What California calls its disability parking permit and how to request one
California's Disabled Person Placard (also called a handicap placard) is a removable windshield hang-tag that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The state also issues Disabled Person License Plates as a permanent alternative. Both are issued by the California DMV, but you request them through different channels depending on which one you want and who is explore.
A placard is temporary — it lasts between two and five years depending on your condition — and you can move it between vehicles. A license plate is permanent (though you can renew it) and stays with one vehicle. You cannot have both at the same time for the same vehicle. Most people start with a placard because it is faster to request and works on any car you drive.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a medical provider sign a form confirming your disability before the DMV will issue a placard or plate — the DMV itself does not make that decision.
- A placard takes about two weeks by mail or can be issued the same day at a DMV office if you bring the signed medical form in person.
- License plates take longer because they must be manufactured, but they do not expire and do not need renewal paperwork every few years.
- You can request a placard or plate for yourself, or a medical provider can request one on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
- The form you need is the process for Disabled Person Placard or License Plate (Form DL 625), available from the DMV website or any DMV office.
Getting a medical provider to sign the process form
The first step is obtaining Form DL 625 from the California DMV website or by visiting a DMV office in person. This form has two parts: one for you to fill out, and one for a licensed medical provider to complete and sign.
You bring the blank form to your doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical provider who knows your condition. They will assess whether you meet California's criteria for a placard or plate — which includes permanent or temporary disabilities that limit your ability to walk, or conditions that require you to keep medication or medical equipment in your vehicle at all times. The provider signs the form confirming this, and you keep the signed original.
If you do not have a regular medical provider, you can visit an urgent care clinic or walk-in medical office. Some DMV offices can direct you to nearby providers who sign these forms regularly. You will likely pay a small fee for this visit, though some community health centers charge on a sliding scale.
Requesting a placard by mail or in person at the DMV
Once you have the signed medical form, you can submit it to the DMV by mail or bring it to a DMV office in person. If you mail it, send the completed Form DL 625 (both your section and the signed medical section) to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself or the DMV website for your county.
By mail, a placard typically arrives within two weeks. By mail you will also need to include a copy of your driver's license or state ID, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a check or money order for the placard fee (currently $0, though this can change). Check the DMV website for the current fee before mailing.
If you visit a DMV office in person with the signed form, your driver's license, and proof of residency, you can often receive a temporary placard the same day and a permanent one by mail within two weeks. Walk-in service varies by location — some offices take placard requests without an appointment, while others require you to book a time slot online first.
Requesting a disabled person license plate instead
If you prefer a permanent license plate over a temporary placard, you follow the same process with Form DL 625 and a signed medical form. The difference is in what happens after: the DMV manufactures custom license plates with the wheelchair symbol, which takes longer than issuing a placard.
License plates typically take four to six weeks to arrive by mail. You cannot drive legally with an expired plate while waiting, so if your current registration is about to expire, request the plate well in advance or use a placard in the meantime. Once the plate arrives, it does not expire — you renew it like any other California license plate every few years, and you do not need a new medical form each time.
You can request a plate for a vehicle you own, or for a vehicle registered to someone else if you are the primary driver. The form asks for the vehicle's license plate number and VIN, so have your registration handy.
What happens if a medical provider refuses to sign
If your regular doctor will not sign the form, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another provider. The DMV does not override a provider's decision, but you can visit a different doctor and ask them to evaluate you instead.
If you believe a provider's refusal is unfair or based on incomplete information, you can ask the DMV to review the case. Contact your local DMV office and ask to speak with a supervisor about a medical information dispute. The DMV can sometimes facilitate communication between you and the provider, though the final decision rests with the medical professional.
Requesting a placard or plate on behalf of someone else
If you are a caregiver, family member, or legal representative, you can request a placard or plate for someone else. The medical provider still signs the form confirming the person's disability, but you submit the process to the DMV. You will need to include a document showing your authority — such as a power of attorney, conservatorship papers, or a letter from the person authorizing you to act on their behalf.
If the person is unable to sign the process themselves, you sign it on their behalf and note your relationship and authority in the space provided. Bring this documentation with you if submitting in person, or include copies if mailing.
Renewing or replacing a placard or plate
A placard expires after two, three, four, or five years depending on the medical provider's assessment of whether your condition is temporary or permanent. Before it expires, you will receive a renewal notice from the DMV. You can renew by mail using the notice, or visit a DMV office.
To renew, you typically need a new medical form signed by your provider confirming that your condition still meets the criteria. Some providers will sign a renewal form without a full appointment if your condition has not changed. If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by visiting a DMV office or mailing a request with proof of the loss.
License plates do not require a new medical form to renew — you renew them like any other plate through the DMV's standard registration renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's placard or plate?
No. California law requires that a disabled person placard or plate be used only when the person it was issued for is in the vehicle. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine. If the person who holds the placard is not present, you cannot park in an accessible space.
What if I move out of California?
Your California placard or plate is no longer valid once you establish residency in another state. You will need to request a new one from that state's DMV. Some states honor California placards for a short time if you are visiting, but you cannot use it as a resident of another state.
Can I get a placard if I have a temporary injury?
Yes. If your doctor confirms that your condition — such as a broken leg, recent surgery, or temporary mobility issue — limits your ability to walk, you can receive a temporary placard. The medical provider indicates on the form whether the condition is temporary or permanent, and the placard duration reflects that.
How much does a placard or plate cost?
The placard itself is currently free in California, though the fee can change. License plates have a standard registration fee that varies depending on your vehicle's weight and type. Check the DMV website for current fees before submitting your process.
What if my placard gets damaged or faded?
You can request a replacement placard by visiting a DMV office or mailing a request with the damaged placard and a letter explaining what happened. Replacements are typically issued within two weeks. You do not need a new medical form for a replacement — only if you are renewing after the placard expires.