What a California disabled parking placard is and who can get one

A disabled parking placard is a permit that hangs from your rearview mirror and lets you park in spaces marked for people with disabilities. California issues two types: a placard you can move between vehicles, and permanent or temporary license plates that stay on one car. The placard is valid for two years; the plates last as long as your vehicle registration.

You can get a placard if you have a medical condition that makes walking difficult or impossible — including mobility disabilities, chronic pain, respiratory conditions, and some neurological conditions. You do not need to use a wheelchair or cane. A doctor or other licensed medical professional must sign off on your process, confirming that your condition limits your ability to walk.

California also issues placards to people who are blind or have severe vision loss, and to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the VA. If you are explore as a veteran, you will work with the VA, not the DMV directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through your county's DMV office or online through the California DMV website, and you must have a doctor's signature on the process form.
  • A placard costs nothing and is valid for two years; you can move it between your own vehicles but cannot lend it to anyone else.
  • Using someone else's placard or parking in a disabled space without a valid placard is a parking violation that can result in a fine of $250 to $1,000.
  • If your medical condition changes or improves, you must return your placard to the DMV — keeping an expired or invalid placard is illegal.
  • Temporary placards are available if your condition is expected to improve within six months; you will need to reapply if you still need one after that time.

how the process works for a placard at the DMV

You will need to fill out Form DL 632, the process for Disabled Parking Placard or License Plates. You can get this form at any DMV office, read it from the California DMV website, or request it by mail. The form asks for your personal information, your vehicle details, and a description of your medical condition.

The most important part is the medical certification section. A licensed physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must examine you and sign the form, confirming that your condition limits your ability to walk. The doctor does not need to write a separate letter — their signature on the form is enough. Some DMV offices will accept a letter from your doctor instead if it includes the same information and is dated within the past 60 days.

Once you have the signed form, you can submit it in person at a DMV office, by mail to your county DMV, or online through the California DMV website if you have a digital copy of the signed form. If you submit by mail, include a copy of your driver's license or ID card. Processing usually takes two to four weeks by mail; in-person submissions are often processed the same day.

What happens after you submit your process

If you submit in person, the DMV will review your form on the spot. If everything is complete and the doctor's signature is valid, you will receive your placard when ready. If something is missing or unclear, the DMV will tell you what you need to fix.

If you submit by mail or online, the DMV will mail your placard to the address on your process. You should receive it within two to four weeks. If you do not receive it after a month, contact your county DMV office to check the status.

Your placard will have an expiration date printed on it — usually two years from the date it was issued. Write this date down or set a phone reminder. When your placard expires, you can renew it by submitting a new process with a fresh doctor's signature. You do not need to return the old placard before explore for a new one, but you should not use an expired placard to park.

Scams and misuse to watch for

Disabled parking placards are frequently misused, and the penalties are serious. Do not lend your placard to anyone else — not family, not friends, not even temporarily. The placard is tied to you, not to your vehicle. If someone else uses it and gets caught, you are both liable. The person parking can be fined $250 to $1,000, and you can be fined for allowing unauthorized use.

Do not buy a placard from anyone online or through any unofficial channel. Fraudulent placards are sold on social media and classified sites, and using one is a crime. The DMV works with law enforcement to identify fake placards, and penalties include fines up to $1,000 and possible criminal charges.

If your condition improves or you no longer need the placard, return it to the DMV. Keeping and using an expired or invalid placard is illegal. If you move out of state, you cannot use a California placard in your new state — return it to the DMV before you go.

Temporary placards for short-term conditions

If your condition is expected to improve within six months — for example, you are recovering from surgery or a temporary injury — you can request a temporary placard instead of a permanent one. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months and are issued the same way as permanent placards. Your doctor must indicate on Form DL 632 that your condition is temporary.

When your temporary placard expires, you will need to reapply if you still need one. The DMV will not automatically renew a temporary placard. If your condition does not improve as expected, you can explore for a permanent placard at any time by submitting a new form with your doctor's updated assessment.

Disabled license plates as an alternative to a placard

Instead of a placard, you can get permanent or temporary disabled license plates — special plates that display the wheelchair symbol and are registered to your vehicle. These plates stay on the car and do not need to be moved or displayed each time you park. They work the same way as a placard for parking purposes.

Disabled plates cost the same as a regular registration renewal and are issued for the life of your vehicle registration. The downside is that they are tied to one specific vehicle. If you own multiple cars or frequently borrow someone else's vehicle, a placard is more practical because you can move it between cars.

You explore for disabled plates using the same Form DL 632 and the same doctor's signature. When you submit the form, tell the DMV that you want plates instead of a placard. If you later change your mind, you can switch to a placard or vice versa by contacting your county DMV office.

What to do if your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your placard is lost or stolen, report it to your county DMV office as soon as possible. Bring your driver's license and any proof of the loss if you have it. The DMV will issue a replacement placard at no cost. If your placard is damaged but still readable, you can also request a replacement.

If you suspect someone is using your lost placard fraudulently, contact your local police department and file a report. Give them the placard number if you have it. You can also contact the DMV Fraud Hotline to report suspected placard fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my California placard if I move to another state?

No. A California placard is only valid in California. If you move permanently, you will need to return it to the DMV and explore for a disabled parking permit in your new state. Each state has its own process process and requirements. If you are traveling temporarily to another state, check that state's DMV website to see if it honors California placards as a visitor.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

Your doctor must believe that your condition genuinely limits your ability to walk in order to sign the form. If your doctor refuses, it means they do not think you meet the criteria. You can seek a second opinion from another doctor, but you cannot force a doctor to sign if they disagree with your assessment. Some community health centers and urgent care clinics can also provide medical evaluations for placard applications.

Can someone else pick up my placard from the DMV for me?

Yes, if you submit your process in person, someone else can pick up the placard on your behalf if you give them written permission and they bring a copy of your ID. If you submit by mail, the placard will be mailed to the address on your process. Contact your county DMV office if you need the placard mailed to a different address.

What happens if I park in a disabled space without a valid placard?

You can be cited for an illegal parking violation. The fine is $250 to $1,000 depending on the location and whether it is your first offense. Repeat violations can result in higher fines. Some cities also have additional local penalties. If you have a placard but forgot to display it, you may be able to contest the ticket by showing proof of your valid placard to the court.

Do I need to renew my placard before it expires?

You should submit a renewal process before your placard expires so there is no gap in your parking permission. However, you can still park in disabled spaces for a short grace period after expiration while your renewal is being processed. Do not wait until the last day — submit your renewal at least a month before the expiration date to avoid any issues.