What You Need to Know About the DMV Handicap Placard Form
A DMV handicap placard is a permit you display on your vehicle's dashboard or hang from the rearview mirror to park in designated accessible spaces. The form you need is called the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard, and it varies slightly by state — there is no single federal form. Your state's DMV website has the correct version for your location.
The form itself is short, usually one or two pages. The real work is getting a doctor to complete the medical certification section, which confirms you have a may have access to condition. Without that signature, the DMV will not process your process. Most people can complete the entire form in under ten minutes once they have the doctor's sign-off.
You do not need to visit a DMV office to submit the form in most states. Many allow you to mail it in, and some accept online submission. Check your state DMV's website for the current submission method, because it changes by state and sometimes by county.
Key Takeaways
- The form is called the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard and is available on your state DMV website — the exact name and format vary by state.
- A licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must sign the medical certification section; the form alone is not enough.
- You can usually mail or submit the form online rather than visiting an office in person, though submission methods differ by state.
- Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your completed form, but varies by state.
Where to Find the Correct Form for Your State
Start at your state's DMV website and search for "disabled parking placard" or "handicap placard process." The form is free. Most state DMV sites have a dedicated section for disabled parking permits, with a downloadable PDF and sometimes a link to explore online.
If you cannot find it on the main DMV site, try searching the state's health department or motor vehicles agency — some states house the form in an unexpected location. You can also call your local DMV office and ask them to mail you the form, though this adds a week to the timeline.
Do not use a form from another state. Each state's form is designed for that state's medical requirements and DMV processing system. Using the wrong form will delay your process.
What the Form Asks You to Provide
The process section asks for your name, address, driver's license number, vehicle information (make, model, license plate), and contact details. Some states also ask whether you need a placard for temporary or permanent use — this affects how long the placard remains valid.
The medical certification section is the part your doctor fills out. It asks the doctor to confirm that you have a condition that substantially limits your ability to walk, and to specify whether the condition is temporary or permanent. The doctor does not need to name your specific diagnosis; they only need to confirm the functional limitation.
Some forms ask you to list any other vehicles you own or regularly use. This matters because most states limit you to one active placard at a time, though you may be able to request a second one for a spouse's vehicle or a caregiver's vehicle under certain conditions.
Getting Your Doctor's Signature
You need a signature from a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or in some states a chiropractor or optometrist. Call your doctor's office and ask if they can complete a parking placard certification. Many offices have done this before and know the process.
Bring the form to your appointment or ask the office to mail it to you. Your doctor may charge a small fee for completing the form — this is not covered by insurance and is typically $10 to $50. Ask about the fee when you call to schedule.
If you do not have a regular doctor, you can visit an urgent care clinic or walk-in clinic. Explain that you need a medical certification for a parking placard. They can review your medical history and sign the form on the same day in most cases.
How to Submit Your Completed Form
Once your doctor has signed the medical section, check your state DMV website for submission instructions. Most states offer at least two options: mail or online upload. A few still require in-person submission, but this is becoming less common.
If you are mailing the form, send it to the address listed on the form or the DMV website. Use certified mail or regular mail with tracking if you want confirmation it arrived. Keep a copy for your records. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives it.
If your state offers online submission, you will upload a photo of the completed form or fill out the process directly on the DMV portal. Online submission is usually faster — many states process online applications within one to two weeks.
What Happens After You Submit
The DMV will review your form for completeness and verify that the medical certification is signed by a licensed provider. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you by mail or phone. This is why providing a correct phone number and address on the form matters.
Once approved, the DMV will mail your placard to the address you listed on the form. The placard comes with instructions on how to display it — usually hanging from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard. Some states issue temporary placards (valid 6 months) and some issue permanent ones (valid several years); your form determines which you receive.
When your placard arrives, check that your name and vehicle information are correct. If there is an error, contact the DMV when ready to request a replacement. Do not use a placard with incorrect information.
Common Mistakes That Delay Processing
The most common error is submitting a form without a doctor's signature or with a signature from someone who is not licensed to certify (for example, a nurse without prescribing authority, or a family member). The DMV will reject this and send the form back.
Another frequent mistake is listing the wrong vehicle information. Double-check your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and make and model before submitting. If you need the placard for a different vehicle later, you will have to request a new one.
Some people submit a form from the wrong state or an outdated version. Always read the form directly from your state DMV website when ready before submitting, not from a third-party site or an old bookmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a placard if my condition is temporary?
Yes. The form asks whether your condition is temporary or permanent, and the DMV issues temporary placards valid for 6 months or permanent ones valid for several years. You will need to renew a temporary placard when it expires if your condition has not improved.
What if I do not have a regular doctor?
You can visit an urgent care clinic, walk-in clinic, or community health center. Explain that you need a medical certification for a parking placard. Most can complete the form the same day. Some charge a fee of $10 to $50 for this service.
How long does it take to get the placard after I submit the form?
Processing time varies by state, but typically ranges from two to four weeks for mailed applications and one to two weeks for online submissions. Some states are faster; a few take longer during high-volume periods. Check your state DMV website for current processing times.
Can I use someone else's placard if I am borrowing their car?
No. A placard is issued to a specific person and vehicle combination. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine. If you regularly use another vehicle, you will need to request an additional placard for that vehicle.
What do I do if my placard is lost or damaged?
Contact your state DMV and request a replacement. You will usually need to provide your name, driver's license number, and the reason for replacement. Replacement placards typically arrive within two to three weeks. Some states charge a small replacement fee.