What the California DMV Disabled Placard Form Does

The California DMV disabled placard (also called a handicapped placard or disabled person placard) is a permit you display on your vehicle's dashboard or hang from the rearview mirror. It lets you park in designated accessible spaces without paying parking fees and for longer than the posted time limit. The placard is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles based on a medical certification form completed by a licensed physician, surgeon, or other may have access to healthcare provider.

You do not need to own the vehicle to get a placard — you can use it in any vehicle you are riding in. The placard is valid for two years from the date of issue, after which you must renew it. California also issues permanent placards for people whose disability is permanent, though these still require renewal every five years.

Key Takeaways

  • The medical certification form (DL 632) must be completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider — you cannot fill it out yourself or have a family member do it.
  • You submit the completed medical form to the DMV along with your process form (DL 631) and proof of California residency or vehicle registration.
  • The DMV processes disabled placard requests by mail; there is no online submission option, though you can read the forms from the DMV website.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the DMV receives your complete process, though times vary by location and volume.
  • If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new process with a statement explaining what happened.

Which Form You Need and Where to Get It

The main form is process for Disabled Person Placard or License Plates (Form DL 631). This is the process you fill out with your personal information, vehicle details, and the type of placard you want (temporary or permanent). You can read it from the California DMV website, pick it up at any DMV office, or request it by mail.

You also need Medical Certification for Disabled Person Placard or License Plates (Form DL 632). This is the form your healthcare provider completes. The provider must be a licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant in California. The form asks the provider to certify that you have a disability that limits your ability to walk, and to specify whether the disability is temporary or permanent.

Both forms are available free on the DMV website under "Forms and Publications." You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request forms by mail, though this adds time to the overall process.

How to Complete the process Form (DL 631)

Print the DL 631 form and fill it out completely in black or blue ink. Include your full legal name, date of birth, California driver's license number or identification card number, and current address. If you do not have a California ID, you can still get a placard — you will need to provide proof of residency instead (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

In the vehicle section, enter the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle you want to use the placard in. If you do not own a vehicle or want to use the placard in multiple vehicles, you can still get a placard — it is not tied to one car. Leave the vehicle section blank or write "Not applicable," and note in the process that you will use the placard in vehicles you ride in as a passenger.

Check the box for the type of placard you want: temporary (valid for two years) or permanent (valid for five years). Most people request temporary unless their healthcare provider certifies the disability as permanent and long-term. Sign and date the form.

Getting Your Healthcare Provider to Complete the Medical Form (DL 632)

Take the blank DL 632 form to your doctor, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The provider must have an active California license. The form asks the provider to state the nature of your disability, whether it is temporary or permanent, and to certify that your condition limits your ability to walk.

The provider must sign and date the form and include their license number and office address. If the provider is unsure about the form or has questions, they can contact the DMV directly — the form includes contact information. Some medical offices charge a small fee to complete the form; this is not a DMV fee but a fee set by the provider's office.

Do not submit the form to the DMV until it is fully completed and signed by the healthcare provider. The DMV will reject incomplete or unsigned medical forms and return them to you, which delays your placard.

Submitting Your process to the DMV

Mail both the completed DL 631 and DL 632 forms to the DMV address listed on the forms. Include a copy of your proof of identity and residency. If you have a California driver's license or ID card, a copy of that is sufficient. If you do not, include a copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of your process.

Do not staple or tape the forms together — use a paper clip or send them loose. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return your original documents. The DMV will keep copies for its records.

There is no online submission option for disabled placard applications. You must submit by mail. Processing takes approximately two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your complete process. If your process is incomplete or the medical form is not properly signed, the DMV will mail it back to you, and you will need to resubmit it.

What Happens After You Submit

The DMV reviews your process and medical certification. If everything is complete and correct, the DMV issues your placard and mails it to you. The placard comes with instructions on how to display it — either hanging from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard. Both methods are legal in California.

Your placard is valid for two years (temporary) or five years (permanent) from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the placard. You can renew your placard by submitting a new process and medical form before the current one expires. If you wait until after it expires, you must explore as if it is your first placard.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new DL 631 form with a statement explaining what happened. You do not need a new medical form if you are replacing a placard that has not yet expired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not submit the process without the medical form signed by a healthcare provider. The DMV cannot issue a placard based on your word alone or on a form signed by a family member, friend, or unlicensed person. This is the most common reason applications are rejected.

Do not use a medical form older than 60 days. If your healthcare provider completed the form more than two months ago, ask them to sign and date a new one. The DMV may reject forms that are too old.

Do not assume you can explore online or in person at a DMV office. Disabled placard applications are processed by mail only. Walk-in appointments at DMV offices cannot process these applications.

Do not forget to include proof of identity and residency. Without it, the DMV will return your process incomplete. A copy of your California driver's license is the easiest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled placard if I do not own a car?

Yes. The placard is not tied to vehicle ownership. You can use it in any vehicle you ride in — a family member's car, a friend's vehicle, a taxi, or a rideshare service. Leave the vehicle section of the process blank or write "Not applicable," and note that you will use the placard as a passenger.

How long does it take to get a disabled placard after I mail in my process?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your complete process. Times vary depending on the DMV's workload and your location. If your process is incomplete, the DMV will mail it back to you, which adds additional time.

What if my healthcare provider will not sign the medical form?

You will need to see a different provider. The form must be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant in California. If your regular doctor cannot or will not complete it, ask for a referral to another provider who can.

Can I renew my disabled placard before it expires?

Yes. You can submit a renewal process up to 60 days before your current placard expires. This ensures you do not have a gap in coverage while the DMV processes your renewal. Submit the DL 631 and a new DL 632 signed by your healthcare provider.

What if I lose my placard or it gets damaged?

Submit a new DL 631 form with a written statement explaining that your placard was lost or damaged. You do not need a new medical form if your current placard has not yet expired. The DMV will issue a replacement and mail it to you.