How to Get a California DMV Handicap Placard

What a California handicap placard is and who can request one

A California handicap placard is a removable windshield permit that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The placard displays the wheelchair symbol and your placard number, and it hangs from your rearview mirror or sits on your dashboard. You can request one if you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your ability to walk — this includes people who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or oxygen, as well as people with severe arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, or other conditions that make walking difficult.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these placards, but you do not explore directly to the DMV. Instead, you request one from your doctor or an authorized medical professional, who then submits the paperwork to the DMV on your behalf. The placard is free and does not expire if your condition is permanent, though temporary placards expire after six months or one year depending on your medical situation.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor or medical provider fills out the DMV form and sends it to the DMV; you do not submit it yourself.
Permanent placards never expire and cost nothing, while temporary placards last six months to one year.
You can request a second placard for a family member's vehicle if you do not always drive the same car.
The placard is valid only when the person with the disability is in the vehicle — parking in an accessible space without the disabled person present is illegal.
You can also request a license plate with the wheelchair symbol instead of a placard if you prefer not to hang something in your window.

How to request a placard through your doctor

Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor, a specialist, or any licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who knows your medical history. Bring your driver's license or state ID. During the visit, tell the provider you need a handicap placard and explain how your condition affects your walking. The provider will decide whether to recommend a permanent or temporary placard based on the expected duration of your disability.

Your provider will complete the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (form DL 625). This form asks for your name, driver's license number, medical diagnosis, and whether the disability is permanent or temporary. The provider signs the form and keeps a copy for their records. You do not sign this form — your provider submits it directly to the DMV by mail or electronically if their office uses the DMV's online system.

Once the DMV receives the form, processing usually takes two to four weeks. The DMV will mail your placard to the address on your driver's license. If you have not received it after four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status using your driver's license number.

Permanent versus temporary placards

A permanent placard is issued when your condition is expected to last indefinitely or for the rest of your life. Examples include spinal cord injuries, severe arthritis, advanced Parkinson's disease, or conditions requiring ongoing use of mobility aids. Permanent placards never expire and you keep them as long as you hold a valid California driver's license. If your license expires and you renew it, your placard remains valid — you do not need to reapply.

A temporary placard is issued when your disability is expected to improve or last a limited time. This includes recovery from surgery, a broken leg in a cast, pregnancy-related mobility issues, or a condition expected to resolve within six months to one year. Temporary placards are valid for either six months or one year, depending on what your provider indicates on the form. When your temporary placard expires, you can request a new one if your condition has not improved, but you must go through your doctor again.

Requesting a second placard for another vehicle

If you own or regularly use more than one vehicle, you can request a second placard so you do not have to move it between cars. You can have up to two placards at a time. To request a second one, you do not need to see your doctor again — instead, you contact the DMV directly by mail or in person at a DMV office.

Fill out a new DL 625 form and write "Second Placard" at the top. Include your driver's license number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the second vehicle if you want it registered to that car, and a copy of your current placard or a photo of it. Mail this to your local DMV office or bring it in person. Processing takes about two to three weeks. If you lose a placard, you can also request a replacement through the DMV using the same process.

Handicap license plates as an alternative to placards

Instead of a placard, you can request a disabled person license plate with the wheelchair symbol. This is a permanent license plate issued by the DMV that you attach to your vehicle the same way you would a regular plate. The advantage is that you do not have to remember to display anything in your window — the plate itself grants you access to accessible parking spaces. The disadvantage is that the plate is registered to one specific vehicle, so if you drive different cars, you would need multiple plates.

To request a disabled person license plate, your doctor completes the same DL 625 form and indicates that you want a plate instead of a placard. The DMV will mail you the plate, which you install on your vehicle. The plate is free and does not expire. If you later want to switch back to a placard, or if you sell the vehicle and want to transfer the plate to a new one, contact the DMV to update your registration.

What you can and cannot do with your placard

A handicap placard lets you park in any designated accessible parking space, including spaces at stores, restaurants, hospitals, government buildings, and on public streets. You can also park in spaces marked "No Parking" or "No Stopping" if they are in front of an accessible entrance. You do not have to pay parking meters or parking fees in metered spaces when your placard is displayed.

However, the placard is valid only when the person with the disability is in the vehicle. You cannot park in an accessible space if you are running an errand for someone else, even if you have their placard. Misusing a placard — parking in an accessible space without the disabled person present, or using someone else's placard — is illegal and can result in a fine of $250 to $1,000 and a citation on your record. If you lend your vehicle to someone, remove the placard before they drive it unless they also have a disability that qualifies them to use it.

Renewing or replacing your placard

Permanent placards never expire and do not need to be renewed. However, if your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Contact your local DMV office by phone, mail, or in person. You will need to provide your driver's license number and describe what happened to the original placard. There is no fee for a replacement, and the DMV will mail a new one to you within two to three weeks.

If your temporary placard expires and your condition has not improved, schedule another appointment with your doctor. Your provider will complete a new DL 625 form and submit it to the DMV. You can request a new temporary placard as many times as needed, as long as your medical condition continues to may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's handicap placard if I am driving their car?

No. The placard is registered to the person with the disability and is valid only when that person is in the vehicle. If you are driving their car without them, you cannot use their placard. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine.

What if my doctor's office does not know how to submit the form to the DMV?

Ask your doctor's office to contact the DMV directly — most offices that issue placards regularly know the process. If they do not, you can ask your provider to give you the completed form and you can mail it to the DMV yourself, though this is less common. The DMV's website lists the address for your local office.

How long does it take to receive my placard after my doctor submits the form?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives the form. If your doctor submitted it electronically, it may arrive faster. You can contact the DMV with your driver's license number to check the status if you have not received it after four weeks.

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

Yes. Your doctor can issue a temporary placard valid for six months or one year, depending on the expected recovery time. Once your injury heals and you no longer need the placard, you can stop using it — there is no penalty for not returning it.

What happens to my placard if my driver's license expires?

Your placard remains valid even if your driver's license expires. However, you should renew your license to avoid other legal issues. Your placard is tied to your driver's license number, so if you get a new license number, you may need to request a new placard.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.