The process of obtaining a disabled parking permit, often informally referred to as a “handicap placard prescription,” is officially a medical certification of a qualifying disability. This permit is a state-regulated document that grants access to designated accessible parking spaces. Because requirements are governed by state or provincial law, the specific forms, authorized signers, and qualifying criteria can vary across jurisdictions. The general requirements outlined here represent the widely accepted standards for a medical professional to certify an individual’s need for accessible parking privileges.
Medical Criteria Determining Eligibility
Qualification for a disabled parking placard is based on specific, measurable limitations in physical mobility rather than merely a diagnosis of a medical condition. A person must demonstrate a severe functional limitation that impairs their ability to walk over short distances. The most common baseline standard across states is the inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest due to a neuro-musculoskeletal or respiratory condition.
Qualification is also granted to individuals with severe lung disease where the forced expiratory volume in one second, measured by spirometry, is less than one liter. Similarly, a cardiovascular condition that restricts functional capacity to Class III or IV according to American Heart Association standards is recognized as a qualifying limitation. The persistent reliance on a portable oxygen source for mobility also meets the criteria for a permit. Other conditions include being legally blind or having a severe orthopedic, neurological, or arthritic condition that significantly limits walking ability.
The Role of the Medical Professional and Certification Requirements
The medical professional’s role is to verify that the patient meets the specific physical criteria established by the issuing state’s motor vehicle authority. This certification is completed on a standardized state form, which is submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The professional is certifying the functional impairment, not merely the underlying disease.
The types of licensed healthcare providers authorized to complete this medical certification vary significantly by jurisdiction. Most states allow licensed Physicians (MDs or DOs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to sign the document. Some states maintain stricter rules, limiting the authority to certify temporary disabilities only to Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathy. Other specialists, such as Podiatrists (for foot-related disabilities), Optometrists (for legal blindness), and Chiropractors, are often authorized to certify conditions within their scope of practice.
The certification section of the application form must be completed accurately and legibly to avoid rejection by the issuing agency. It requires the patient’s full name and address, the specific diagnosis or condition, and sometimes the corresponding medical code, such as the ICD-10 code. The certifying professional must provide their full name, office address, and their state medical license number.
The professional must specify the expected duration of the disability, designating it as either temporary or permanent. A temporary disability typically lasts six months or less and requires re-certification for renewal. Permanent disabilities often result in a placard valid for a longer period, such as four years, and may not require subsequent medical re-certification upon renewal. For the document to be valid, the medical professional must affix their physical signature and the date of the examination, which must often be dated within twelve months of the application submission.
Submitting the Completed Certification and Next Steps
Once the medical professional has completed and signed the certification section of the application form, the patient is responsible for the subsequent administrative steps. The completed form is generally submitted to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or a local issuing agent. Although the DMV often handles the application process, the permit itself may be issued by a local municipal authority.
The application must be accompanied by necessary patient identification and documentation, which typically includes photo identification and proof of residency. While there is often no fee for a permanent disabled parking placard, a small fee may be required for a temporary placard or a replacement. The certification is used to obtain either a hang-tag placard or specialized license plates displaying the International Symbol of Access, which are generally reserved for those with permanent disabilities.
For individuals with temporary permits, renewal necessitates a new medical certification if the mobility impairment persists beyond the initial validity period. The use of the issued placard is strictly regulated: the permit holder must be either the driver or a passenger in the vehicle whenever the placard is displayed. Misuse of the placard, such as parking in an accessible space when the permit holder is absent, can lead to fines and the revocation of parking privileges.