Where to request a replacement placard

You request a replacement handicap placard from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the equivalent agency that issued your original placard. Most states handle this through the same office where you got your first one — either in person, by mail, or online through the DMV website.

The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website. Many states now let you order a replacement placard online without visiting an office, and it arrives by mail within one to three weeks. If your state does not offer online replacement, you can call the DMV to ask whether you can mail in your request or must visit in person.

A few states run their handicap placard programs through the health department instead of the DMV, so if you cannot find the option on the DMV site, search "[your state] handicap placard replacement" to confirm which agency handles it.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV or health department — the same agency that issued your original placard — to request a replacement.
  • Many states let you order a replacement online or by mail without visiting an office, and the new placard arrives within two to four weeks.
  • You will need your original placard number, driver's license number, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).
  • Replacement fees vary by state, ranging from no charge to around $20, and some states waive the fee if your placard was stolen.
  • If your placard was stolen, file a police report first — some states require the report number when you request the replacement.

What documents and information you need

Have your original placard number ready when you contact the DMV. If you no longer have the placard itself, you can usually find the number on your driver's license or on any paperwork from when you first received it. The DMV can also look it up using your name and driver's license number.

You will also need to tell the DMV why you need a replacement — whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged. If the placard was stolen, most states ask you to file a police report first and provide the report number. This protects you from someone using your old placard and also qualifies you for a fee waiver in some states.

If your medical condition has changed or your original placard is expiring soon, mention that when you request the replacement. The DMV may issue a new placard with an updated expiration date at the same time.

Replacement fees and processing time

Replacement fees vary by state. Some states charge nothing for a replacement placard, while others charge between $5 and $20. A few states waive the fee if your placard was stolen and you provide a police report.

Processing time depends on how you submit your request. Online or mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office may be processed the same day or within a few days. During busy periods or if the DMV is short-staffed, processing can take longer.

If you need a placard urgently — for example, because you have an upcoming medical appointment — call the DMV directly and explain the situation. Some offices can issue a temporary placard while your permanent one is being processed, though this varies by state.

Ordering online versus by mail or in person

Online ordering is the fastest option if your state offers it. You log into the DMV portal, enter your information, pay any fee by credit card, and the placard is mailed to you. This takes about two weeks in most states and requires no office visit.

Mail-in requests work similarly but take longer because the DMV must receive your form, process it, and mail the placard back. You typically fill out a form (available on the DMV website), include a copy of your driver's license, and mail it with payment if there is a fee. Allow three to four weeks for this route.

In-person visits are useful if you need the placard quickly, if you do not have your original placard number, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your driver's license, proof of your medical condition (if required), and any police report if the placard was stolen. Some DMV offices can issue a placard on the spot; others mail it to you after you explore.

What to do if your placard was stolen

If your placard was stolen, file a police report as soon as possible. You do not need to wait for the police to complete an investigation — you just need a report number, which you get when you file. This report number protects you legally if someone uses your old placard and also speeds up your replacement request.

When you contact the DMV to request a replacement, provide the police report number. The DMV will flag your old placard as invalid so it cannot be used. Some states waive the replacement fee when you provide a theft report.

If you are concerned that someone may have already used your stolen placard, you can ask the DMV to cancel it when ready rather than waiting for your replacement to arrive. This prevents misuse, though you will be without a placard until the new one arrives.

Replacing a placard that is damaged or faded

If your placard is damaged, faded, or the numbers are no longer readable, the DMV will replace it. You do not need a police report for a damaged placard — just explain the damage when you request the replacement.

Bring the damaged placard with you if you are explore in person, or describe the damage in your online or mail-in request. The DMV will issue a new one with the same number and expiration date, so there is no gap in your authorization to park.

If the placard is only slightly faded but still readable, you may not need to replace it yet. However, if you are concerned about it being rejected by parking enforcement, it is better to request a replacement now rather than risk a ticket later.

Renewing versus replacing your placard

A replacement is for a placard that is lost, stolen, or damaged — the placard itself is gone or unusable. A renewal is for a placard that is expiring because the medical certification has run out. The process is different.

If your placard is expiring, you need a renewal, not a replacement. This requires a new medical certification from your doctor, and you submit it to the DMV along with a renewal form. If your placard is also damaged or lost at the same time it is expiring, you can request both a replacement and a renewal together.

Check your placard for the expiration date. If it is within three months of expiring, start the renewal process now, as it takes longer than a straightforward replacement because the DMV must verify your medical condition again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary placard while I wait for my replacement?

Some states issue temporary placards valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent replacement is being processed. Call your DMV to ask if this is available. You may need to visit an office in person to get the temporary one, or it may be mailed with your permanent placard.

What if I lost my placard number and do not have the paperwork?

The DMV can look up your placard number using your driver's license number and name. Call the DMV or visit in person with your driver's license, and they will find your information and process the replacement request.

Do I need a new medical certification to get a replacement?

No. A replacement placard uses your existing medical certification. You only need a new certification if your placard is expiring or if your medical condition has changed and you need to update your authorization level.

How much does a replacement placard cost?

Fees vary by state, from free to about $20. Some states charge a small fee for all replacements, while others waive the fee if your placard was stolen. Check your state DMV website or call to confirm the fee before you explore.

Can someone else pick up my replacement placard for me?

If you are having it mailed, it will go to the address on your driver's license. If you ordered it for in-person pickup, most DMV offices require you to pick it up yourself with your driver's license. Call ahead to confirm your state's policy.