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If you need accessible parking, a handicap placard can make everyday trips much easier. This guide explains how to get one, what medical conditions may qualify, and what to do for renewal, replacement, and display rules.

Imagine this common problem

Imagine you’re getting ready to go somewhere important. You drive to a public building and notice the only spaces close to the entrance are reserved for accessible parking. Without the right placard or plate, you may not be allowed to park there—so the whole trip becomes harder than it should be.

The good news is that the process is usually clear and step-by-step.

Placard vs tag vs plate

Different states use different words, but the idea is the same.

Term What it is How it’s used Who usually qualifies
Handicap placard A hanging placard Hung from the rear-view mirror People with a qualifying disability, including temporary conditions
Handicap tag Sometimes a state’s word for a sticker or placard Depends on state rules Depends on what your DMV means by “tag”
Disabled person plate A plate mounted on the vehicle Replaces the regular license plate Often limited to permanent disability cases
Wheelchair accessible parking symbol spaces Marked parking For vehicles displaying approved placards/plates For qualified disabled people and transport rules

Key point: In many places, a “tag” can mean different things. If your local DMV uses “tag,” confirm whether it means a placard or something applied to the license plate.

How to qualify for disabled parking privileges

Common medical qualification ideas

Many programs focus on how far a person can walk, whether walking needs support, and certain heart/lung or mobility limits.

For example, Utah’s definition of a “disabled” person includes these six criteria:

Qualification type Example condition idea
Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest Walking endurance is very limited
Cannot walk without assistance/devices Brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic, wheelchair, etc.
Lung disease limits walking to a standard Severe respiratory limits
Uses portable oxygen Oxygen dependency
Cardiac condition to a standard Serious heart limitation
Severely limited walking ability due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition Severe movement restriction

The big “why”

These rules exist because disabled parking spots are meant to be reserved for times and places where parking closer to an entrance is medically necessary.

Steps to apply for a handicap parking placard

A common process in many states looks like this: medical certification first, then the application, then sending it to the right office.

Example process used in Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Revenue describes these steps:

  1. Have a physician, Christian Science practitioner, or licensed physical therapist complete the application for a disabled person license plate, placard, or decal
  2. Send the application and the appropriate fees to your local county clerk

That’s the core flow: certification + paperwork + fees + local submission.

How doctors or other licensed professionals complete the application

Your job is usually to bring the paperwork to the medical professional. The medical professional must fill in the disability certification section.

Tennessee example

A physician, Christian Science practitioner, or licensed physical therapist completes the application for disabled person license plate, placard, or decal.

Utah example

Utah uses a specific medical certification form:
- The form TC-842 (Disabled Person and Physician Disability Certification)
- It must be completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, or nurse practitioner

Where to send the completed application and fees

Tennessee

  • Send the application and fees to your local county clerk.

Utah

Utah explains postal mail instructions for the medical certification:
- Mail TC-842 to:
Motor Vehicle Division (DMV) Mail and Correspondence
PO Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130

(If you are in another state, the submission point is typically your state DMV or local county office.)

How long a placard lasts before it expires

Validity depends on whether it’s temporary or permanent.

Utah examples

Placard type Length of validity Can it be renewed
Permanent placard Does not expire Not needed in the normal way (only certification updates for temporary situations)
Temporary placard Up to six months Cannot be renewed if it expires after the time period

If a temporary disability continues past six months, you generally need a new physician certification to apply for another temporary placard.

Tennessee example

Tennessee states:
- Disabled placards expire after two years
- About a month before expiration, you should receive a renewal notice so you can renew through your local county clerk

When and where you can renew

Tennessee renewal idea

  • You receive a renewal notice about a month before the placard expires
  • Renewal happens through your local county clerk

Utah renewal idea

Utah’s rules also depend on when the placard was issued:

Placard issuance timing What happens Renewal options
Issued before July 1, 2024 Permanent placards required renewal steps via notices If you didn’t get the notice, you can renew online, at a local DMV, or by phone/email
Issued after July 1, 2024 Placards do not expire Renewal is not needed the same way

Utah also notes multiple renewal ways if needed:
- Online
- Local DMV office
- Phone
- Email

Fees and paper vs durable placards

Fees can vary by state and by whether you choose paper or durable materials.

