What a disabled parking permit is and who can get one

A disabled parking permit (also called a handicap placard or disabled license plate) lets you park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. The permit hangs from your rearview mirror or attaches to your license plate, and it works at any parking lot or street space marked with the wheelchair symbol — in all 50 states and most countries.

You do not need to be in a wheelchair to get one. The permit is for people whose disabilities make walking long distances painful, dangerous, or impossible. This includes arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, neurological conditions, and mobility problems from age or injury. Your doctor decides whether your condition qualifies, not the parking authority.

The permit is tied to you, not your car. If you own multiple vehicles or ride with family members, you can get a second placard so the permit stays in whichever car you are using that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor fills out a medical certification form that your state's motor vehicle department provides — this is the only document that matters for approval.
  • You submit the form, your driver's license or ID, and a small fee (usually $0 to $20) to your state's motor vehicle department in person, by mail, or online.
  • Permits are typically valid for four to eight years depending on your state, and you renew by submitting an updated medical form before expiration.
  • Temporary permits last 6 months and are for people recovering from surgery or injury; permanent permits are for lifelong conditions.
  • The permit works in all 50 states and most countries, so you can use it when traveling or visiting family.

Step-by-step: Getting your first permit

Start by contacting your state's motor vehicle department — usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or Department of Transportation. You can find the correct office on your state's official website. Ask them for the medical certification form for disabled parking permits. Some states call it a "Physician's Statement" or "Medical Certification for Disabled Parking." They will mail it to you, email it, or let you read it from their website.

Take the blank form to your doctor at your next appointment, or call ahead and ask if they can mail it to you. Your doctor does not need to write a long explanation — the form has checkboxes for the type of disability and how it affects your mobility. Your doctor signs it, dates it, and includes their license number. Some doctors charge a small fee ($10 to $50) to complete the form; others do it at no cost.

Once your doctor signs the form, gather your driver's license or state ID and any fee your state requires. Then submit everything to your motor vehicle department. You can do this by mail, in person at a local office, or online through your state's website. Mail is slowest (two to four weeks); in-person is fastest (same day or within a few days). Check your state's website to see which method is available.

Your motor vehicle department will review the form and mail your permit to your home address. This usually takes one to three weeks after they receive your paperwork. You will receive either a placard that hangs from your mirror or a special license plate with the wheelchair symbol. Some states offer both; you choose which one you prefer.

Temporary permits for recovery from surgery or injury

If you are recovering from surgery, a broken leg, or another condition that will improve within six months, you can get a temporary permit instead of a permanent one. Temporary permits last exactly six months and do not renew — you have to reapply if your condition has not resolved by the expiration date.

The process is identical to a permanent permit: your doctor fills out the same form but checks the "temporary" box instead of "permanent." Your state's motor vehicle department processes it the same way. The main difference is that temporary permits are sometimes approved faster because the medical review is simpler — your doctor just needs to confirm the condition is short-term.

If your condition improves before six months, you can surrender the permit early and stop using it. You do not have to wait for it to expire. If your condition has not improved by the expiration date, contact your doctor and your motor vehicle department to convert it to a permanent permit, or reapply for another temporary one.

Renewal and what happens when your permit expires

Permanent permits are valid for four to eight years depending on your state. Your permit will have an expiration date printed on it. About two months before that date, contact your motor vehicle department to start the renewal process. You will need a new medical certification form from your doctor — your state will not renew based on the old form, even if your condition has not changed.

The renewal process is the same as the initial process: your doctor completes the form, you submit it with your expiring permit and any renewal fee, and your motor vehicle department mails you a new permit. Renewal usually takes one to three weeks. If you renew before your permit expires, you can use the old one until the new one arrives.

If your permit expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally use disabled parking spaces. You will be subject to a parking ticket and fine if you park in a reserved space without a valid permit. If you realize your permit has expired, stop using disabled spaces when ready and contact your motor vehicle department to renew.

Using your permit in other states and countries

Your disabled parking permit works in all 50 states. You do not need a separate permit for each state. If you travel to another state or live part of the year in a different state, your home state's permit is valid everywhere in the United States.

Most countries also honor U.S. disabled parking permits, including Canada, Mexico, and most of Europe. However, some countries have different rules or require an International Disabled Parking Permit in addition to your U.S. permit. If you plan to travel internationally, contact your state's motor vehicle department or the country's embassy to confirm what documentation you need.

If you move to a different state permanently, you should get a permit from your new state rather than continuing to use your old one. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their process process. Your old permit remains valid while you are explore, so there is no gap in coverage.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is waiting until your permit expires to renew. Start the renewal process two months before expiration so you have time to get a new medical form from your doctor and submit it. If you wait until after expiration, you cannot use disabled spaces while your renewal is being processed.

Another mistake is assuming your doctor's office will automatically send the renewal form to the motor vehicle department. They will not. Your doctor completes the form, but you are responsible for submitting it. Keep track of your expiration date and contact your doctor at least six weeks before it expires.

Some people try to use someone else's permit or lend their permit to a family member. This is illegal in all states and can result in a fine for both the permit holder and the person using it. Each permit is issued to one person only. If multiple family members need permits, each person must have their own medical form and their own permit.

Finally, do not assume that having a permit means you can park anywhere. Disabled spaces have specific rules: you can only park there if you are the person named on the permit, you are driving the car the permit is registered to, and the space is not blocked by other cars or construction. Always check that the space is actually available and legal before you park.

Fees and what to expect to pay

The cost of a disabled parking permit varies by state. Most states charge between $0 and $20 for the initial permit. Some states charge nothing at all; others charge a small administrative fee. A few states charge more, but this is uncommon. Check your state's motor vehicle department website for the exact fee.

Renewal fees are usually the same as the initial fee or slightly lower. Some states waive renewal fees for seniors or people with certain disabilities. Your doctor may also charge a fee to complete the medical certification form — typically $10 to $50, though some doctors do it at no cost. Call your doctor's office ahead of time to ask.

If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can request a replacement. Most states charge a small replacement fee, usually $5 to $15. If your permit is stolen, report it to your motor vehicle department so they can flag it as invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. You need a state ID card, which you can get from your motor vehicle department. A state ID is not a driver's license — it is an identification card for people who do not drive. You submit the state ID instead of a driver's license with your permit process.

What if my doctor refuses to sign the medical form?

Your doctor can refuse if they believe your condition does not meet the criteria for a disabled parking permit. If you disagree, you can see a different doctor and ask them to complete the form. You can also contact your state's motor vehicle department to ask what conditions typically may have access to and whether your condition fits.

Can I use my permit if someone else is driving my car?

No. The permit is only valid when you are in the car. If someone else is driving and you are a passenger, they cannot use your permit to park in a disabled space. If they do, both of you can be ticketed. Each person who needs to park in disabled spaces must have their own permit.

What happens if I park in a disabled space without a permit?

You will receive a parking ticket and fine. The fine varies by state and city, but typically ranges from $100 to $500 or more. Repeat violations can result in higher fines. If you have a valid permit but forgot it in your car, you can sometimes contest the ticket by showing proof of your permit to the parking authority.

Do I need to renew my permit if I move to a different state?

Your current permit remains valid in your new state, so you can use it while you are there. However, if you move permanently, you should get a permit from your new state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to start the process process. Your old permit will eventually expire and cannot be renewed by your new state.