FAQ

My placard is lost or damaged. How do I get a replacement placard?
You can go into any Motor Vehicle Commission Agency to acquire a replacement placard. If your placard is damaged, bring the damaged placard and your original “Disabled Person Identification Card”. If your placard is lost, bring your original “Disabled Person Identification Card” and a notarized statement attesting to the loss of the placard. There is no fee for a replacement placard.

If you cannot get to a Motor Vehicle Agency, you may replace your placard by mail.


I lost my “Disabled Person Identification Card”. How do I get a replacement identification card?
You can go into any MVC Agency to acquire a replacement identification card. If your identification card is lost, bring your placard and a notarized statement attesting to the loss of the identification card. There is no fee for a replacement identification card.


I do not have either my placard or “Disabled Person Identification Card”. How do I get replacements?
If your placard and identification card are both lost, visit your local MVC agency with a driver license or other form of identification and a notarized statement attesting to the loss of the placard and identification card. If the placard has expired, you must submit a new application certified by a physician. For full details, read application instructions


I have more than one vehicle that I drive. Can I get two sets of plates or two placards?
No. You may have either one set of plates or one placard or both depending on your individual needs. This provision of the statute is based on the fact that the placard can be used in any vehicle in which you are the driver/passenger as long as you have your “Disabled Person Identification Card” with you.


How to I apply for a “Handicapped Symbol” parking sign for the front of my home?
The application and review process for “handicapped symbol” parking signs does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Motor Vehicle Commission. You should inquire with your municipal clerk’s office or office of traffic and parking (often within the police department) to determine the application process. It varies from town to town, although most municipalities will only issue parking signs for vehicles with handicapped symbol license plates, not for placards.


My spouse (or other qualified disabled individual) is deceased or moved out of New Jersey. What should I do with the identification card, placard, and/or handicapped symbol license plates?
The identification card, placard, and/or handicapped symbol license plates and a letter indicating the circumstances should be mailed to the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Plates Unit. License plates should be surrendered to a local Motor Vehicle Agency or mailed to the MVC Office of Customer Advocacy, PO Box 403, Trenton NJ 08666-0403 with a letter of explanation.


What is the quickest way to acquire a placard or plates?
Download and print the application form from this site, visit your local MVC agency, or call (888) 486-3339 to request that a form be mailed to you. Complete the form according to the Placard Instructions and present it at your local MVC agency. Refer to the application checklist to avoid delays.


My spouse (or other qualified disabled individual) cannot complete the application and/or is unable to come to Trenton to file their application. Can someone else complete and deliver the application for them?
Yes, the application can be completed by another individual but the form must be signed by the applicant. (If the applicant cannot sign the form, a Power of Attorney must be included with the application package). A third party may bring the application to any local MVC agency for same day processing as long as the individual has proper identification and a notarized statement from the disabled individual giving them permission to act on his/her behalf.


Can I apply for a temporary placard while waiting for my permanent placard to arrive?
No. New Jersey statute does not provide for the issuance of temporary placards for anything other than temporary disabilities. If your circumstances do not allow for the normal processing time, you should pursue the “same day processing” option as explained in Question #7.


After sending in my application, how long must I wait for my placard/plates to arrive?
Generally, MVC requires 3 weeks to issue plates and placards. Additional time should be allowed for mailing. A checklist is provided with the application form and instructions to help ensure that the form is completed accurately. Using the checklist will help avoid delays in processing.