How to Get a Handicap Placard in South Dakota

South Dakota offers disability parking permits to residents whose physical conditions limit their ability to walk. Unlike most states, South Dakota processes handicap placard applications through local county treasurer’s offices—not a central DMV—which makes the experience more localized and often much faster. This guide covers eligibility, the application forms, fees, renewal, and how the process differs from nearby states.

Who Qualifies for a South Dakota Handicap Placard

To qualify, an individual must have a physical disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk 200 feet without assistance. (Note: Blindness or impaired vision alone is not a valid criterion for disabled parking privileges in South Dakota).

A licensed physician must certify that the applicant meets one or more of the following 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 another assistive device.
• Restricted by severe lung disease (e.g., forced expiratory volume for one second is less than 1 liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest).
• Uses portable oxygen.
• Has a cardiac condition classified as Class III or IV under American Heart Association standards.
• Is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Types of South Dakota Disability Parking Permits: Free Placards and Disabled Person License Plates

Permit Type	Details	Fee
Permanent Placard	For long-term or permanent disabilities. Valid for 5 years. No medical certification required for renewal.	Free
Temporary Placard	For temporary conditions. Valid for up to 12 months (or as specified by physician). Not renewable.	Free
Disabled Person License Plates	For permanent disabilities only. Replaces standard vehicle plates.	Free* (Standard registration fees apply)

Note on Fees: While the credentials themselves are free, if you process your application by mail, a $1.50 postage and handling fee applies per placard. Disabled person license plates carry a $7.50 postage and handling fee if processed by mail. (You may request up to two permanent placards if you need them for multiple vehicles).

How to Apply for a South Dakota Handicap Placard

Step 1: Complete the Application

Download or pick up the Application for Physically Disabled Parking Permit and License Plates (Form 1305 / MV-044) from the South Dakota Department of Revenue website (dor.sd.gov) or any county treasurer’s office. The application may be completed and signed by the applicant, or by a related third party on behalf of the applicant. Ensure you include your South Dakota driver’s license number or Social Security Number.

(Note: You must be a resident of South Dakota. If you have an out-of-state ID, you must submit proof of residency, such as a utility bill).

Step 2: Get Physician Certification

A licensed physician must complete and sign the medical certification section on the back of the application, certifying that you meet one or more of the qualifying medical criteria. The doctor must clearly specify whether the disability is temporary or permanent.

Step 3: Submit to Your County Treasurer’s Office

Unlike most states, South Dakota disability placards are issued and processed strictly by county treasurer’s offices. Submit your completed application and any applicable postage fees in person or by mail to your local county treasurer.

How to Renew a South Dakota Handicap Placard (No Doctor Recertification Required)

• Permanent Placards: Valid for 5 years. To renew, simply complete the application form again and note your current permit number and expiration date in Section C. Medical certification is NOT required for permanent placard renewals. You can renew up to 90 days before your expiration date.
• Temporary Placards: Temporary placards are strictly non-renewable. If your condition continues beyond the initial validity period (up to 12 months), you must apply for a brand-new temporary placard, which requires a fresh application with an updated physician certification.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen South Dakota Placard

To replace a lost, damaged, or stolen placard, complete the standard application form.

• Medical certification is not required to replace a valid placard.
• If you hold two permits, you must indicate on the form which specific permit number was lost so the correct one is replaced.
• There is no charge for a replacement permit, though the $1.50 mailing fee will apply if you process it through the mail. Submit the replacement request to your county treasurer’s office.

South Dakota Handicap Sticker vs. Placard

South Dakota does not use a windshield sticker system for disability parking. Accessible parking privileges are granted exclusively through hanging placards (temporary or permanent) or specialty disabled person license plates.

• Display: Placards must be hung from the rearview mirror when parked in a designated accessible space and clearly visible through the windshield.
• Driving: The placard must be removed from the mirror when the vehicle is in motion for safety and visibility.
• Penalties: The permit is to be used only when transporting the physically disabled individual. Misuse of a disabled parking permit by a non-disabled individual is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a minimum $100 fine. Providing false information on the application is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

South Dakota’s county-based system means your first stop is your local county treasurer’s office — not a central DMV. Grab Form 1305, have your doctor complete the medical certification section, and submit it in person for the fastest turnaround. Most applicants receive their placard within a few weeks.