Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for plates or a placard, complete the Application for Vehicle License Plates and/or Placards (PDF) and visit your local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency or mail the application to:

NJMVC Special Plate Unit
P.O. Box 015
Trenton, NJ 08666-0015

A copy of the vehicle registration must be included with plate applications. There is no additional charge for handicapped plates.

Applicants without a license or non-driver identification card must prove their identity by passing 6 Point ID Verification.

Note: Handicapped plates cannot be issued for vehicles owned by or leased to companies, organizations or groups.

To apply for a temporary parking placard:

1. Go to your local Police Station, Traffic Division to get an application. There is a place on the application where your doctor must certify that you need the placard.
2. Return the completed application to the Police Department with a $4 fee payable to Motor Vehicle Commission. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order - no cash.
3. Upon payment, the Police Department will issue your temporary placard.

Temporary placards are issued for six months, with one six-month renewal allowed. To renew, you must bring a note from the doctor verifying that you need an extension, along with the placard, to the Traffic Unit of the police department.

This does not apply to renewing of temporary placards.

You must renew your handicapped plates every year as part of the state-wide renewal process. If you no longer qualify for the plates, you must surrender your handicapped plates and "Disabled Person Identification Card" and apply for a new set of regular license plates at any MVC Agency.

You must renew your handicapped placard every three years. You will receive an application in the mail. You must provide proof that the qualifying medical conditions still apply to receive a new placard and send your original "Disabled Person Identification Card." Photocopies will not be accepted. There is no fee to renew your placard.

If you do not receive your renewal application in the mail, visit any Agency or call 609-292-6500 or 888-486-3339 to request one or print the application (PDF).

Mail the completed application to:

NJMVC
Special Plate Unit
P.O. Box 015
Trenton, NJ 08666-0015

Renewal applications will take 15 business days to process. There is no fee for the identification card or placard.

Note: MVC may require you to submit a physician's statement recertifying your qualification for handicapped plates or placards as provided under NJ.A.C. 13:20-9.1(a)4.

Visit an MVC Agency and bring your placard. You cannot request a new ID Card in the mail.

There is no fee for a replacement.

Note: If you have lost the Disabled Person Identification Card and the placard, you must bring proper identification and a notarized statement confirming the loss of these items.

See the Application Instructions for more detailed information.

Visit your local MVC Agency and bring your original "Disabled Person Identification Card". If the placard was damaged, bring the damaged placard and your original ID Card. There is no fee for a replacement.

Note: If you have lost the Disabled Person Identification Card and the placard, you must bring proper identification and a notarized statement confirming the loss of these items.

Or you can mail the request to:
Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Plate Unit
P.O. Box 015
Trenton, NJ 08666-0015

Qualified individuals can apply for either or both: one set of license plates and one placard. You need to decide which is best for your individual driving and/or parking needs. When applying for either, an identification card is issued that names you as the qualified individual. When using either the license plates or placard to park, you must have your identification card with you.

License Plates: Handicapped symbol license plates may be issued to only one motor vehicle owned, operated, or leased by a person with a disability or owned by a family member who provides transportation for that person. The vehicle can only park in designated handicapped symbol parking spaces when the individual designated on the identification card is either driving or a passenger in the vehicle. There is no additional charge for the handicapped symbol license plates beyond the normal cost for regular plates. (Handicapped symbol license plates cannot be issued for vehicles owned by, or leased to, companies, organizations or groups). Be certain that you enclose a photocopy of the current (valid) vehicle registration with your application. Failure to submit a legible copy will cause delays in receiving your plates.

Placard: A placard in conjunction with the identification card can be used in any vehicle you ride in, whether or not you own it. The placard authorizes the driver of the vehicle to park in designated handicapped symbol parking spaces when the individual designated on the identification card is either driving or a passenger in the vehicle. Since the placard is transferrable from vehicle to vehicle, only one will be issued to each qualified applicant. There is no charge for the placard.

Identification Card: A "Disabled Person Identification Card" is issued with either the license plates or placard and is valid as long as the license plates and/or placard continue to be renewed. When using either the license plates or placard to park in designated handicapped symbol parking spaces, you must have your identification card with you. It is non-transferable and will be forfeited if presented by any other person. The qualifying individual must be a New Jersey resident. Any abuse of this privilege is cause for revocation of the identification card, placard and/or license plates.

You are eligible to apply for handicapped plates or a placard if you are affected by one of the following conditions:

• Have lost the use of one or more limbs as a consequence of paralysis, amputation, or other permanent disability
• Are severely and permanently disabled and cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device
• Suffer from lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixth mm/hg on room air at rest, or uses portable oxygen
• Have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
• Are severely and permanently limited in the ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition, or cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• Have a permanent sight impairment of both eyes as certified by the NJ Commission of the Blind

No other person is eligible for special parking privileges. A physician's certificate is required as part of the initial application process and MVC may require you to submit a statement from your doctor recertifying qualification at the time of renewal. (N.J.A.C. 13:20-9.1 (a) 4.).

Download the Application for Vehicle License Plates and/or Placard for Persons with a Disability (PDF) for more detailed information.

A prerequisite to applying for a handicapped parking space is that you must have a handicapped license plate or placard. If you do not have a handicapped license plate or placard, you must apply through your local Motor Vehicle Office's Special Plate Unit.

If you already possess a handicapped license plate or placard, to request a handicapped parking space in Hamilton, NJ, you must fill out a form. Forms can be obtained in the Traffic Unit of the Police Division. You can contact the Hamilton, NJ Police Division's Traffic Unit at 609-581-4024.

Once the completed form is received, someone from the Traffic Unit will review the request by inspecting the location and making a determination. If it is recommended, a Council Action Request is sent to the Township Legal Department to prepare the Ordinance for the Council Agenda. All requests must go before Council for approval. Ordinances must go on for two readings. Ordinances become law 20 days after the Mayor signs them, and they must be published. After the ordinance is signed by the Mayor, the Traffic Bureau sends a request to the Public Works Sign Shop to paint the box and post the sign.

Residents must have a current "Permanent" NJ State Handicapped license plate or placard, and a note from the applicant's doctor. Applicants can contact the Traffic Unit at 609-581-4024 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for additional information.

Applicants can pick up an application Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at Police Headquarters, or contact the Traffic Unit at 609-581-4024.