How to Get a Handicap Placard in Arizona: MVD Form 96-0104 Application and Online Renewal Guide

An Arizona handicap placard allows people with qualifying disabilities to use designated accessible parking spaces at businesses, medical facilities, and public locations throughout the state. Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) manages the program, and the application is straightforward once you have the right medical documentation.

Who Qualifies for an Arizona Handicap Placard Under ARS § 28-884?

Under Arizona Revised Statutes (§ 28-884), the state issues disability parking placards to individuals who meet one or more of the following medical criteria:

• Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
• Are restricted by severe lung disease (e.g., forced expiratory volume for one second is 70% or less of the predicted normal value, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest).
• Use portable oxygen.
• Have a cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
• Are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
• Are legally blind or severely visually impaired.

An authorized medical professional must certify your condition. Arizona accepts certifications from licensed physicians, physician assistants (PA), nurse practitioners (NP), physical therapists, or hospital administrators.

Types of Disability Parking Permits in Arizona

Permit Type	Color	Validity	Fee
Permanent	Blue	Never Expires	Free
Temporary	Red	Up to 6 months	Free
Organization	Blue	Never Expires	Free
Disability License Plates	N/A	Annual (with registration)	Free*

Note: While standard disability license plates are free, regular annual vehicle registration fees still apply. Specialty or personalized disability plates carry an additional $25 to $50 fee.

How to Apply for an Arizona Handicap Placard

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Obtain Form 96-0104 (Disabled Person Placard/Plates Application) from the Arizona Department of Transportation website (azdot.gov) or pick up a physical copy from any MVD office or Authorized Third Party (ATP) location.

Step 2: Get Medical Certification

Your authorized medical professional must complete and sign the Medical Certification section of Form 96-0104. They must include their name, address, and professional license number. Your medical certification must be dated within 90 days of submitting your application.

Step 3: Submit the Application

There is no fee for an Arizona disability placard. You can submit your completed application in a few ways:

• In Person (Fastest): Bring it to any local MVD office or ATP location. Your placard is usually issued over the counter on the same day.
• By Mail: Send the completed form to: Special Plates Unit, Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 2100, Mail Drop 801Z, Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100.
• By Email / Fax: You can email a scanned copy of your application to [email protected] or fax it to 602-239-6077.

How to Renew Your Arizona Handicap Placard (No New Medical Certification Required)

• Permanent Placards: As of a recent law change, blue permanent placards issued in Arizona no longer expire. You do not ever need to renew a permanent placard or obtain a new medical certification unless your qualifying status changes.
• Temporary Placards: Temporary red placards are valid for up to 6 months. If your condition persists past the 6-month mark, you cannot simply extend the placard; you must submit a brand-new Form 96-0104 with a fresh medical certification from your doctor.

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Arizona Placard (Police Report May Be Required for Theft)

If your Arizona handicap placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement completely free of charge.You do not need a new medical certification if your permanent placard is still on file.

• Online: You can order a replacement placard instantly through the AZ MVD Now online portal (azmvdnow.gov).
• In Person / Mail: You can also submit a new Form 96-0104 (checking the “Replacement” box) to any MVD office or via mail.

Arizona Handicap Parking Rules: No Time Limits, Person-Specific Use, and Misuse Penalties

• Display: Hang the placard from the rearview mirror only when the vehicle is parked in an accessible space.
• Driving: You must remove the placard from the mirror while driving to avoid illegally obstructing your vision.
• Access Aisles: Never park in the striped or crosshatched area adjacent to an accessible parking space. This is an access aisle meant for wheelchair lifts and ramps.
• Authorized Use: The placard is person-specific; it can be used in any vehicle you are traveling in, whether as the driver or passenger. Using another person’s placard when they are not physically present is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona, which can result in heavy fines and the revocation of the placard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

Whether you are applying for the first time or replacing an expired or lost placard, the Arizona disability parking permit process is designed to be accessible. Start by downloading Form 96-0104, getting your physician’s certification, and visiting your nearest MVD or ATP office.