Nevada Handicap Placard: How to Apply, Renew and Who Qualifies

Who qualifies for a handicap placard in Nevada?

You qualify if a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant certifies one of the DMV’s listed conditions, such as not being able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest. The provider also states how long the condition is expected to last.

• Can’t walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• Can’t walk without a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, other device or another person
• Restricted by lung disease
• Uses portable oxygen
• A Class III or IV heart condition under American Heart Association standards
• Visually handicapped
• Severely limited in walking by an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition
• Plates and Expedited Service Permits need a permanent disability

Temporary, moderate or permanent: which placard will you get?

It depends on how long your provider expects the condition to last. Temporary placards are red and last up to 6 months, moderate placards are blue and last up to 2 years, and permanent placards are blue and last 10 years. Only a permanent disability qualifies for disabled license plates.

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can get Disabled Veteran plates, and many other veteran plate designs can show the wheelchair symbol. See the plate options in our Nevada license plates guide.

How do you apply for a handicap placard in Nevada?

Get form SP 27 signed by your provider, then apply online through DriveNV’s “Request ADA Products,” by mail or fax, at a DMV office or at a AAA DMV counter. Placards can be mailed to you. Disabled license plates must be picked up in person at a DMV or County Assessor office.

1. Fill in your part

   Complete the top half of the DMV’s disabled plates and placard application (SP 27).

2. Get it certified

   Your physician, APRN or physician assistant completes and signs the bottom.

3. Send or bring it

   Apply online, mail or fax it, or take it to a DMV office or AAA counter.

4. Keep the letter

   The DMV issues an authorization letter. Keep it with you when you use the placard.

Mailing address: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, 555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711. Fax: (775) 684-4797.

Someone else can pick up your plates or placard at a DMV office only with your Power of Attorney.

How do you renew a handicap placard in Nevada?

Temporary and moderate placards need a brand-new application with a fresh provider signature, and the DMV doesn’t mail a reminder, so watch the expiration date. Permanent placards get a renewal notice before the 10 years are up, with no new signature required.

Nevada disabled parking rules and fines

Parking in a disabled space without valid plates or a placard carries a minimum $250 fine. The placard only counts when the person it was issued to is using it, and it doesn’t waive parking meter or garage fees.

• $$250 minimum fineFor parking in a disabled space without valid plates or a placard.
• Only for the holderThe disabled person must be present. Owners can be cited for letting others misuse a placard.
• Meters still applyPlates and placards don’t waive meter or garage parking fees.
• Carry the letterKeep the DMV authorization letter in the car with disabled plates, or with you when using a placard.
• Visitors are coveredOut-of-state placards and plates are valid in Nevada until you become a resident.
• Wheelchair lift stallsSpaces reserved for side-loading lifts need disabled plates or a placard and a vehicle with that lift.

Book a DMV appointment for disabled plates

Disabled license plates are issued in person, so book a free appointment before you go and bring the signed SP 27 and your old plates. Placards alone can usually skip the office. Pick an office below, or switch tabs to view, reschedule or cancel.