If a disability is making it harder to get around, a Montana handicap placard can remove one of the most immediate barriers—finding a close, accessible parking spot. The state’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues disability parking permits to residents with qualifying permanent or temporary conditions, and the process is more straightforward than many people expect.
This guide walks you through who qualifies, exactly what forms to file, how to renew or replace a lost placard, and what rules apply when using one.
Who Qualifies for a Montana Handicap Placard?
To receive a disability parking permit in Montana, your condition must substantially impair your ability to walk. The state recognizes the following qualifying conditions:
- Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Severe limitation in walking due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
- Inability to walk safely without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
- Use of portable oxygen.
- Class III or Class IV cardiac conditions (as classified by the American Heart Association).
- Lung disease causing forced expiratory volume to be less than 1 liter per second, or arterial oxygen tension to be below 60 mm/Hg on room air at rest.
A licensed medical professional must certify your condition. Montana recognizes certifications from licensed physicians, physician assistants (PA), chiropractors, or advanced practice registered nurses (APRN).+1
Types of Montana Disability Placards
| Placard Type | Validity Period | Best For | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary | Up to 6 months | Short-term conditions (recovery, surgery) | Free |
| Extended Temporary | Up to 24 months | Longer recovery periods | Free |
| Permanent | 3 years | Long-term or lifelong disabilities | Free |
| Disability License Plates | Tied to vehicle registration | Vehicle owners with permanent disabilities | Standard vehicle registration fees apply |
How to Apply for a Montana Handicap Placard Using Form MV5: Step-by-Step
Montana uses Form MV5 (Disability Permit/License Plate Application) for all placard and disability plate requests. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Obtain Form MV5
Download Form MV5 from the Montana MVD website (dojmt.gov), or pick up a physical copy at your local county treasurer’s office. Complete Section A (Applicant Information).
Step 2: Get Medical Certification
Have your licensed healthcare provider complete and sign the medical certification section (Section B) of the form. They must indicate the severity and expected duration of your disability.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can submit your completed MV5 form to the state MVD via any of the following methods:
- By Email (Fastest): Scan or take a clear photo of the form and email it to
[email protected]. - By Fax: Fax the form to (406) 444-3816.
- By Mail: Send it to Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430.
- In Person: If you are applying for disability license plates, you must take the form and your proof of vehicle ownership directly to your local County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office.
How to Renew Your Montana Handicap Placard (New Form MV5 and Medical Certification Required)
- Permanent Placards: Permanent placards expire every 3 years. To renew, you must submit a new MV5 application before the expiration date, which includes a fresh medical certification from your healthcare provider.+1
- Temporary & Extended Placards: If you still need accessible parking after your temporary permit expires, it cannot be simply extended. You must submit a brand-new application with a current medical certification.
- Disability License Plates: These renew automatically as part of your regular annual vehicle registration renewal, with no additional medical form required.
Montana Handicap Placard Replacement
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement process is incredibly simple. You do not need to fill out a new form or get a new doctor’s note!
Simply call the Montana MVD directly at (406) 444-3933. As long as the original permit is still within its valid, unexpired period, the MVD will reissue the replacement placard over the phone at no charge.
Rules for Using Your Montana Handicap Placard
- Display: Hang the placard from your rearview mirror only when the vehicle is parked in a designated accessible space.
- Driving: You must remove the placard from the mirror before driving to avoid illegally obstructing your vision.
- Authorized Use: The placard is for the exclusive use of the person it is issued to, whether they are the driver or a passenger. Lending your placard to someone else is illegal, even temporarily, and can result in fines and the revocation of the permit.
- Reciprocity: Montana recognizes disability placards from all other states. If you are visiting from out of state, your home placard is completely valid here. However, if you move to Montana permanently, you should obtain a Montana placard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if you—the authorized placard holder—are physically present in the vehicle as a driver or passenger. The placard cannot be used by a family member to run an errand on your behalf in your absence.
While there isn’t a web portal to type in your application, Montana allows you to submit your signed Form MV5 via email ([email protected]). This is effectively as fast as an online application, though you still need your doctor’s physical signature on the form first.
Yes. Both new applications and renewals for placards require a freshly signed medical certification. The only exception is if you are simply replacing a lost or damaged placard that has not yet expired.
Conclusion
Getting a Montana handicap placard starts with confirming your eligibility and visiting a licensed healthcare provider to complete the medical certification on Form MV5. From there, the application can be submitted by email, fax, or in person — and placards are issued at no cost. Whether you need a temporary permit while recovering or a permanent placard for a long-term condition, the process is designed to be accessible. If your placard ever gets lost, a quick phone call to the MVD is all it takes to get a replacement.
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