What a disabled parking placard is and who can get one
A disabled parking placard is a permit you hang from your rearview mirror that lets you park in spaces marked for people with disabilities. California issues two types: a placard you can move between vehicles, and a permanent license plate with the wheelchair symbol. You do not need to own the vehicle — you can use the placard in any car you are riding in, as long as you are the person with the disability.
You can get a placard if you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your ability to walk. This includes mobility conditions, severe arthritis, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes with complications, and some vision or neurological conditions. A doctor must certify the disability on the process form — the DMV does not make the medical decision itself.
Temporary placards last six months and are meant for people recovering from surgery, injury, or illness. Permanent placards last for the lifetime of the person named on them, though you will need to renew the placard itself every five years.
Key Takeaways
- You need a form signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner stating that you have a permanent or temporary disability affecting your ability to walk.
- You can submit your process in person at any DMV office, by mail, or through the California DMV website if you have a digital ID.
- Temporary placards take effect when ready when issued; permanent placards arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
- A placard is free and does not expire while you own it, but you must renew it every five years or when you move to a new address.
- Misusing someone else's placard or parking in a disabled space without one is illegal and can result in fines up to $1,000.
Medical form requirements and what your doctor needs to certify
The form you need is process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (Form DL 674). Your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must complete the medical section and sign it. They do not need to submit it themselves — you bring the signed form to the DMV.
The doctor must check one or more boxes stating that you have a condition that limits your ability to walk. The form lists specific categories: disability affecting lower extremities, severe arthritis, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes with complications, disability affecting upper extremities, vision problems, or a disability not listed. If your condition does not fit neatly, your doctor can check "other" and write a brief description.
Your doctor does not need to write a letter or detailed explanation — the form itself is the certification. However, if your condition is not obvious from the listed categories, a short note from your doctor explaining why walking is limited can help prevent delays. The DMV may contact your doctor to verify the information, though this is uncommon.
how the process works: in person, by mail, or online
You have three ways to submit your process. The fastest is in person at a DMV office. Bring the signed Form DL 674, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are explore for a temporary placard, you will receive it when ready. If you are explore for a permanent placard, you will get a temporary one on the spot and the permanent one will arrive by mail.
By mail, send the completed form, a copy of your ID, and proof of residency to your local DMV office. Include a check or money order for $0 — the placard is free. Mail takes longer; expect two to four weeks for processing plus mail time. You can find your local DMV office address on the California DMV website.
Online through the DMV website, you can start an process if you have a California digital ID. You will upload a photo of the signed medical form, your ID, and proof of residency. The DMV will review it and contact you if anything is missing. This route is faster than mail but slower than in person.
Temporary versus permanent placards: how long they last
A temporary placard is valid for six months from the date it is issued. Use this if you are recovering from surgery, a broken leg, or another condition your doctor expects to improve. When the six months end, the placard expires and you cannot use it anymore. If you still need it after six months, you must explore again with a new doctor's certification.
A permanent placard does not expire as long as you own it, but you must renew it every five years. Renewal is simpler than the first process — you do not need a new doctor's form unless your condition has changed. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your placard expires. You can renew in person, by mail, or online.
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV even if your placard is not due for renewal. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. The DMV will issue a new placard with your updated address at no cost.
What to do if your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your placard is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV as soon as possible. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. The DMV will deactivate the old placard so no one else can use it. You can request a replacement placard when ready, and it will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. There is no fee for a replacement.
If your placard is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it. If it is so damaged that the wheelchair symbol or your information is not visible, bring it to a DMV office and request a replacement. Bring your driver's license or ID so the DMV can verify that the placard belongs to you.
Do not leave your placard visible in an unattended vehicle. Thieves target disabled placards to park illegally. When you are not using the vehicle, remove the placard and take it with you.
Parking rules and where you can and cannot park
With a valid disabled parking placard, you can park in any space marked with the wheelchair symbol, including spaces in parking lots, on streets, and at meters. You do not have to pay parking meter fees in most California cities when you display your placard. Some cities have time limits even for disabled spaces — check the sign at each location.
You can only park in a disabled space if the person with the disability is in the vehicle or is being dropped off or picked up. If you are driving someone with a placard but they are not in the car, you cannot use the space. This is a common violation and carries a fine.
You cannot park in a disabled space that is reserved for a specific business, hospital, or facility unless you are a patient or customer of that place. Some private lots have their own disabled spaces with their own rules — check the signage.
Scams and misuse: what to watch for and report
Disabled parking placards are frequently stolen or misused. Never lend your placard to someone else, even a family member. The placard is legal only when the person named on it is in the vehicle. If someone else uses your placard, both you and the person using it can be cited.
Do not buy or accept a placard from anyone other than the DMV. Counterfeit placards are sold online and at swap meets. Using a fake placard is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $1,000 and jail time. If you see someone using a placard that does not match the person in the vehicle, or if you suspect a placard is counterfeit, you can report it to local law enforcement or the DMV.
If your placard is stolen, report it to the DMV when ready so it can be deactivated. If you see your stolen placard being used, report that to police as well. Do not confront the person using it — contact law enforcement instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's disabled placard if they give me permission?
No. A placard is legal only when the person named on it is in the vehicle. If you use someone else's placard, you can be cited even with their permission. The person who owns the placard can also be cited for allowing misuse. Each person who needs one must have their own placard.
What if my doctor will not sign the form?
Your doctor may decline if they do not believe your condition limits your ability to walk. You can see a different doctor for a second opinion, or ask your current doctor to explain their reasoning. If you disagree with their assessment, you have the right to seek care from another provider. The DMV cannot override a doctor's medical judgment.
Do I need a placard if I have a disabled license plate?
No. A disabled license plate with the wheelchair symbol gives you the same parking rights as a placard. You only need one or the other, not both. If you have a plate, you do not need to display anything — the plate itself is your authorization.
How much does a disabled parking placard cost?
Disabled parking placards are free in California. There is no fee to explore, no fee to renew, and no fee to replace a lost or damaged placard. If someone tells you there is a cost, they are not representing the DMV.
Can I get a placard if I am visiting California from another state?
If you have a valid disabled parking permit from another state, California honors it. You can park in California disabled spaces with your out-of-state placard or plate. If you become a California resident, you will need to explore for a California placard within 30 days of establishing residency.