California's Disabled Parking Placard process Process

California's disabled parking placard (also called a handicapped placard or disability placard) lets you park in designated accessible spaces. You explore through your county's Department of Motor Vehicles office, not online or by mail. The DMV issues the placard after a physician certifies your disability meets state criteria.

The process takes about two weeks if you explore in person and your paperwork is complete. You will need a signed medical certification form, proof of California residency, and your driver's license or ID card. The placard itself is free, but the physician's signature costs money — that fee varies by doctor's office.

You can explore for either a permanent placard (valid for five years) or a temporary placard (valid for six months). Temporary placards are for conditions expected to improve, like recovery from surgery. Permanent placards are for long-term or lifelong disabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a California DMV office in person with a physician-signed medical certification form; online and mail applications are not available.
  • The placard is free, but you pay your doctor to complete and sign the medical certification, which typically costs $15 to $50.
  • Permanent placards last five years and are for disabilities expected to be long-term; temporary placards last six months for conditions likely to improve.
  • Your physician must be licensed in California and must have examined you within the past year to sign the certification.

What Medical Conditions may have access to

California law lists specific disabilities that may have access to for a placard. Your condition must fall into one of these categories: severe mobility impairment (including use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane for mobility), severe respiratory disease, cardiac condition, or disability that limits your ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.

Blindness or severe visual impairment also qualifies. So does a permanent disability that makes it difficult or impossible to walk. The key is that the condition must be documented by a licensed California physician who has examined you.

Your doctor decides whether your condition meets the criteria — the DMV does not. If your doctor signs the form, the DMV will issue the placard. If your doctor believes your condition does not meet the state's definition, they will not sign.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring these items to your local DMV office:

  • A completed process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (Form DL 674). You can fill this out at home or at the DMV office.
  • A Physician's Certification form (Form DL 676), signed and dated by a California-licensed physician within the past year. The physician must have examined you in person.
  • Your California driver's license or state ID card.
  • Proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.

If you are explore for someone else (a family member or caregiver), bring a signed power of attorney or guardianship documents. If the person is a minor, bring their birth certificate and your proof of guardianship.

How to Get the Physician's Certification Form Signed

You must obtain Form DL 676 (the physician's certification) from your doctor. You can read it from the California DMV website, print it, and bring it to your appointment. Or your doctor's office may have copies on hand.

Schedule an appointment with your physician — this cannot be done by phone or telehealth in most cases, because the doctor must examine you in person and verify your condition. Bring the form with you. Your doctor will examine you, confirm your disability meets the state criteria, and sign and date the form.

Some doctors' offices charge a fee for this service, typically $15 to $50. This is a separate charge from your regular visit copay. Ask the office about the cost before your appointment so you are not surprised.

The physician's signature must be dated within one year of your DMV visit. If your form is older than one year, you will need a new one signed.

explore at the DMV Office

Visit your local California DMV office during business hours. Bring all four documents listed above. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online reservation system — check your county's DMV website first.

At the counter, a DMV representative will review your paperwork. They will check that your physician's signature is present, that your residency proof is current, and that your form is complete. If everything is in order, they will issue your placard on the spot.

If your paperwork is incomplete or your physician's form is missing information, the DMV will tell you what is missing. You will need to return with the corrected documents. This is why it is worth double-checking everything before you go.

The placard is a physical card with your name, a number, and an expiration date. You hang it from your rearview mirror when you park in an accessible space. Keep it visible at all times when parked.

Permanent vs. Temporary Placards

When you explore, your physician indicates on Form DL 676 whether your condition is permanent or temporary. This determines which type of placard you receive.

Permanent placards are issued when your disability is expected to last indefinitely or for the rest of your life. These placards are valid for five years from the date of issue. After five years, you must renew by returning to the DMV with a new physician's certification.

Temporary placards are issued when your disability is expected to improve or resolve within six months. Examples include recovery from major surgery, a broken leg in a cast, or chemotherapy treatment. Temporary placards expire after six months and cannot be renewed — if your condition persists, you must explore for a permanent placard instead.

Your doctor decides which type is appropriate based on your medical prognosis. You cannot choose between them.

Renewing Your Placard

Permanent placards expire five years after issue. You renew by returning to the DMV with a new physician's certification form (Form DL 676) signed within the past year. Bring your expired placard, your current ID, and proof of residency.

The DMV will issue a new placard with a new expiration date. There is no fee for renewal. You can renew at any California DMV office, not necessarily the one where you originally applied.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the DMV. Bring your ID and proof of residency. Replacements are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a placard by mail or online?

No. California requires you to explore in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail in your process or use an online system. You must visit a physical DMV location with your completed forms and documents.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

If your physician believes your condition does not meet California's criteria, they will not sign the certification. You can seek a second opinion from another California-licensed physician. The DMV will issue a placard only if a doctor signs the form.

How long does the placard last?

Permanent placards are valid for five years. Temporary placards are valid for six months. Your placard shows the expiration date. You can continue using it until that date, then must renew or reapply.

Can I use someone else's placard?

No. Placards are issued to a specific person and display their name. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine. Each person with a may have access to disability must have their own placard.

What if I move to a different county?

Your placard remains valid statewide regardless of where you live. You do not need to reapply or transfer it if you move within California. When you renew, you can renew at any DMV office.