Get Your Handicap Parking
Permit Online Today

Disability Parking in the US:
Everything You Need to Know

• Federal Disability Parking Laws

  • The federal Uniform System for Parking for Persons with Disabilities (23 CFR Part 1235) sets the national baseline for disability parking. This includes standardized placard designs, the International Symbol of Accessibility, and mandatory interstate reciprocity.
  • Each state has its own DMV (or equivalent agency), its own application forms, and sets its own eligibility criteria and parking privileges.
  • Common qualifying conditions include: inability to walk 200 feet without resting, requiring a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, or other assistive device to walk, lung disease with reduced respiratory capacity, use of portable oxygen, Class III or IV cardiac conditions per American Heart Association standards, and severe walking limitations from arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions.
  • States may recognize additional qualifying conditions beyond the federal baseline.
  • A licensed health practitioner must certify the applicant's condition on the application form.
  • Permanent placards are typically valid for 2 to 5 years. Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months (23 CFR §1235.5).
  • Placards are non-transferable and may only be used when the permit holder is in the vehicle.
  • Misuse of a disability parking placard, including lending it to an unauthorized person, displaying a fraudulent or expired placard, or using a deceased person's permit, is a criminal offense in every state and can result in fines, revocation, or jail time.
  • The ADA requires all parking facilities to include accessible spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility, located on the shortest accessible route to the entrance.

• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for, replace, or renew a disability parking placard, the required documents vary by state. Here's a general breakdown of what most states require:

  New Permanent or Temporary Placard

  To apply for a new disability parking placard, you'll typically need:

  • Your state's medical certification form, completed and signed by a licensed health practitioner
  • A valid state-issued driver's license or identification card
  • Some states also accept a valid U.S. passport or passport card as an alternative form of ID

  Veteran Exemption

  Disabled veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities may be eligible for Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates, often with registration fee exemptions. In most states, veterans can apply by submitting:

  • A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) certification letter confirming their service-connected disability. This may replace or supplement the standard physician certification.

  Online Doctor's Certification

  If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A state-specific, physician-signed medical certification form delivered to your email within 24 to 48 hours, ready for DMV submission

  Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement

  If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll typically need to provide:

  • A completed replacement application form (varies by state)
  • A copy of your current placard registration, if available
  • Permanent and travel placards are generally replaced at no charge. Temporary placard replacements may require a small fee.

• Permanent vs. Temporary Placards

  Permanent Placards

  • Issued for long-term or permanent disabilities.
  • Typically valid for 2 to 5 years depending on state law, with periodic renewal.
  • Most states do not require a new medical certification for permanent placard renewals.

  Temporary Placards

  • Issued for short-term disabilities or recovery from surgery.
  • Valid for up to 6 months or as specified by your physician, whichever is sooner. Federal guidelines (23 CFR §1235.5) set a maximum of 6 months from the date of issuance.
  • Require a new medical certification for each application.
  • There is no automatic renewal. You must reapply if a continued need exists.

  Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Permits

  • Contact your state DMV and complete a replacement application form.
  • Many states replace permanent placards at no charge. Temporary placard replacements may require a small fee.

  Processing Times

  • Online and mail applications are typically processed in 2 to 4 weeks.
  • In-person applications at the DMV are usually processed immediately with complete documentation.
  • ParkingMD delivers your signed physician form within 24 to 48 hours so you can submit to the DMV right away.