Learn About DMV Handicap Parking Permits

What is a DMV Handicap Parking Permit?

A handicap parking permit, also called a disability parking permit, is an official document issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that allows vehicles to park in designated accessible parking spaces. These spaces are reserved for people with disabilities and are marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility—a blue square with a white wheelchair symbol. The permit communicates to parking enforcement and other people that the vehicle owner or driver has a disability that affects their mobility.

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Handicap parking permits come in two main forms: placards and license plates. A placard is a hanging tag that displays on your vehicle's rearview mirror or dashboard when parked in an accessible space. License plates are specially designed plates that replace your vehicle's standard plates and permanently mark your vehicle as disability-registered. Some states offer both options, while others focus on one type. The placard format is more common because it allows multiple family members or caregivers to use a single permit in different vehicles, whereas special license plates are tied to one vehicle.

The primary purpose of these permits is to reduce barriers for people with disabilities when accessing essential services and locations. Accessible parking spaces are typically located close to building entrances, have extra width to allow room for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices, and reduce the distance someone with a disability must travel. For people with conditions affecting mobility, pain, breathing, or stamina, shorter distances to destinations can be the difference between being able to go somewhere or not.

It's important to understand that a handicap parking permit is not a license to park anywhere. Permit holders must still follow all parking regulations and pay for parking in locations where fees apply. The permit only allows you to use accessible spaces and, in some cases, provides exemptions from certain parking time limits in designated areas. Using someone else's permit or parking in accessible spaces without a valid permit is illegal and can result in significant fines, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties.

Takeaway: DMV handicap parking permits are official documents that allow people with disabilities to park in reserved accessible spaces, making it easier to reach places they need to go. Permits are available as hanging placards or special license plates, depending on your state and situation.

Understanding Permit Types and How They Work

Most states offer two primary permit formats, each with different advantages depending on your circumstances. Placard permits hang from your vehicle's rearview mirror and are typically valid for a set period, usually three to five years. The main benefit of a placard is flexibility—multiple drivers can use the same placard in different vehicles, as long as the permit holder (or someone authorized to use it on their behalf) is in the vehicle. This is useful for people whose caregivers or family members drive them, or who may use different vehicles at different times. Placards are usually laminated and clearly display the permit number, expiration date, and any special designations.

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Special license plates, sometimes called "permanent plates," are vehicle registration plates that replace your standard plates and permanently mark the vehicle as disability-registered. In most states, these plates are valid for the life of the vehicle registration, though some states require renewal. The advantage of special plates is that they're always with the vehicle and don't require you to hang or display anything additional. However, the disadvantage is that only the vehicle registered with the permit can use accessible parking spaces. If you use multiple vehicles or want other family members to drive you in their cars, special plates won't work for that purpose.

Some states also offer temporary permits, which are valid for shorter periods (often 6 to 12 months) for people with temporary disabilities or conditions that may improve. These are issued for conditions like recovery from surgery, temporary mobility loss, or conditions expected to resolve. Temporary permits use the same parking rules as permanent permits but have a shorter validity period. A few states offer a third option called "removable placards," which function like standard placards but with different designs.

All permit types display identifying information that allows parking enforcement officers to verify the permit's validity and current status. Modern permits include security features like barcodes, holograms, or other anti-counterfeiting measures to prevent fraud. When parked in an accessible space, the permit must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle. Some enforcement officers use handheld devices to scan permit information and verify status in real time, particularly in urban areas and at high-traffic locations.

Takeaway: Placard permits offer flexibility for multiple vehicles and drivers, while special license plates are permanent but tied to one vehicle. Understanding the differences helps you choose the format that best fits how you use your vehicle.

Who May Be Considered for a Permit

DMV handicap parking permits are available for people with various disabilities that affect mobility or make walking difficult or impossible. Common conditions that may be considered include mobility impairments from spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, amputation, or severe arthritis. People with respiratory or cardiac conditions that limit activity or stamina may be considered. Neurological conditions affecting balance, coordination, or consciousness—such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or severe vertigo—may also qualify. Vision loss, including blindness, may be grounds for a permit in many states.

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Beyond specific diagnoses, the determining factor in most states is functional limitation. A person may have a permit if they have a permanent or temporary condition that substantially limits their ability to walk or requires the use of mobility aids. "Substantially limits" typically means the condition makes walking difficult, impossible, or dangerous; requires the person to use a cane, crutch, walker, wheelchair, or other assistive device; creates significant pain or fatigue with walking; or causes conditions like shortness of breath or heart pain with minimal exertion.

Age-related mobility loss is also commonly recognized. Elderly people with conditions like severe osteoarthritis, heart disease, or other age-related conditions affecting mobility may be considered. People undergoing medical treatment that temporarily affects mobility, such as recovery from surgery or chemotherapy, may receive temporary permits. Additionally, people with severe mental health or developmental disabilities that affect their ability to navigate crowded parking areas safely may sometimes be considered, depending on state regulations.

A healthcare provider's assessment is typically required to receive a permit. This provider—usually a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other licensed medical professional—must review the person's medical condition and confirm that a functional limitation exists that warrants the permit. The healthcare provider completes official paperwork provided by the DMV, documenting the disability and functional limitation. Different states have slightly different requirements about which types of providers can assess and approve permits, though most accept doctors across various specialties, physicians' assistants, nurse practitioners, and sometimes chiropractors or dentists.

Takeaway: Permits are available for people with various disabilities affecting mobility, not just wheelchair users. The key factor is whether a condition substantially limits a person's ability to walk or requires mobility aids, and a healthcare provider must confirm this functional limitation.

How to Obtain a Permit Through Your State DMV

The process for obtaining a handicap parking permit varies somewhat by state, but most states follow a similar general structure. First, you'll need to contact your state's DMV office or visit their website to locate the official permit request form. This form is usually available online for download or can be obtained in person at an DMV office. The form asks for basic personal and vehicle information, including your name, address, driver's license number or ID number, vehicle make and model, and license plate number. You'll also need to indicate whether you want a placard or special license plates.

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The second step involves obtaining medical documentation. You must have a licensed healthcare provider—typically a physician, but sometimes a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other approved medical professional depending on your state—complete a section of the DMV form or provide a separate medical certification. This section confirms that you have a disability or medical condition that substantially limits your ability to walk or requires the use of a mobility aid. The healthcare provider may need to examine you or review your medical records, though some states allow providers to complete the form based on their existing knowledge of your condition if they've recently treated you. This medical section is a legal certification, so providers take it seriously and will only complete it if they genuinely believe the condition warrants a permit.

Once the form is complete and signed by both you and your healthcare provider, you'll submit it to your state's DMV along with any required supporting documents and fees. Most states charge a small fee for the permit—typically between $5 and $25—though some states don't charge for permits or charge reduced fees for certain populations. You'll submit the application