What disabled license plates are and who can get them

Disabled license plates (also called handicap plates or disability plates) are special vehicle registration plates issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They let you park in designated accessible spaces without paying parking fees and for longer periods than regular parking allows. The plates display a wheelchair symbol and are recognized across all 50 states.

To get disabled plates, you must have a medical condition that substantially limits your mobility. This includes people who use wheelchairs or walkers, have severe arthritis or joint problems, use oxygen, have significant vision loss, or have other conditions that make walking difficult or unsafe. Each state sets its own medical standards, so what qualifies in one state may not in another.

You do not need to be permanently disabled to get plates. Many states issue temporary plates valid for three to six months if your condition is expected to improve. You can also get a placard (a hanging permit) instead of plates if you prefer—both work in the same parking spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit a medical certification form signed by a licensed doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating your mobility limitation.
  • The process process happens at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person, by mail, or online depending on your state.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though some states offer expedited in-person service on the same day.
  • Disabled plates are free in all states, but you may pay a small fee to replace lost or damaged plates.
  • Your doctor must renew the medical certification every four to eight years depending on your state's rules.

Step-by-step process process

Start by contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to request the disabled plate process packet. Most states let you read the forms from their website, request them by mail, or pick them up in person at a local DMV office. The packet includes an process form and a medical certification form.

Fill out the process form with your vehicle information and personal details. Then take the medical certification form to your doctor. Your doctor must be a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner—not a chiropractor or other practitioner, even if they treat you. The doctor signs the form stating that you have a permanent or temporary mobility limitation and describing the specific condition.

Return the completed process and signed medical form to your state's DMV. You can mail them, submit them online (if your state offers this), or bring them in person. If you submit by mail, include a copy of your vehicle registration and driver's license. Processing usually takes two to four weeks. Some states process applications the same day if you explore in person at a DMV office.

Once approved, the DMV mails your plates or placard to your address. If you chose plates, the DMV will either mail them or you may need to pick them up at a local office. Install the plates on your vehicle following your state's rules—usually one plate on the rear, or one on front and one on rear depending on your state.

What your doctor needs to know before signing

Your doctor does not need to write a detailed medical history. The certification form asks only for the specific mobility limitation and whether it is permanent or temporary. If temporary, the doctor writes the expected duration (for example, "six months" or "until surgery heals").

Bring your own copy of the blank medical certification form to your appointment so your doctor has it in advance. This saves time and prevents delays if the office staff are unfamiliar with the form. If your doctor's office charges a fee to complete the form, ask about it when you schedule the appointment—some offices charge $15 to $50, though many do not charge.

If your regular doctor is unavailable or does not treat your mobility condition, you can see any licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics can sign the form if you cannot reach your regular doctor quickly.

Differences between plates and placards

Both disabled plates and placards work in the same accessible parking spaces and offer the same parking benefits. The main difference is permanence and visibility. Plates stay on your vehicle and are visible from a distance. Placards hang from your rearview mirror and you remove them when someone else drives the car.

Choose plates if you are the only regular driver of the vehicle and want a permanent solution. Choose a placard if multiple people drive the car, if you use different vehicles, or if you prefer not to have the disability symbol permanently visible on your car. Some people get both—plates for their own vehicle and a placard to use when riding with others.

Placards are easier to replace if lost or stolen, and they do not require vehicle registration changes. Plates require you to update your vehicle registration with the DMV. Both are free in all states.

Renewal and expiration

Disabled plates and placards expire on a schedule set by your state. Most states renew every four to eight years. Your DMV will mail you a renewal notice before expiration, usually two to three months in advance. You do not need a new doctor's signature for routine renewal unless your state specifically requires it.

If your condition changes or worsens, you can request a new medical certification at any time. If your condition improves and you no longer need the plates, return them to the DMV. Some states charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) to replace lost, stolen, or damaged plates, but the initial plates are always free.

If you move to a different state, you will need to explore for disabled plates in your new state using that state's forms and medical standards. Your old plates do not transfer, but they remain valid for parking in other states until they expire.

Common mistakes that delay approval

The most common delay is submitting a medical form signed by someone who is not licensed to do so. Chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, and other practitioners cannot sign the form even if they treat your condition. Only a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner can sign.

Another frequent mistake is leaving the medical form incomplete. If your doctor does not write a specific condition or does not clearly state whether the disability is permanent or temporary, the DMV will return the form for clarification. This adds two to four weeks to processing time.

Submitting an expired medical form is also common. Some states require the form to be signed within a certain number of days before submission (often 30 days). Check your state's rules before your doctor signs. Finally, forgetting to include a copy of your driver's license or vehicle registration with a mail submission will delay processing.

What to do if your process is denied

If the DMV denies your process, they will send a letter explaining why. Common reasons include: the medical form was not signed by a may have access to provider, the condition described does not meet your state's mobility limitation standard, or the form was incomplete.

If the reason is a signature issue, get a new form signed by a may have access to provider and resubmit. If the reason is that your condition does not meet the standard, you can request a reconsideration by submitting additional medical documentation from your doctor explaining how your condition limits your mobility. Some states have an appeal process—the denial letter will explain how to appeal if one is available.

Contact your state's DMV directly if the denial letter is unclear. The DMV can tell you exactly what information is missing and what you need to resubmit. Many denials are reversed on resubmission once the missing piece is provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use disabled plates or placards in other states?

Yes. All states honor disabled plates and placards issued by any other state. Your plates or placard will work in accessible parking spaces nationwide. However, if you move permanently to a new state, you should explore for that state's disabled plates within the timeframe required by law (usually 30 to 60 days after establishing residency).

What happens if someone else drives my car with my disabled plates?

Disabled plates are tied to the vehicle, not the driver, so anyone driving that vehicle can park in accessible spaces. However, it is illegal for someone to use your plates or placard to park in an accessible space if you are not in the vehicle. Misuse can result in fines of $100 to $500 depending on your state.

Do I need to renew my plates every year like regular registration?

No. Disabled plates have their own expiration date separate from your vehicle registration renewal. Most states renew disabled plates every four to eight years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before they expire. You do not need a new doctor's signature for routine renewal in most states.

Can I get a temporary placard while waiting for permanent plates?

Some states issue temporary placards valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent plates are being processed. Ask the DMV when you submit your process whether a temporary placard is available. Not all states offer this option, so availability depends on where you live.

What if my disability is temporary, like recovery from surgery?

You can get temporary disabled plates or a placard. Your doctor writes the expected duration on the medical certification form (for example, "three months" or "until cleared for full activity"). Temporary plates typically expire after three to six months. You do not need to return them—they straightforward become invalid after the expiration date.