Utah fee example

Utah says:
- No fee for the initial or replacement of paper disabled person placards
- A $2.50 fee per durable material placard (limit 2)

How to display a placard correctly

Correct display helps you avoid trouble and tickets.

Utah display rules

  • Hang the placard from the rear-view mirror so it’s visible from the front of the vehicle
  • Do not display the placard while driving

If you leave it off or display it incorrectly, you may be treated like you don’t have valid permission.

Where you can park and where you cannot

Utah parking zone basics

A vehicle displaying the approved placard/plate may park:
- For reasonable periods without charge in metered parking zones and restricted areas

But they are not valid in:
- Zones marked for emergency use

Also:
- Only the vehicle displaying the disabled placard/plate, and transporting a qualified disabled person, may park in spaces reserved specifically for disabled parking.

Replacing a lost or stolen placard

Losing your placard is stressful because it’s often tied to access rights.

Utah replacement rules

  • Replace by:
  • Visiting a local DMV office, or
  • Emailing to request a replacement
  • Fees:
  • No fee to replace a paper temporary or paper permanent placard
  • $2.50 fee to replace a durable permanent placard (per placard), with a limit rule

Utah request-by-mail idea

If you’re replacing by mail:
- You can make a request in person or by mail to the DMV address provided for correspondence
- For durable permanent replacements, include a check made out to the Utah State Tax Commission

How other states’ or countries’ placards are honored

Utah explains that:
- Disabled parking privileges granted to Utah residents are also extended to residents of other states, Canada, or Mexico while visiting Utah

That means out-of-state placards may be recognized during travel—but local laws can still affect how you park, so always follow the rules on the sign and markings.

What counts as abuse of disabled parking privileges

Abuse can include using a placard when it’s not valid for the situation or misusing reserved spaces.

Utah example

If you suspect abuse or a violation, contact your local law enforcement agency.

When institutions or companies can get disabled plates

Some workplaces or organizations regularly transport disabled people.

Utah example

Companies/organizations that routinely transport disabled persons may be issued:
- Disabled plates for each vehicle used for transporting disabled persons, if the vehicle is registered in the company’s name

They may also get additional permanent placards based on need.
A key limit exists:
- Organizations that do not routinely transport disabled people may not receive plates under company-registered vehicle rules.

Institutions may complete certification using the appropriate form section (including a care facility certification section).

Special note about permanent placards renewals in Utah

Utah includes a clear change based on timing:
- For placards issued before July 1, 2024, renewal may be needed through signed renewal notices and mailing steps
- For placards issued after July 1, 2024, they do not expire

This matters because people often expect to renew the same way for all placards, but Utah treats these periods differently.

Check the status of a disabled plate order

If you ordered or are waiting on a plate:
- Utah provides a way to check fulfillment using its License Plate Status tool

Quick checklist for getting a handicap placard

Task What to prepare
Medical certification A qualifying medical condition + provider completes the required certification section
Application form The correct application for your state program (placard vs plate)
Fees (if required) Paper vs durable options can change costs
Submission location County clerk or DMV (depends on state)
Display rules Hang from rear-view mirror and don’t display while driving
Parking rules Know what zones are allowed and which are restricted (emergency zones, etc.)
Renewal/replacement Track expiration and renewal notices; replace if lost

Summary diagram

flowchart TD
A[Need handicap sign for car] --> B[Check eligibility]
B --> C[Get medical certification]
C --> D[Fill out application form]
D --> E[Send application and fees to correct office]
E --> F[Receive placard/plate]
F --> G[Display correctly]
G --> H[Park only in allowed disabled zones]
H --> I[Renew or replace when needed]

Bottom line

To get a handicap parking placard, the core steps are always the same: qualify medically, have the right provider complete the certification, complete the application, and send it to the correct office with any required fees. Then focus on correct display and parking rules, and track renewal or replacement timing based on whether the placard is temporary or permanent.