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Disabled parking identification card

For individuals with a permanent disability

Are you eligible?

Any person certified by an authorized health care specialist as having a PERMANENT 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 the 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 for first time applicants and renewal of expiring cards issued for permanent disabilities.  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 application form, MV2548

1. Read the Eligibility Section and complete the Applicant Section if you qualify.
2. Have an authorized health care specialist complete the Eligibility Section.
3. Make a copy of the completed Eligibility  Section to keep on your person or in the vehicle.  You may be required to provide this copy to a traffic officer.
4. Check number of cards requested: limit 2. A second card is allowed if you do NOT have disabled license plates or disabled veteran license plates.
5. Mail 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 counter service fee.

Things you should know

• Individuals with a permanent disability are issued a blue disabled parking ID card that must be renewed every 4 years.
• No fee is required for issuance, renewal or replacement. However, applications made at a local DMV Service Center that provides ID card service are subject to a counter service fee.
• You may receive up to 2 valid parking ID cards.  A second card is allowed if you do NOT have disabled license plates or disabled veteran license plates.
• 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 applied for the ID card prior to September 1, 2006, make and keep a copy of the completed certification when you next renew the card.
• 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 MV2548 form to issue disabled parking ID 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, complete the "Release of Nonexempt Information" portion on the application form.

If you have questions:

• 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: December 18, 2007