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Disabled parking identification card

For individuals with a temporary disability

Are you eligible?

Any person certified by an authorized health care specialist as having a TEMPORARY disability is eligible for the Disabled Parking Identification Card. By legal definition, this includes any person who:

• Cannot walk 200 feet or more without stopping to rest;
• Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, another person or brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistance device;
• Is restricted by lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory volume for 1 second when measured by spirometry is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest;
• Uses portable oxygen;
• Has a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified in severity as class III or IV, according to standards accepted by the American Heart Association;
• Is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition;

Disabled parking identification cards provides privileges

A motor vehicle displaying a disabled parking ID card issued by Wisconsin or any other state or country, is subject to all Wisconsin motor vehicle laws and is granted the following privileges. Read this important information about authorized disabled parking privileges.

Misuse of ID card subject to penalties

Any person who sells or lends a Disabled Parking ID Card to someone who is not authorized by law to use it may be fined up to $300. In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) may cancel the Disabled Parking ID Card of any person who improperly uses it.  Any person who fraudulently obtains, makes, alters, reproduces or duplicates a Disabled Parking ID card may be fined up to $500.

The parking ID card must be hung from the interior rearview mirror of a motor vehicle when parking in a parking space reserved for persons with a physical disability. For exceptions to this rule, please contact the Special Plates Unit.

The parking ID card must be removed from the interior rearview mirror when operating a motor vehicle. Operating your vehicle with the card hanging from the rearview mirror is a safety hazard and a violation of current Wisconsin law.

Get necessary signatures

An authorized health care specialist MUST complete and sign the "Eligibility Certification" on the form for a first-time applicant OR to extend the expiration date of a temporary card (a new card will be issued). Keep a copy of the certification with you or in the vehicle to provide to a traffic officer upon request.

Apply for an ID card

Download the application form, MV2933

1. Read the Eligibility Section and complete the Applicant Section if you qualify.
2. Have an authorized health care provider complete the Eligibility Section.
3. Make a copy of the completed Eligibility Section to keep on your person or in the vehicle.
4. Check number of cards requested: limit 2.
5. Send $6 for each ID card. Make check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust.
6. Mail fee with the completed application to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Special Plates Unit 
P.O. Box 7306
Madison, WI 53707-7306

Applications made at a local DMV service center that provides ID card service are subject to a $3 counter service fee.

Things you should know

• Individuals with a temporary disability are issued a red disabled parking ID card that is valid up to six months. If needed longer than six months, you may apply for another card that is valid up to another six months.
• Parking ID cards for persons with temporary disabilities cost $6 each. You may have up to two valid ID cards at any one time. Applications made at a local DMV service center that provides ID card service are subject to a $3 counter service fee.
• Persons with a permanent disability should complete form MV2548, Parking Identification Card Application for Individuals with a Permanent Disability.
• The parking ID card must be hung from the interior rearview mirror of a motor vehicle when parking in a parking space reserved for persons with a physical disability. For exceptions to this rule, please contact the DMV, Special Plates Unit.
• The parking ID card must be removed from the interior rearview mirror when operating a motor vehicle. Operating your vehicle with the card hanging from the rearview mirror is a safety hazard and a violation of current Wisconsin law.
• Beginning September 1, 2006, ID card applicants must keep a copy of the completed eligibility certification on their person or in the vehicle to provide to a traffic officer upon request.
• If you are a licensed driver, WisDOT will review your disability relating to your ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control over a motor vehicle. If the certifying health care specialist recommends a re-examination, you will be required to complete a knowledge, highway signs and road test to determine appropriate license restrictions.
• WisDOT may cancel a disabled parking ID card that was issued as a result of fraud or error.
• Parking ID cards are valid in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
• An organization that regularly transports persons who have a temporary or permanent disability that impairs the ability to walk may apply for a disabled parking ID card. Please contact the Special Plates Unit for information.

Release of nonexempt information

WisDOT uses the information on the MV2933 form to issue disabled parking identification cards. Under open records laws, WisDOT must make nonexempt information available upon request. WisDOT makes some information available to companies for business purposes. If you want your name and address withheld from such business mailing lists, the "Release of Nonexempt Information" portion on the application form.

If you have questions about disabled parking ID cards:

• E-mail: special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
• Call: (608) 266-3041 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Fax: (608) 267-5106
• Write to the address above

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You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
Special Plate Unit, special-plates.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: January 18, 2008