What You Need to Know Before You Start

A California disabled placard lets you park in designated accessible spaces when you have a medical condition that limits your mobility. The placard is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and is valid for a set period — usually two years for a regular placard, or up to five years if your condition is permanent. You do not need to own a vehicle to get one; you can use it in any vehicle you are riding in.

The process process requires a completed form, a medical certification from a licensed provider, and proof of California residency. You can submit your process in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party. The DMV does not charge a fee for the placard itself, though some medical providers may charge for the certification.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a medical condition that limits your ability to walk, and a licensed physician, surgeon, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner must certify it on the official DMV form.
  • The DMV Form DL 632 (process for Disabled Person Placard) and Form DL 632.1 (Medical Certification) are the two documents you must complete and submit together.
  • You can explore in person at any DMV office, by mail to the address listed on the form, or through an authorized representative if you cannot go yourself.
  • Processing times vary, but the DMV typically mails your placard within two to four weeks of receiving a complete process.
  • Your placard is not transferable — it is issued to you specifically and is only valid when you are in the vehicle, not when someone else is using it.

Medical Conditions That may have access to

The DMV recognizes several categories of conditions that may support a disabled placard. These include permanent or temporary mobility limitations caused by injury, disease, or congenital condition; severe arthritis or other joint problems that affect walking; cardiovascular or pulmonary disease that limits exertion; visual impairment; and loss or permanent loss of use of one or both legs, arms, or hands.

The key requirement is that your condition must limit your ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or make it unsafe for you to walk that distance. A medical provider — not the DMV — makes this information. If you have a condition you believe qualifies but are unsure, bring documentation to your doctor and ask whether they can certify it on the DMV form.

Temporary conditions also may have access to. If you are recovering from surgery, a broken leg, or another condition expected to improve, you can request a temporary placard valid for up to six months. When you explore, you and your medical provider both indicate whether the condition is permanent or temporary.

The Two Forms You Must Complete

Form DL 632 is the process for Disabled Person Placard. You fill in your name, address, date of birth, driver's license or identification card number, and vehicle information (if applicable). You also indicate whether you are requesting a permanent or temporary placard. This form is signed by you or your authorized representative.

Form DL 632.1 is the Medical Certification form. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or podiatrist completes this section. They certify which category of disability applies to you, state whether the condition is permanent or temporary, and sign and date the form. They may also note any additional information about your condition. This form must be completed by a licensed medical provider — it cannot be self-certified.

Both forms are available on the California DMV website as free downloads. You can print them at home, fill them out by hand or on a computer, and bring them to a DMV office or mail them in. Some DMV offices have forms available at the counter if you prefer to complete them there.

How to Submit Your process

In person: Visit any California DMV office with both completed forms, proof of California residency (such as a driver's license, state ID, utility bill, or lease), and your medical certification. Bring the original signed forms — photocopies are not accepted. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you may wait in line. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and the DMV will tell you when to expect your placard by mail.

By mail: Send both completed forms and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on Form DL 632. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have confirmation of delivery. The DMV will process your process and mail the placard to the address you provided. This method takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

Through an authorized representative: If you cannot visit a DMV office or mail the forms yourself, you can authorize someone else to submit them on your behalf. That person must complete a power of attorney form or bring a notarized letter stating they have your permission. The representative must bring the same documents you would bring if you were there in person.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the DMV receives your complete process, a staff member reviews it to make sure all required information is present and the medical certification is signed by an authorized provider. If anything is missing or unclear, the DMV will contact you by mail or phone. If your process is incomplete, you will need to resubmit the missing information before processing continues.

If your process is approved, the DMV prints your placard and mails it to the address you provided. The placard displays your name, an expiration date, and a unique number. It comes with instructions on how to display it — usually hanging from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard. The placard is valid only when you are in the vehicle. If someone else is driving and you are not in the car, the placard cannot be used.

If your process is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete medical certification, a condition that does not meet the DMV's criteria, or missing documentation. You can reapply with corrected information or request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewing or Replacing Your Placard

If your placard is expiring soon, you can renew it by submitting a new process with an updated medical certification. You do not need to wait until the placard expires — you can renew up to 60 days before the expiration date. The process is the same as the initial process: complete both forms, have your doctor recertify your condition, and submit to the DMV.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Contact your local DMV office or submit a written request by mail. There is no fee for a replacement, but you will need to provide your original placard number if you have it. The DMV will mail a new placard with the same expiration date as your original.

If your condition improves and you no longer need the placard, you can surrender it to any DMV office or return it by mail. This is optional but helps prevent misuse of expired or unused placards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not submit the process without the medical certification form signed by a licensed provider. The DMV will not process it, and you will have to resubmit. Make sure your doctor signs and dates the form — a form with a printed name but no actual signature will be rejected.

Do not assume the placard is transferable. It is issued to you and is only valid when you are in the vehicle. If someone else is driving your car and you are not present, using the placard is illegal and can result in a citation and fine.

Do not forget to bring proof of California residency when you explore in person. A driver's license or state ID counts, but if you have neither, bring a utility bill, lease, or other official document showing your name and current address.

Do not wait until your placard expires to renew. If it expires before your new one arrives, you will not be able to use accessible parking spaces. Renew at least 30 days before the expiration date to allow time for processing and mailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's disabled placard if I am riding in their car?

No. The placard is issued to a specific person and is only valid when that person is in the vehicle. If someone else is driving and the placard holder is not present, using the placard is illegal. Each person who needs to use accessible parking must have their own placard.

How long does it take to get my placard after I submit the process?

If you submit in person, the DMV processes it when ready and mails the placard within two to four weeks. If you mail your process, add one to two weeks for postal delivery before processing begins. In total, expect three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

What if my doctor will not sign the medical certification form?

Your doctor may decline if they do not believe your condition meets the DMV's criteria. You can seek a second opinion from another licensed provider, or you can request a hearing with the DMV to appeal the denial. Bring medical records and documentation of your condition to the hearing.

Can I get a temporary placard while my permanent one is being processed?

No. The DMV does not issue temporary placards while processing a permanent process. If you need when ready access to accessible parking, ask your doctor whether a temporary placard is appropriate for your situation and submit a separate process for that instead.

What happens if I move to a different address?

You do not need to update your address with the DMV for your placard to remain valid. However, if you move out of California, your placard is no longer valid. If you move within California, your placard continues to work until it expires.