Handicapped License Plates & Window Placards

In Iowa, you can obtain handicapped (also known as PWD) license plates and/or handicapped window placards by providing a letter from your physician on letterhead.  The letter must list your name, date of birth, and whether you are permanently or temporarily disabled.  You will need to know your Iowa Driver's License number or your social security number as well.  Iowa DOT form # 411055 will need to be completed with the applicants information.  Once you have both documents, you can return these to the drivers license station or at the motor vehicle window and request handicapped license plates and/or up to two handicapped window placards.

Plates:  Handicapped (PWD) license plates can only be issued to permanently disabled residents. Residents with a temporary disability cannot obtain handicapped plates.  You will need to return the current plates on your vehicle to our office along with the letter from your physician and Iowa DOT form # 411055.  We can issue a set of handicapped license plates.  In order to obtain handicapped license plates, the vehicle must be in the same name in which the phyisicans statement was issued.  You may be issued both a handicapped license plate as well as a handicapped placard if you choose.

Plate Stickers:  If you have a personalized or vanity plate, but qualify for a disability license plate or placard, we can request a handicapped sticker for your vanity plate.  To apply for these, submit your physicians letter and Iowa DOT form # 411055. Handicapped stickers will be mailed directly to you from the Iowa DOT.  These stickers are to be placed in bottom right hand corner of your plate (opposite from your registration sticker). 

Placards:  Handicapped placards are to be hung in your windshield after parking.  Do not drive with the placards up as it could be a visual impairment.  Placards can be issued on a standard or temporary basis which will be determined by your phsyician.  Standard placards are good for a term of 5 years, unless otherwise noted by your phyisican.  After the expiration, a new physicians statement will be needed and new placards can be issued at that time.  You may be issued both a handicapped license plate as well as up to two handicapped placard if you choose.  

Minor Child with Disability

If you have a minor child whom qualifies for the disability guidelines, you can complete Iowa DOT form 411120 to obtain handicapped placards.  

Additional things to note: 

• Further information can be found directly at the Iowa DOT website: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicleregistration/persons-with-disabilities
• If the physician note is completed for spouse A, spouse B cannot use the plates or parking permit.  It is suggested if both parties meet the requirements, both should request to obtain a physician's note for handicapped placards.  
• If the party is unable to visit our office, paperwork can be submitted to us by a family member or friend as long as the physicians note and documents are complete.  
• The physicians note and Iowa DOT form 411055 can be emailed to our office. Once received, we can mail out handicapped placards.  The email is: [email protected]

For more information on handicapped placards and plates, you can visit the Iowa DOT website:   https://iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicleregistration/vehicleregistration/plates/disabilities