Photo: Jan van der Wolf, Pexels
A disabled parking placard is issued to a person, not a car, and every US state has one. You apply to your state’s motor vehicle agency or, in some states, a local office, with a form certified by a medical provider. Most states offer a permanent (long-term) placard and a temporary one for shorter conditions, and most also offer disability license plates for a car you own. A teen or new driver can use their own placard in any car they drive, but never someone else’s.
Placard or plates: which do you need?
| Placard | Disability plates | |
|---|---|---|
| Belongs to | The person with the disability | A specific vehicle |
| Moves between cars | Yes | No |
| Good for | Learners, passengers, anyone using different cars | A car you own and drive most of the time |
| Example | California DP placard | California DP plates stay on the vehicle they were issued for |
Who certifies your application?
Every state requires a medical certification, but who may sign it differs. Two official examples:
- California: a physician, surgeon, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife; a chiropractor for lower-limb conditions; an optometrist or eye specialist for vision.
- Florida: physicians (including chiropractic physicians), podiatric physicians, optometrists, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.
Vision disabilities count in both states, and an optometrist can certify them.
Temporary or permanent?
- Temporary placards cover conditions expected to improve, such as recovery from surgery. California: up to 180 days. Florida: up to 6 months.
- Permanent or long-term placards cover lasting conditions. California: 2 years, renewing free. Florida: up to 4 years, ending on your birthday.
State-by-state comparison
The table shows a selection of states. For other states, search your DMV site for “disability placard” or “disabled parking”.
| State | Who issues it | Form | Fees | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | DMV | REG 195 | Permanent: free. Temporary: a fee applies | Permanent: 2 years (to June 30 of odd-numbered years). Temporary: up to 180 days |
| Florida | County tax collector for FLHSMV | FLHSMV disabled parking permit application (check the current form number) | Temporary: $15. Long-term: check the fee with your tax collector | Long-term: up to 4 years. Temporary: up to 6 months. Lifetime option for amputation |
| New York | Your city, town or village clerk (or another local agent), not the DMV; NYC issues its own permit | MV-664.1 | No charge | Ask your local issuing agent |
| Texas | See the Texas placard guide | |||
State guides: California, Florida, New York, Texas.
Teen drivers: rules that trip people up
- Your own placard: you can use it in any car you drive or ride in, including on a learner permit.
- A parent’s placard: it is for their use. California lists using someone else’s placard as misuse, and Florida makes unlawfully displaying another person’s permit an offense. Never use it to park when you are on your own.
- The placard doesn’t change learner rules. Passenger limits, curfews and supervision rules still apply.
Misuse penalties: two examples
- California: lending or borrowing, forged signatures, counterfeits, false information and altering a placard can all lead to citations, fines and loss of the placard.
- Florida: false statements on an application are a first-degree misdemeanor, with a warning of up to 1 year in jail or a $1,000 fine. Unlawful display is a second-degree misdemeanor, and a repeat fraud conviction bars a new permit for 4 years.
More on disability and driving: learning to drive with a disability and the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.
Sources
- California DMV, “Disabled Person Parking Placards and Plates” (dmv.ca.gov)
- The Florida Legislature, “Florida Statutes section 320.0848” (leg.state.fl.us)
- New York DMV, “Parking for People with Disabilities” and form MV-664.1 (dmv.ny.gov)