The medical certification, often called a “prescription” by patients, is the formal document confirming a patient’s qualifying mobility impairment. A licensed medical professional must complete this certification to verify that the physical condition meets the standards set by the state’s issuing authority. The issuing agency, typically the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), relies solely on this accurate information to process the application and grant parking privileges.
Determining Patient Eligibility
Certification for a disabled parking placard rests on documented functional limitations that substantially impair the ability to walk. A common standard is the inability to walk 200 feet without pausing to rest due to a medical condition. This limitation must stem from an orthopedic, neurological, or arthritic condition that severely restricts mobility.
Patients with severe respiratory or cardiac conditions may also qualify, as these can profoundly limit walking ability. Examples include lung disease where forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is less than one liter, or a cardiac condition classified as Class III or Class IV functional limitation. Qualification also includes the documented need for an assistive device, such as a cane, crutch, wheelchair, or prosthetic device, to walk.
Required Content for Medical Certification
The medical professional’s certification is the most critical component, usually completed on a specific state form or official letterhead. This document must contain the patient’s full legal name and date of birth. Crucially, the certification must state the specific diagnosis or functional impairment that qualifies the patient for the placard.
The medical professional must provide specific credentials to validate the certification. This includes their full name, license type (e.g., MD, DO, NP, or PA), and professional license number. Some states also require the National Provider Identifier (NPI) number and the taxonomy code. The professional must sign and date the document, often requiring the examination date to be within 60 days of the application submission.
Specifying Placard Type and Duration
The medical professional must clearly determine whether the patient’s condition warrants a temporary or permanent parking privilege. A temporary placard is issued when the qualifying condition is expected to improve or resolve within a defined period, typically six months to one year. For temporary placards, the medical professional must specify the exact expiration date, which determines the validity period.
A permanent placard is certified for individuals with long-term or irreversible mobility impairments resulting from congenital conditions, chronic illnesses, or permanent injuries. Although these placards require state renewal every few years, they often do not require repeated medical re-certification from the provider. Accurately indicating the permanent or temporary nature of the disability governs the administrative lifespan and renewal requirements.
Finalizing the Patient Application
After the medical professional completes, signs, and dates the certification, the document is returned to the patient for submission to the issuing government agency (usually the DMV). The patient must complete the applicant section of the form, providing personal identification details like a driver’s license or state ID number. The completed package, including the medical certification and any fees, must be submitted in person or by mail according to state process.
Patients with a permanent disability can choose between a hanging placard or a specialized license plate displaying the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Temporary privileges are almost always issued as a transferable hanging placard.