Disabled Parking

  Information and Applications

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DMV issues handicapped license plates for cars and motorcycles, placards, motorcycle stickers and expedited service permits. Only those with a permanent disability qualify for license plates or permits. A disabled person with a reversible condition may obtain only placards or motorcycle stickers.

There are no fees other than the normal registration fees for vehicles. Plates are assigned to a specific vehicle.  Placards can be used on any vehicle but must be used only by the disabled individual. Motorcycle stickers are affixed to the license plate. 

Disabled plates are listed with the prefix "PH" in official DMV records and documents. 
The license plate number for the plate pictured is "PH00000".

  Criteria for Disabled Persons

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A licensed physician must certify an individual's disability by completing the bottom half of the application. The patient must have one or more of the following conditions to qualify:

The physician must also certify whether a patient's condition is subject to change and, if so, the length of time the disability is expected to last. DMV will issue up to two placards or motorcycle stickers for temporary or moderate conditions. Those with a permanent condition may receive license plates for all vehicles registered in their name and one placard or any combination of two plates/placards/stickers.

If you wish to obtain placards only, we encourage you to order by mail or fax. Mail the completed application to the address listed or fax it to (775) 684-4797. You may also visit a DMV Full Service Office.

To obtain license plates, motorcycle stickers or a combination of these and placards, you must visit a DMV Full Service Office or a County Assessor office which offers vehicle registration services.

If you are obtaining license plates and your vehicle is currently registered in Nevada, download and complete the appropriate application and obtain a physician's signature. Bring this and the old plates to the DMV or Assessor. If you wish to keep the old plates, you must bring the rear plate and surrender the decal in person.

If you choose to keep the same expiration date, we will issue your new plates with a new registration slip and decal. No emissions inspection or registration renewal is required.

You have the option of renewing your vehicle registration for a full year. In addition to the application, you will need to complete an emissions inspection if required and if the last test was completed more than 90 days ago. Your expiration date will change if the current expiration date is more than 35 days away. Credit will be given for the unused portion of your current Nevada registration.  

If you have just purchased a vehicle or are registering it in Nevada for the first time, see the full list of Registration Requirements or New Resident Guide and use our online Registration Fee Estimates. (Estimate only - Total fees will be slightly higher.) Bring all required documentation along with the completed disabled plate application.

The DMV issues authorization letters that contain the name and address of the disabled individual who holds the license plates or placards.

You must keep this letter, or a copy, in the vehicle that is displaying disabled plates. You must keep it with you if you are using placards. It is illegal to park in a handicapped space unless the person to whom the plates or placards are issued is present.

Please keep your address current with DMV and be sure to include your placard numbers in any change. See Address Changes.

Temporary Placards/Stickers - You must complete a new application and obtain a new physician's signature as your expiration date approaches. We encourage you to order by mail. You will not receive a renewal notice.

Moderate Placards/Stickers - You must complete a new application and obtain a new physician's signature as your expiration date approaches. We encourage you to order by mail. You will not receive a renewal notice.

Permanent Placards - You will be mailed a renewal notice as your ten-year expiration date approaches. A physician's signature is not required. However, you must return the notice or complete and return the top half of a new application.

License Plates  - No disabled application or physician's signature is required for renewal if your disability is listed as permanent in DMV records. However, you must renew the vehicle registration annually. You will receive a mailed registration renewal notice. 

If you wish to surrender your disabled plates, you may do so and obtain new plates at any DMV Full Service Office or a County Assessor office which offers vehicle registration services. Small transfer fees and any personalized or specialty fees for your new plates will apply. A vehicle registration renewal or emissions inspection is not required unless it is due within 35 days. 

  Expedited Service Permits

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