How to Get a Handicap Placard in Pennsylvania

Getting a handicap placard in Pennsylvania allows individuals with mobility challenges to park closer to their destinations safely and legally. Officially known as a “Persons with Disability Parking Placard,” PennDOT issues these strictly to residents who meet specific medical criteria. Whether you need a temporary hanger while recovering from surgery or a permanent placard for a lifelong condition, the process is straightforward and, importantly, completely free of state fees.

This guide covers how to qualify, how to get your doctor’s certification, and the rules for legally using your placard on Pennsylvania roads.

Types of Handicap Placards in Pennsylvania

PennDOT issues three main types of hanging placards, color-coded and designated by the duration of the disability:

• Permanent Placards: Valid for five years. Issued for long-term or irreversible conditions.
• Temporary Placards: Valid for up to six months. Ideal for individuals recovering from an injury or undergoing short-term medical treatments.
• Severely Disabled Veteran Placards: Valid for five years. Designed specifically for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability.

Who Qualifies for a Handicap Placard in Pennsylvania?

You cannot simply request a placard because of general discomfort; your condition must be formally evaluated. PennDOT requires an authorized health care provider (such as a licensed physician, podiatrist, chiropractor, optometrist, physician’s assistant, or certified nurse practitioner) to certify your application.

Qualifying conditions include:

• Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Requiring the use of a wheelchair, cane, crutch, brace, or another person to walk.
• Severe lung disease or the use of portable oxygen.
• Class III or Class IV cardiac conditions (as defined by the American Heart Association).
• Being legally blind (which can also be certified by a police officer).
• Absence or limited use of an arm or leg.

Note for Caregivers: Parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, or spouses who have custody and control of a qualifying person (including a minor child) can legally apply for a placard on their behalf.

How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Handicap Placard

Applying for a handicap placard in Pennsylvania is simple and completely free. You do not need to pay any state fees. Here is the easiest way to get your application processed without delays:

1. Print the Official Form Go to the PennDOT website and download Form MV-145A (Person with Disability Parking Placard Application). This is the only form you need, whether your disability is temporary or permanent.

2. Fill Out Your Personal Details Complete Section A on the front of the document. You will need to provide your name, ensure you have officially updated your state residential details if you recently moved, and list your Pennsylvania driver’s license or ID number. (Note: Since 2022, PennDOT no longer requires you to get this form notarized; you simply sign an unsworn declaration at the bottom).

3. Have Your Doctor Certify Your Condition You cannot complete the medical section yourself. Bring the printed form to your authorized health care provider (like your physician, chiropractor, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner). They will evaluate your mobility and fill out Section C.

• If your condition is temporary: Your doctor will mark the application as temporary (valid for up to six months). Bonus Tip: Some approved hospitals and physical therapy clinics participate in PennDOT’s direct issuance program and can actually hand you a temporary red placard right in their office so you don’t have to wait for the mail.
• If your condition is permanent: Your doctor will mark the application as permanent (valid for five years).

4. Submit the Form to PennDOT Once the form has both your signature and your doctor’s signature, you are ready to submit it to the state.

• By Mail (Most Common): Mail the original form to the PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Harrisburg. The exact address (P.O. Box 68268) is printed directly on the bottom of the form. It usually takes a few weeks to receive your placard and ID card in the mail.
• In Person (For Immediate Service): Placards are processed centrally, so you cannot get one printed at a standard local photo center. To get a placard handed to you the same day, you must deliver the form directly to the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg. While most standard driver services allow you to simply book a local PA DMV appointment near your home, actual placard issuance is highly restricted to this specific Harrisburg location.

Once your application clears, PennDOT will issue the hanging placard along with a wallet-sized ID card. You must keep this ID card with you whenever you are using the placard, as law enforcement or parking authorities may ask to see it to verify the placard legally belongs to you.

How to Legally Use a PA Disability Parking Placard

Having a placard grants you specific privileges, but misuse can lead to heavy fines and the revocation of the placard.

• Proper Display: The placard must hang from the rearview mirror only when the vehicle is parked. You must remove it from the mirror before driving, as it creates a dangerous blind spot and violates state law regarding obstructed vision.
• The Disabled Person Must Be Present: You can only use the placard if the person it was issued to is driving the vehicle or is a passenger actively getting in or out of the vehicle at that location.
• Parking Extensions: In Pennsylvania, a valid placard allows you to park in a designated disabled space. It also permits you to park for 60 minutes past the legal time limit in standard parking zones (except where local ordinances prohibit parking during heavy traffic or rush hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Securing a handicap placard in Pennsylvania ensures you have the necessary access to navigate your community safely. By understanding the difference between temporary and permanent applications, and having your health care provider ready to certify your mobility needs, you can easily obtain this free credential. Always remember to display the placard correctly when parked and safely stow it away before hitting the road.