A handicap placard (or disability parking permit) lets you park in specially reserved, wider spaces right next to building entrances. Getting one instantly improves daily life by allowing you to:
- Save hundreds of steps every day.
- Reduce pain and fatigue from arthritis, lung disease, heart conditions, or post-surgery recovery.
- Park legally nationwide, as permits are valid in all 50 states when the disabled person is present.
Because DMV regulations vary, there is no single national application. The specific medical forms, qualifying conditions, and submission rules depend entirely on where you live.
Select your state below to find your specific forms and local instructions.
Find Your State’s Handicap Placard Application Guide
Northeast: Connecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont
South: Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Mississippi | North Carolina | South Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia
Midwest: Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin
West: Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oklahoma | Oregon | Texas | Utah | Washington | Wyoming
Who Qualifies for a Handicap Placard?
While your specific state guide will have the precise legal definitions, most states follow guidelines similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You generally qualify if a licensed medical professional certifies that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Restricted Mobility: You cannot walk 200 feet without needing to stop and rest.
- Use of Assistive Devices: You rely on a wheelchair, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or another person for mobility.
- Severe Lung Disease: Your respiratory volume is severely restricted, or you require portable oxygen.
- Cardiac Conditions: You suffer from a Class III or Class IV heart condition, as defined by the American Heart Association.
- Visual Impairment: You meet the legal definition of blindness or have severely limited visual acuity.
Types of Handicap Placards
States typically issue different types of placards based on the duration of your mobility limitation. They are usually color-coded for easy identification by law enforcement.
Permanent Placards (Blue) Issued for chronic, long-term, or permanent disabilities. While the disability may be permanent, the placard itself will eventually expire (usually every 2 to 5 years) and must be renewed, often without needing a new medical certification.
Temporary Placards (Red) Issued for short-term mobility issues, such as recovering from a knee surgery, broken leg, or severe pregnancy complications. These are typically valid for up to 6 months. If you need more time to recover, you must apply for a new temporary placard with an updated medical signature.
How to Apply for a Handicap Placard
While specifics vary by state, the core steps are consistent across the country. Your state’s guide will fill in the exact details.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Review your state’s qualifying conditions. Your doctor will need to certify that your condition meets the state’s medical criteria — not just a general diagnosis.
- Get a Physician’s Certification: Schedule an appointment with your doctor, physician’s assistant, or qualifying specialist. They must complete a specific section of your state’s official DMV form — not just write a letter.
- Complete the Application Form: Download your state’s official disability parking permit application. Fill out the personal information section. Do not sign until your doctor has completed their portion.
- Submit to the DMV: Depending on your state, you can submit by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online. Many states now allow online submission with a digital physician certification.
- Receive Your Placard: Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks by mail. In-person submissions may result in same-day issuance at some DMV locations. Check your state guide for exact timelines.
- Renew Before Expiration: Mark your placard’s expiration date and initiate renewal 30–60 days early. Some states auto-mail renewal notices; others require you to initiate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All 50 states have a reciprocity agreement regarding disabled parking placards. If you travel out of state, your home state’s valid placard allows you to legally park in designated handicap spaces nationwide. However, you must obey local parking rules (such as whether you have to pay at accessible parking meters), as these vary by city.
In the vast majority of states, permanent (blue) placards are issued free of charge. Temporary (red) placards sometimes require a small administrative fee, usually ranging from $5 to $15.
Only if you are in the vehicle. The placard is assigned to the person with the disability, not the car. A family member or caregiver can drive your car and park in a handicap space only if they are transporting you. Using the placard when the disabled individual is not present is illegal and can result in hefty fines and the confiscation of the permit.