Louisiana Residents Diagnosed with Autism can now Request an Indicator be Added to Their Identification Cards

Louisiana – The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles stated on January 9, 2023, that eligible motor vehicle customers can now request that an “Autism” indicator be added to their identification cards. Any person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a licensed medical or mental health practitioner is a qualifying applicant. On the ID card, the autism indicator will appear beneath the customer’s image.
The autism indicator is optional and can be removed from a credential at any time if the applicant requests it. The “Autism” label can be placed on any class identification card, including the TIP, but not on Class H (Handicap Identification Card) credentials. Identification card processing fees apply if the Autism indicator is added or removed.

To have the designation added to an ID card, applicants must provide one of the following documents to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles:

• Medical Examiner’s Certification of Autism Spectrum Disorder form completed by the medical or mental health professional
• A statement from a qualified mental health professional licensed in Louisiana or any other state or territory of the United States verifying the applicant’s disability.

The “Veteran,” “I’m a Cajun,” or “100% DAV” indicators cannot be included on an ID card with an Autism indicator. Only the “Autism” indicator can be used in conjunction with the “Needs Accommodation” indicator. If the driver’s license shows “Autism” but not “Needs Accommodation,” a puzzle piece symbol with the autism designation underneath the photo will appear. If both “Autism” and “Needs Accommodation” are indicated on the driver’s license, the autism classification will display below the photo in addition to “AN” above the picture.

Users of the LA Wallet app can display the Autism indicator on their ID Card. If you already have an appropriate card linked in LA Wallet, simply unlink it in the menu and re-add it to get the updated image.