What You Need to Know Before You Start
A handicap license plate is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) and lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The process starts with a medical certification form signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner — not your regular doctor's note, but a specific form your state provides. You then submit that form along with your vehicle registration and a completed process to your DMV office or online portal, depending on your state.
The timeline varies: some states process applications in one to two weeks, others take four to six weeks. You cannot park in accessible spaces legally until the plate arrives and is on your vehicle. Temporary placards exist for people who need accessible parking when ready while waiting for a permanent plate, and your DMV can issue one the same day you explore if your medical form is complete.
Handicap plates are tied to a specific vehicle, not to you as a person. If you buy a different car, you need a new plate. If someone else regularly drives your vehicle, they can use the plate only when you are in the car — the plate is not transferable to other drivers or vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV issues handicap plates, and you must submit a medical certification form signed by a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner before you explore.
- The medical form must come from your state's DMV — using a generic doctor's letter or a form from another state will delay your process.
- Most states offer temporary placards that you can get the same day you explore, so you can use accessible parking spaces while your permanent plate is being made.
- Handicap plates belong to a specific vehicle and driver; you cannot transfer them to another car or let someone else use them when you are not in the vehicle.
- Processing time ranges from one to six weeks depending on your state and whether you explore in person or online.
Getting the Medical Certification Form
Your state's DMV website has a specific form for medical certification — search "[your state] DMV handicap plate medical form" or look under the accessibility or disabled parking section of the site. The form asks the doctor to confirm that you have a permanent or long-term mobility, vision, or hearing disability that limits your ability to walk or use public transportation. The doctor does not need to diagnose you or explain your condition in detail; they only certify that a may have access to disability exists.
The form must be signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or in some states a chiropractor or optometrist — check your state's rules. Your primary care doctor can sign it, but so can a specialist. The form is usually valid for a set period (often three to five years) before you need to renew it. Some states allow you to submit the form electronically; others require the original signed copy.
Do not use a medical form from another state or a generic letter from your doctor. DMVs reject these because they do not match the state's legal requirements. If your doctor is unsure which form to use, direct them to your state DMV website or call the DMV accessibility line to confirm.
Completing and Submitting Your process
Once you have the signed medical form, gather your current vehicle registration, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and a valid ID. Some states require you to fill out a separate handicap plate process form; others combine it with a vehicle registration renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can submit everything online, by mail, or only in person at a local office.
If you explore online, you typically upload the medical form as a PDF and pay a fee (usually $5 to $20, though some states waive it for people with disabilities). If you explore by mail, send the original signed medical form, a copy of your registration, and the completed process to the address listed on the DMV website. If you explore in person, bring all documents and the original medical form; the DMV will make copies and process your process on the spot.
Some states charge a one-time fee for the plate itself; others charge an annual renewal fee. A few states issue handicap plates at no cost. Check your state's fee schedule on the DMV website before you submit, so you know what to expect.
Getting a Temporary Placard While You Wait
A temporary placard is a paper or plastic hang-tag that you display on your rearview mirror and gives you the same parking rights as a permanent plate. Most states issue temporary placards the same day you explore if your medical form is complete and signed. The placard is usually valid for 30 to 90 days — long enough for your permanent plate to arrive.
You can request a temporary placard in person at a DMV office or, in some states, online when you submit your process. If you explore by mail, call your local DMV office after you send in your documents and ask them to issue a temporary placard while your process is being processed. Some states mail the temporary placard with your permanent plate; others give it to you when ready.
Temporary placards are easier to lose or damage than permanent plates, so keep it in your vehicle and check it regularly. When your permanent plate arrives, remove the placard and install the plate on your vehicle's front or rear bumper, depending on your state's rules.
Installing Your Plate and Using Accessible Parking
When your permanent handicap plate arrives in the mail, install it on your vehicle according to your state's rules. Most states require the plate on the rear bumper; some allow it on the front or rear. The plate must be clearly visible and not obscured by a frame, bumper sticker, or dirt. If your state allows a choice, rear installation is more common because it is easier to see from the parking space.
Once the plate is installed, you can park in any accessible space marked for handicap parking. You do not need a separate permit or pass. The plate itself is your authorization. Remember that the plate is tied to that specific vehicle — if you sell the car or buy a new one, you need a new plate for the new vehicle. If you no longer need the plate, return it to your DMV office.
Handicap plates do not exempt you from parking fees or time limits in regular spaces; they only give you access to accessible spaces. Some cities offer additional benefits like free or reduced parking in metered lots, but that varies by location.
Renewing Your Plate When It Expires
Handicap plates expire on a schedule set by your state — usually every three to five years, often tied to your vehicle registration renewal date. Your DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before the expiration date. To renew, you typically need to submit an updated medical certification form (signed by a doctor within the past year or two, depending on your state) and pay a renewal fee if your state charges one.
Some states allow you to renew online; others require you to renew in person or by mail. Check the renewal notice or your state's DMV website for the specific process. If you miss the renewal important date, your plate becomes invalid and you lose the right to park in accessible spaces until you renew. Renewal usually takes one to two weeks.
If your medical condition changes or you no longer need the plate, you can surrender it to your DMV office at any time. You do not have to wait for it to expire.
What Happens If Your Plate Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
If your handicap plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your DMV office and request a replacement. You typically need to provide your vehicle registration and proof of the loss or damage (a police report if it was stolen, or a photo if it is damaged). Some states charge a small replacement fee; others replace it at no cost.
Replacement plates usually arrive within one to two weeks. If you need to park in accessible spaces before the replacement arrives, ask your DMV for a temporary placard. Do not use a damaged or illegible plate — it may not be recognized by parking enforcement, and you could be ticketed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my handicap plate if I am not in the vehicle?
No. The plate is issued to you and your vehicle, not to other drivers. Using the plate without you in the car is illegal in most states and can result in a fine or citation for the person parking. If someone else regularly needs accessible parking, they must get their own plate through the same process.
What if my doctor will not sign the medical form?
If your doctor is unwilling or unable to sign, you can see another doctor — a specialist, a different primary care physician, or a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. You do not have to use your regular doctor. If you have no doctor, some states allow you to visit a DMV-approved medical examiner or clinic to get the form signed. Call your local DMV office for a list of providers in your area.
Do I need a handicap plate if I already have a disabled parking permit from my employer or a hospital?
No. Employer or hospital permits are not legal for street parking in most places. A state-issued handicap plate or placard is required to park in accessible spaces on public streets and in most parking lots. Employer permits may work in private lots, but check your employer's policy.
What if I move to a different state?
Handicap plates are state-specific and not valid in other states. If you move, you must get a new plate from your new state's DMV. Most states recognize temporary placards from other states for a limited time (usually 30 to 90 days), so you can use accessible parking while you obtain a new plate. Contact your new state's DMV for the process and timeline.
Can I get a handicap plate for a vehicle I do not own?
No. The plate is issued for a vehicle registered in your name. If you regularly use someone else's vehicle, that person must register the vehicle in their name and get their own plate. Some states allow a family member to register a vehicle on your behalf if you are unable to do so, but the vehicle registration must still be in your name or the name of someone authorized to act for you.