What a disabled placard is and who can request one

A disabled placard (also called a handicapped placard or disabled person placard) is a removable permit that hangs from your rearview mirror or attaches to your dashboard. It lets you park in designated accessible spaces without paying parking fees and without time limits. California issues placards to people with permanent or temporary disabilities that make walking difficult or impossible.

You do not need to own a car to get a placard — you can request one for a vehicle you regularly use, whether you own it, lease it, or borrow it. The placard is tied to you, not to the vehicle, so you can move it between cars. If someone else drives you, they can use your placard while you are in the car.

Placards are valid for two years (permanent) or up to six months (temporary). The DMV issues them based on a medical certification from a licensed doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner — not based on a diagnosis alone.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a signed medical certification from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating that you have a permanent or temporary disability affecting your ability to walk.
  • The DMV form you submit is process for Disabled Person Placard (Form DL 625), which must include your doctor's signature and medical information.
  • You can submit your process by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through the mail-in process — the DMV does not process applications online.
  • Processing takes about two to four weeks by mail; in-person applications at some offices may be processed the same day or within a few days.
  • Permanent placards last two years and must be renewed; temporary placards last up to six months and cannot be renewed — you must reapply with new medical certification.

Medical certification requirements

Before you contact the DMV, you need a doctor to complete the medical portion of your request. The doctor must be a licensed physician (MD or DO), physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) licensed in California. Chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other practitioners cannot sign the certification, even if they treat you.

The doctor does not need to fill out a special form — they can write a letter or note on their letterhead stating that you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your ability to walk. The note must include the doctor's signature, license number, and contact information. If you are requesting a temporary placard, the doctor must specify how long the disability is expected to last (up to six months).

You do not need to submit medical records or test results — just the doctor's signed statement. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, call your doctor's office and ask whether they can certify that your disability affects your ability to walk. Many offices have seen these requests before and can tell you quickly.

How to fill out Form DL 625

Form DL 625 (process for Disabled Person Placard) is the official DMV form. You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form has two sections: one for you to complete and one for your doctor to complete.

In your section, you will provide your name, address, driver's license number (or ID number if you do not drive), date of birth, and phone number. You will also check whether you are requesting a permanent or temporary placard. If temporary, you will write in the expected duration (the doctor's letter should specify this).

In the doctor's section, your doctor will write their name, license number, and signature, and will describe your disability and how it affects your ability to walk. The doctor does not diagnose you on the form — they straightforward certify that a disability exists and that it limits walking. Once your doctor signs, the form is ready to submit to the DMV.

Submitting your process to the DMV

You have three ways to submit your completed form and medical certification: by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through a mail-in service if you use one. The DMV does not accept online submissions for disabled placards.

By mail: Send your signed Form DL 625 and your doctor's signed medical certification to the DMV address listed on the form (this varies by county). Include a copy of your driver's license or ID card. Processing takes about two to four weeks. You do not need to include payment — disabled placards are free.

In person: Bring your completed Form DL 625, your doctor's signed medical certification, and your driver's license or ID card to any DMV office. Some offices can process your process the same day; others may take a few days. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether your local office processes disabled placards on the day you plan to visit.

By mail service: If you use a mail service that handles DMV transactions, they can submit your form on your behalf. You will still need to provide the signed medical certification and a copy of your ID.

What happens after you submit

If the DMV approves your request, they will mail your placard to the address you provided on the form. The placard will arrive in a protective sleeve with instructions on how to hang it or attach it. Permanent placards are valid for two years from the date of issue; temporary placards are valid for the duration your doctor specified (up to six months).

If the DMV denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete medical certification (for example, the doctor did not sign the form or did not include their license number) or a information that the medical information does not support a disability affecting walking. If you are denied, you can reapply with corrected information or a new medical certification.

If you do not receive your placard within four weeks of mailing your process, contact the DMV to check the status. Have your process date and driver's license number ready.

Renewing or replacing your placard

Permanent placards expire two years after issue. To renew, you will need a new signed medical certification from your doctor stating that your disability still affects your ability to walk. Submit a new Form DL 625 with the updated certification at least 30 days before your placard expires.

Temporary placards cannot be renewed. When your temporary placard expires, you must reapply with a new medical certification if you still need one. Your doctor can issue a new certification for another temporary period (up to six months) if your condition has not changed.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new Form DL 625 with your original medical certification (you do not need a new doctor's letter if the original is still valid). There is no fee for a replacement.

Using your placard correctly

Once you have your placard, hang it from your rearview mirror so the placard number faces outward and is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. If your vehicle does not have a rearview mirror, you can attach the placard to the dashboard using the adhesive strip provided. Never leave the placard visible when you are not parked in an accessible space — this prevents theft and misuse.

You can park in any space marked for disabled persons as long as your placard is displayed. You do not need to pay parking meters or parking fees, and there are no time limits. However, you still cannot park in spaces marked "No Parking" or in front of fire hydrants, even with a placard.

Misusing a disabled placard — parking in accessible spaces without displaying a valid placard, using someone else's placard, or displaying an expired placard — is illegal in California and can result in fines and towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled placard if I have a temporary injury like a broken leg?

Yes. Your doctor can certify a temporary disability lasting up to six months. Once the injury heals and your doctor determines you no longer need the placard, you do not need to return it — it straightforward expires. If you recover before six months, you can stop using it.

What if my doctor is retired or no longer practices in California?

You will need a new medical certification from a currently licensed California physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. If you have not seen a doctor recently, you can schedule an appointment and ask them to review your medical history and provide the certification.

Can I use someone else's disabled placard if I am driving them?

No. Only the person whose name is on the placard can use it, even if they are not the driver. If you are driving someone with a disability, they must be in the vehicle and the placard must be displayed in their name.

How much does a disabled placard cost?

Disabled placards are free in California. There is no process fee, no processing fee, and no renewal fee. If someone charges you money for a placard, they are not representing the DMV.

What if the DMV says my condition does not may have access to?

The DMV approves placards based on whether a disability affects your ability to walk — not based on a specific diagnosis. If you were denied, ask the DMV in writing why your process was rejected. You can then work with your doctor to provide additional information about how your condition affects walking, and reapply.