Utah’s disability parking permit program gives residents with qualifying mobility limitations access to designated parking spaces near building entrances across the state. The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues both placards and specialty license plates, and eligibility is based on functional limitations rather than just a specific diagnosis.
If you are wondering whether you qualify, what paperwork to file, or how the state’s brand-new “non-expiring” placard rules work, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Qualifies for a Utah Handicap Placard?
Utah state law defines a disabled person as someone who meets at least one of the following criteria, as certified by an authorized medical professional:
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Cannot walk safely without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
- Has a severe lung condition (e.g., forced expiratory volume is less than 1 liter per second, or arterial oxygen tension is below 60 mm/Hg on room air at rest).
- Has a cardiac condition classified as Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association.
- Is severely limited in walking ability due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
The focus is on what you can safely do in terms of walking distance and device use—not just the name of your diagnosis. Utah allows your condition to be certified by a licensed physician (MD or DO), physician assistant (PA), physical therapist (PT), or nurse practitioner (NP).
Types of Utah Disability Parking Permits
| Permit Type | Details & Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Placard | For short-term conditions. Valid for up to 6 months. | Free |
| Permanent Placard | For long-term conditions. Non-expiring (if issued after July 1, 2024). | Free* |
| Wheelchair User Placard | A specialized placard for individuals with a permanent walking disability who utilize a wheelchair. | Free* |
| Disability License Plate | Replaces standard vehicle plates. Tied to your annual vehicle registration. | $21.50 (plus $7.75 shipping if mailed) |
Note on Durable Placards: Standard permanent placards are free. However, Utah offers the option to upgrade to a hard, durable plastic permanent placard for a $2.50 administrative fee.
(You are limited to holding either two windshield placards, OR one windshield placard and one set of disabled plates for a vehicle registered in your name).
How to Apply for a Utah Handicap Placard Using Form TC-842: Step-by-Step
Utah uses a single form—Form TC-842 (Disabled Person and Physician Disability Certification)—for all placard and disability plate applications.
Step 1: Obtain Form TC-842
Download Form TC-842 from the Utah DMV website (dmv.utah.gov) or pick up a physical copy at any local DMV office.
Step 2: Complete the Applicant Section
Fill out the top half of the form with your personal information, your driver’s license/ID number, and select the exact type of permit you are requesting (Temporary, Permanent, or License Plate).
Step 3: Get Medical Certification
Have your licensed healthcare provider complete and sign the physician certification section on the bottom half of the form. They must check the appropriate boxes indicating your condition and whether it is temporary or permanent.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed Form TC-842 in one of two ways:
- In Person: Drop it off at your local Utah DMV office. (Appointments are highly recommended and are available at major offices like Ogden, Farmington, Taylorsville, South Valley, Provo, and Hurricane).
- By Mail: Send the completed form (along with any applicable license plate fees) to: Division of Motor Vehicles, Mail and Correspondence, PO Box 30412, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.
Renewing a Utah Handicap Placard
- Permanent Placards (New Rules): Permanent placards issued after July 1, 2024, do NOT expire and never need to be renewed. If you hold a placard issued before that date, the DMV will mail you a final renewal notice. Once you sign and return that notice, the DMV will mail you a new, non-expiring placard.
- Temporary Placards: These are valid for up to 6 months and cannot be simply renewed. If your condition continues beyond six months, you must reapply from the beginning using a brand-new Form TC-842 with an updated medical certification.
- License Plates: To renew a handicap parking license plate, simply renew your standard vehicle registration as usual.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Utah Handicap Placard ($2.50 Fee — Bring Your Placard Number)
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can easily get a replacement. You do not need a new physician certification for a replacement, provided your original credential is still valid.
- You can request a replacement by visiting any DMV office, or by emailing a request to
[email protected]. - If replacing a standard paper tag, it is free. If you are replacing a durable plastic placard, a $2.50 replacement fee applies.
Using Your Utah Handicap Placard
- Display: Hang the placard from the rearview mirror so the front is visible through the windshield when parked.
- Driving: You must remove the placard from the mirror while driving to ensure it does not illegally obstruct your line of sight.
- Authorized Use: The placard is for the qualified individual only, whether they are the driver or a passenger. Family members or friends may never use it to park in a disabled space in your absence.
- Reciprocity: Utah honors valid disability placards from all other U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico for visitors.
- Penalties: Abuse of disability parking privileges (such as using someone else’s placard) is a serious offense that can result in hefty fines and the immediate revocation of the permit under Utah law (41-1a-1306).
Frequently Asked Questions
Placards issued after July 1, 2024, do not expire. Placards issued before that date follow the previous two-year renewal cycle. Once you renew an older placard, your replacement will be non-expiring. Check your placard for an expiration date to confirm which applies to you.
Yes. The placard is issued to you personally and is not tied to a specific vehicle. You can use it in any vehicle in which you are riding as the driver or passenger.
No. Standard permanent and temporary hanging placards are free.Upgrading to a durable plastic placard costs $2.50. Disability license plates cost $21.50 (plus an additional $7.75 shipping fee if applying by mail) in addition to your standard vehicle registration taxes.
Yes. In Utah, Form TC-842 can be certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, or nurse practitioner.
Conclusion
Applying for a Utah handicap placard starts with Form TC-842, a signature from your healthcare provider, and a visit or mail submission to any Utah DMV office. Placards are free, and since July 2024, those issued to qualifying individuals no longer expire. Whether you need a permanent permit, a temporary placard for a recovery period, or a disability license plate, the process is consistent and accessible. For a lost placard, a simple request — with your original placard number — is all that’s needed to get a replacement.
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