Wyoming keeps its disability parking permit process practical and accessible. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) issues placards to qualifying residents, and the state recently modernized its system to offer non-expiring permanent placards and an online application portal. If a mobility limitation is making it harder to reach destinations comfortably, this guide explains exactly what you need to qualify and how to apply.
Who Qualifies for a Wyoming Handicap Placard?
Wyoming defines an eligible person as someone with a physical disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk. At least one of the following criteria must apply:
- Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- 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 (per American Heart Association standards).
- Severe lung disease restricting forced expiratory volume below 1 liter per second or arterial oxygen tension below 60 mm/Hg.
- Severely limited walking ability due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
The disability certification section of the application form must be completed and signed by an authorized medical professional. In Wyoming, this can be a licensed physician or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Types of Wyoming Handicap Placards and Fees
| Permit Type | Validity | Quantity Allowed | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Placard | Up to 6 months | 1 placard | Free |
| Permanent Placard | Never Expires | Up to 2 placards | Free |
| Disabled Parking License Plate | Annual (with vehicle registration) | 1 set (+ 1 optional placard) | Standard registration fees |
Note: As of October 20, 2025, permanent placards issued in Wyoming no longer have an expiration date. Older placards follow their printed expiration date.
Crucial Note for Veterans: In Wyoming, Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates DO NOT automatically grant handicap parking privileges. If you have a DV plate, you must also apply for and display a separate disabled parking placard (with full medical certification) to legally park in a handicapped space.
How to Apply for a Wyoming Handicap Placard: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
Download the Application for Disabled Parking Identification Placard from the WYDOT website (dot.state.wy.us) or pick it up at your local driver exam office. Complete the applicant section with your personal information. (Note: Placards for minor children are issued in the child’s name, not the parent’s).
Step 2: Get Medical Certification
Take the form to your licensed physician or APRN and have them complete the Physician Disability Certification section. At least one qualifying condition must be checked. Do not use white-out or cross out mistakes on this form, as WYDOT will reject forms with erasures.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
There is no fee for a standard handicap placard. You can submit your application in three ways:
- Online (Fastest): Use the state’s oneWYO digital portal to upload your application, and the placard will be mailed directly to you.
- In Person: Drop off the completed form at your local WYDOT driver exam office. (You can have a friend or family member drop it off on your behalf).
- By Mail: Send the top portion of the application and the medical certification to the WYDOT Driver Services address listed on the form.
(If applying for disability license plates, take your WYDOT-approved application to your county treasurer’s office to pay standard registration fees).
How to Renew a Wyoming Handicap Placard (No New Physician Certification Required for Permanent Holders)
- Permanent Placards: If your placard was issued on or after October 20, 2025, it does not expire and never needs to be renewed! If you hold an older placard with an expiration date, WYDOT will mail you a renewal letter before it expires.
- Temporary Placards: These are valid for up to 6 months and can be renewed one time only for an additional 6 months. To renew, you must submit a brand-new application with a fresh medical certification. If you need accessible parking for more than 12 months, you must ask your doctor about applying for a permanent placard.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Wyoming Placard
If your permanent placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can easily get it replaced. You must complete the Disabled Parking Identification Placard Replacement Form. Contact WYDOT at (307) 777-4839 for specific requirements, or simply submit the replacement form at your local driver exam office.
Using Your Wyoming Handicap Placard Correctly
- Display: Suspend the placard from the rearview mirror inside the vehicle so it is clearly visible through the windshield. If the vehicle has no rearview mirror, display it on the dashboard on the side nearest the curb.
- Driving: You must remove the placard before driving to avoid illegally obstructing your vision.
- Authorized Use: The placard is strictly non-transferable. You must be physically present in the vehicle (as the driver or a passenger) for the placard to be valid. Lending it to another person for any reason is unlawful.
- Reciprocity: Wyoming recognizes disability placards and plates from all 50 states. Visitors do not need a temporary Wyoming permit.
- Surrender: Wyoming law requires that the placard be returned to WYDOT Driver Services when the holder is no longer disabled, or upon the holder’s passing.
- Penalties: First-offense misuse or fraudulent use of a Wyoming handicap placard can result in a $100 fine and a 60-day suspension of the permit. Subsequent violations carry a $250 fine and a 6-month suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can apply digitally using the state’s oneWYO portal, or mail your completed application (with the physician certification) to your local WYDOT driver exam office.
Under new WYDOT rules, permanent placards issued on or after October 20, 2025, do not have an expiration date and never expire.
Yes. Wyoming law strictly requires that the placard be surrendered to WYDOT when the holder recovers from their disability or upon the holder’s death.
No. Both temporary and permanent placards are issued completely free of charge in Wyoming. Disability license plates require standard vehicle registration fees, and Disabled Veteran plates are fee-exempt.
Conclusion
Getting a handicap placard in Wyoming is a simple process: complete Form FSDI-916, have your physician certify your disability, and submit the application to your local WYDOT driver exam office in person, by mail, or by fax. Placards are free, and permanent permits can remain valid for up to ten years depending on your medical situation. When renewal time comes, no new doctor’s certification is required — just return the renewal notice WYDOT sends you. Whether you need a placard for ongoing mobility limitations or a temporary permit during recovery, WYDOT’s process is designed to be efficient and accessible.
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