disabled plate or placard is valid in every state. You do not need to register it or notify other states — the blue wheelchair symbol is recognized nationwide. If you travel or move, you can use the same permit.

However, parking rules vary by location. Some cities limit how long you can park in a disabled space even with a permit — for example, 4 hours instead of unlimited time. Some spaces require additional permits or payment. Before you park in an unfamiliar city, read the sign on the space to see whether there are time limits or other rules.

If you move to a new state permanently, you do not have to exchange your old permit for a new one unless your state requires it. Check your new state's DMV website to see whether they require you to get a new permit or whether your old one remains valid.

Renewing or replacing your permit

Your permit will have an expiration date printed on it. Before that date, you can renew it by submitting a new medical form and your current permit to your state DMV. Some states let you renew online; others require you to mail the form or visit an office in person. The renewal process is the same as the original process.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your DMV to request a replacement. You will usually need to provide your driver's license number and the permit number if you have it. Replacement permits typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks, though some states offer temporary replacements while you wait.

If your disability improves or resolves, you can return your permit to the DMV at any time. You do not have to wait for it to expire. Some states offer a small refund if you return a permit early, though this is not common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled placard if I have a temporary condition like a broken leg?

Yes. You can request a temporary placard valid for the expected recovery period — usually 3 to 6 months. Your doctor will estimate how long you will need it, and the DMV will issue it for that length of time. When it expires, you return it unless your recovery has taken longer than expected.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

Your doctor may decline if they do not believe your condition limits your mobility enough to warrant a permit. You can ask another doctor — a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or specialist — to evaluate you. If you disagree with your doctor's assessment, you can file an appeal with your state DMV, though the process and success rate vary by state.

Can someone else use my placard if I am not in the car?

No. A placard is tied to you as a person, not to the vehicle. If someone else parks your car in a disabled space using your placard while you are not there, that is a violation. A plate, by contrast, stays with the vehicle, so anyone driving that car can use it legally.

Do I have to pay to renew my permit?

It depends on your state. Some states charge a small renewal fee of $5 to $20; others renew for free. Check your state DMV website or call to find out what your state charges.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your permit remains valid in your new state — you do not need to exchange it. However, if you register a new vehicle in your new state, you may want to get a new plate issued by that state. Check your new state's DMV website to see whether they require you to get a new permit or whether your old one is accepted indefinitely.