For Immediate Release
Date: July 20, 2005
Contact: Maura Browning
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Department of Revenue enacts law targeting disabled plate and placard fraud

        JEFFERSON CITY – Beginning August 1, 2005, the Missouri Department of Revenue will begin requiring a recent physician’s statement from Missourians who are renewing a disabled person license plate or placard.  Currently, the department requires a physician’s statement only to obtain a new disabled plate or placard, and does not require updated physician’s statements at any subsequent renewals.

        The new law now requires that any applicant renewing a disabled person license plate or placard submit a new physician’s statement less than 90 days old at the time of plate or placard renewal. A new physician’s statement (90 days old or less) will be required every four years thereafter.

        “It is important that disabled plates and placards are issued to those who truly need them,” said department director Trish Vincent. “By being fair and consistent, it’s satisfying that we can help end the abuse of disabled plates and placards by individuals who no longer need the assistance.”

        All disabled plate and placard renewals that expire during or after the month of August will require a new physician’s statement, regardless of when the applicant renews the plate or placard. Additionally, a recent physician’s statement will be required for applicants whose disabled plate or placard expired before August 1 but was not renewed on time.

        The changes are the result of Senate Bill 1233, passed by the Missouri General Assembly in 2004.