What a disabled parking placard is and who can request one
A disabled parking placard is a permit you hang from your rearview mirror that lets you park in spaces marked for people with disabilities. California issues two types: a placard you can move between vehicles, and a permanent license plate if you own one vehicle. You do not need to own the car — you can use a placard in someone else's vehicle as long as you are the one with the disability.
The California DMV issues placards to people with permanent or temporary disabilities that make walking difficult or impossible. This includes mobility disabilities, but also conditions like severe arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, or vision loss that make walking more than a short distance painful or unsafe. A licensed physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner in California must sign your process — not a doctor's office staff member, and not a doctor who only knows you by phone or video.
You can request a placard by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through a third-party vehicle registration service. The process takes about two weeks by mail, though it can vary depending on how quickly your doctor returns the signed form.
Key Takeaways
- You need a signed medical form from a California-licensed physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner — your doctor's office cannot sign it on your behalf.
- Temporary placards last six months; permanent placards last up to ten years and require renewal through the DMV.
- You can use one placard in multiple vehicles, or request a permanent license plate if you own a single vehicle.
- Misusing a disabled parking placard — parking in a disabled space without authorization or lending your placard to someone else — is a crime that can result in fines and criminal charges.
What documents you need to bring or mail
The main document is Form DL 632, the "process for Disabled Persons Parking Placard or License Plate." You can read it from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. The form has two parts: one you fill out, and one your doctor must complete and sign.
Your doctor must be licensed to practice in California and must have examined you in person within the past year. They will check a box indicating whether your disability is permanent or temporary, and sign the form. If your disability is temporary — such as recovery from surgery — the doctor will write an end date, and your placard will expire on that date or after six months, whichever comes first.
You will also need proof of identity and residency. Acceptable documents include a California driver's license, state ID card, passport, or utility bill with your name and address. If you are explore by mail, you do not need to bring originals — copies are fine.
how the process works by mail
Fill out your half of Form DL 632 completely, including your name, address, and driver's license or ID number. Take the form to your doctor and ask them to complete the medical section and sign it. Do not mail the form until it is signed.
Mail the completed form, a copy of your ID, and a copy of proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee — currently $0 for a placard, though fees can change. The DMV will mail your placard to the address you listed on the form within about two weeks.
If you are explore for a permanent license plate instead of a placard, the process is the same, but you will need to include your vehicle registration and pay a different fee. A permanent plate stays with the vehicle, so you cannot move it to another car.
how the process works in person at a DMV office
Bring the completed and signed Form DL 632, your ID, and proof of residency to any DMV office. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the original signed form — the DMV will not accept a copy of the doctor's signature.
The DMV staff will review your form for completeness and take a photo if you are requesting a permanent license plate. If everything is in order, you can receive a temporary placard on the spot and the permanent one will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you are requesting a permanent plate, the DMV will issue it when ready in most cases.
Temporary versus permanent placards and renewal
A temporary placard is valid for six months or until the end date your doctor wrote on the form, whichever comes first. It is printed on a paper card with a string attached and hangs from your rearview mirror. Temporary placards are for people whose disabilities are expected to improve or change.
A permanent placard is valid for up to ten years from the date of issue. It is made of plastic and is more durable than a temporary one. You can request a permanent placard if your doctor indicates your disability is permanent and will not improve.
To renew a permanent placard, you must submit a new process with a new medical form signed by a California-licensed doctor. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice before your current placard expires, but you are responsible for submitting the renewal form on time. If your placard expires, you cannot legally use it to park in disabled spaces until you renew it.
Scams and misuse to watch for
Do not buy a placard from anyone online or through a third party. Disabled parking placards are issued only by the California DMV or through authorized third-party vehicle registration services — never through private websites or individuals claiming to have connections at the DMV. Purchasing a fake placard is a crime.
Do not lend your placard to someone else, even a family member. The placard is issued to you personally and is valid only when you are the one using it. Lending it is illegal and can result in fines for both you and the person using it. If someone else needs a placard, they must explore through the DMV with their own medical form.
Do not park in a disabled space without displaying your valid placard or plate. Parking enforcement officers photograph placards and check them against DMV records. Using an expired placard or someone else's placard can result in a parking citation, towing, and criminal charges for misuse of a disabled placard.
Be cautious of doctors or medical offices that offer to sign the form without examining you in person or without reviewing your medical history. The doctor must have examined you within the past year and must be licensed in California. If a doctor signs the form without meeting these requirements, both you and the doctor are breaking the law.
What happens after your placard arrives
When your placard arrives by mail, check that your name and any other information is correct. If there is an error, contact the DMV to request a replacement. Do not use a placard with incorrect information — it may not be recognized by parking enforcement.
Hang the placard from your rearview mirror so it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. The number and expiration date must face outward. If you are using a permanent license plate, display it on your vehicle as you would any license plate.
Keep your placard with you when you park in a disabled space. If you leave it in the car and step out, parking enforcement may issue a citation because the placard is not visible. If your placard is damaged, faded, or lost, you can request a replacement from the DMV by mail or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's disabled parking placard if I have a disability?
No. A placard is issued to one person and is valid only when that person is using it. If you have a disability, you must request your own placard through the DMV with your own medical form. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in fines and criminal charges for both you and the placard holder.
What if my doctor is not in California?
Your doctor must be licensed to practice in California. If your doctor is licensed in another state but has a California license, they can sign the form. If they do not have a California license, you will need to see a California-licensed physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner to complete the medical section of the process.
How long does it take to get a placard if I explore in person?
If you explore in person at a DMV office with a completed and signed form, you can receive a temporary placard on the spot. Your permanent placard will arrive by mail within about two weeks. If you explore by mail, the entire process typically takes two to three weeks.
Can I get a disabled parking placard for a temporary injury like a broken leg?
Yes. Your doctor can indicate on the form that your disability is temporary and write an end date. Your placard will expire on that date or after six months, whichever comes first. Once your injury heals and you no longer need the placard, you can stop using it — you do not need to return it to the DMV.
What should I do if my placard is lost or stolen?
Contact the DMV by phone, mail, or in person to request a replacement. Bring or mail a copy of your ID and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a new placard and may charge a replacement fee. If your placard was stolen, you can file a police report, though this is not required to get a replacement.