What California offers for drivers with disabilities

California issues two types of parking permits for people with disabilities: a Disabled Person Placard (a hanging tag) and Disabled Person License Plates (special plates that replace your regular ones). Both let you park in accessible spaces and use other disability parking benefits. You cannot have both at the same time — you choose one or the other. The placard is temporary or permanent depending on your condition; the plates are permanent. Most people choose the placard because it transfers between vehicles, while plates stay with one car.

To get either one, you need a medical provider to certify that you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your mobility. The DMV does not decide whether you may have access to — your doctor does. You then submit that certification to the DMV along with your process and vehicle registration.

Key Takeaways

  • A Disabled Person Placard hangs from your rearview mirror and works in any vehicle you drive; a Disabled Person License Plate stays with one car and replaces your regular plate.
  • Your doctor must complete a medical certification form stating you have a permanent or temporary disability affecting mobility; the DMV accepts this certification without further review.
  • You submit the completed medical form, your process, vehicle registration, and proof of residency to your local DMV office or by mail.
  • A placard typically arrives within two to four weeks; permanent plates take longer because they are manufactured and mailed to you.
  • Temporary placards expire after six months or one year depending on your doctor's certification; permanent ones do not expire but must be renewed if your vehicle registration changes.

Disabled Person Placard vs. Disabled Person License Plates

The Disabled Person Placard is a hanging tag about the size of a large index card. You display it by hanging it from your rearview mirror when you park in an accessible space. The main advantage is that it works in any vehicle — you can use it in your own car, a rental, a friend's car, or a borrowed vehicle. You do not need to register the placard with each car. Placards come in temporary (valid for six months or one year) or permanent versions. Temporary placards are issued when your doctor expects your condition to improve or change; permanent ones are for lifelong disabilities.

The Disabled Person License Plate replaces your regular front and rear plates with special plates that identify you as a disabled driver. These plates stay with one vehicle — you cannot move them to another car without re-registering. The advantage is that you do not have to hang anything or remember to display it; the plates are always visible. All disabled person plates in California are permanent, meaning they do not expire. However, if you sell the car or transfer it to someone else, the plates must be surrendered to the DMV.

If you own multiple vehicles and want to use disability parking in all of them, a placard is more practical. If you drive one car most of the time and want a permanent, always-visible identifier, plates may suit you better. You can switch from one to the other later by contacting the DMV, but you cannot hold both at once.

Medical certification requirements

The DMV requires a Medical Certification for Disabled Person Placard or License Plate form (form DL 629). Your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other licensed medical provider must complete this form. They must certify that you have one or more of these conditions: a permanent or temporary disability that limits your ability to walk, a severe mobility impairment, a disability requiring you to use a cane, crutches, wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device, or a cardiovascular or respiratory condition that limits walking ability.

Your provider must also indicate whether the disability is permanent or temporary. If temporary, they write in the expected duration — typically six months or one year. The form does not require detailed medical records or a diagnosis code; your provider straightforward checks boxes and signs. The DMV accepts the provider's certification at face value and does not contact them to verify.

You can read form DL 629 from the California DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Give it to your doctor at your next appointment, or mail it to them if you are not seeing them in person. Once signed, keep the original for your records and bring a copy with you when you submit your process.

how the process works at a DMV office

Bring these documents to your local DMV office: the completed and signed medical certification form (DL 629), your driver's license or state ID, your vehicle registration, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and the process form itself. The DMV provides the process form — you can fill it out at the office or read it beforehand.

Tell the DMV representative whether you want a placard or license plates. If you choose a placard, you will receive it on the spot or within a few days. If you choose plates, you will pay a fee (currently $40 for permanent plates, though this may vary) and the plates will be manufactured and mailed to your address within two to four weeks.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online through the California DMV website, which can reduce your wait. Some offices also have a separate window or process for disabled person placard and plate applications, so ask when you arrive.

explore by mail

You can mail your process to the DMV instead of visiting an office. Send the completed medical certification form, your driver's license or ID (a copy is acceptable), your vehicle registration, proof of residency, and the placard or plate process form to your local DMV office. Include a check or money order for any applicable fees — currently $40 for permanent plates, though placard applications typically have no fee.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person process. A placard process usually takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Plate applications take four to six weeks because the plates must be manufactured after your process is approved. Mail your process to the DMV office that serves your county; you can find the address on the California DMV website.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return your original documents. Without one, the DMV may keep them on file. If you are explore for plates, you do not need to include payment for registration — the plates themselves are the only cost.

Temporary vs. permanent placards and renewals

A temporary placard is valid for six months or one year, depending on what your doctor writes on the certification form. When it expires, you must reapply with a new medical certification. Your doctor may issue a new certification if your condition persists, or the certification may end if your condition has improved. Temporary placards are issued when your provider believes the disability may be short-term or subject to change.

A permanent placard does not have an expiration date and does not need to be renewed based on time alone. However, if your vehicle registration changes — for example, you buy a new car or move to a different state — you must update your placard registration with the DMV. If you lose or damage your permanent placard, you can request a replacement from the DMV.

Permanent license plates also do not expire. They remain valid as long as you own the vehicle. If you sell the car, you must surrender the plates to the DMV and explore for new ones if you want them on a different vehicle. If your vehicle registration is renewed, your plates do not need to be reissued — they stay the same.

Parking rights and rules with your placard or plates

With a valid Disabled Person Placard or License Plate, you can park in designated accessible parking spaces without paying parking meters or parking fees. You can also park in spaces that have time limits — for example, a two-hour parking zone — without the time limit explore to you. In some cities, you may also be allowed to park in certain other restricted areas, such as red zones or loading zones, though this varies by local ordinance.

The placard or plates do not give you permission to park illegally or unsafely. You still cannot park in a fire lane, a driveway, or a space that is not designated for disabled parking. If you park in an accessible space and your placard is not visible or your plates are not on the vehicle, you can receive a citation. If you lend your placard to someone else or use someone else's placard, that is illegal and can result in a fine.

Some cities and counties have additional rules about disabled parking. For example, some require you to display your placard even if you have plates, or they may have specific rules about where plates can be used. Check your local city or county website or ask at your DMV office if you have questions about parking rules in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a placard if my disability is temporary?

Yes. Your doctor can certify a temporary disability on form DL 629, and the DMV will issue a temporary placard valid for six months or one year. When it expires, you can reapply if your condition persists, or the placard straightforward ends if you have recovered.

What if I have a placard from another state?

California honors out-of-state disabled parking permits while you are visiting or passing through. However, if you become a California resident, you must explore for a California placard or plates within a certain timeframe. Contact your local DMV office to learn the specific timeline for your situation.

Can I use someone else's placard or plates?

No. A placard or plate is issued to a specific person and vehicle. Using someone else's permit is illegal and can result in a fine. If you are caring for someone with a disability, they must have their own placard or plates, or you must be listed as an authorized user on their permit.

What happens if I lose my placard?

Contact your local DMV office and request a replacement. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration. The DMV will issue a new placard, usually within a few days. There may be a small replacement fee, though this varies by office.

Do I need to renew my permanent placard?

A permanent placard does not expire and does not need to be renewed based on time. However, if your vehicle registration changes or you move, you should update your information with the DMV to may support your placard remains valid for your current vehicle.