CA DMV Form 256 is the process for Disabled Person Placard

Form 256 is the official California Department of Motor Vehicles document you submit to request a disabled person placard — the blue and white permit that lets you park in accessible spaces. You fill it out and send it to your local DMV office along with a medical certification from a licensed physician, optometrist, or other may have access to provider. The form itself asks for your personal information, vehicle details, and the reason you need the placard.

The placard is not the same as a license plate. It hangs from your rearview mirror and is portable — you can use it in any vehicle you are driving or riding in. You do not need to own the car. The form is free, and there is no fee to obtain the placard itself, though some people pay a small amount if they request a replacement after losing one.

California issues two types of placards: permanent ones (valid for five years) and temporary ones (valid for six months). Form 256 is used for both. Which type you receive depends on what your medical provider certifies on the accompanying medical form.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 256 requires a medical certification from a licensed provider — you cannot submit the form without this document, and the DMV will not accept a self-certification or letter from a non-licensed person.
  • You must mail the completed form and medical certification to your local DMV office; you cannot submit it online or in person without mailing first in most cases.
  • The placard is valid in any vehicle you are in, not just one you own, and you can transfer it between cars without notifying the DMV.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your complete process, though this varies by office and current volume.
  • If your condition changes or your placard is lost or stolen, you will need to submit a new Form 256 with updated medical documentation.

What Information You Need to Provide on Form 256

The form asks for your full name, date of birth, California driver's license number or identification card number, and current mailing address. If you do not have a California ID, you can still request a placard — the DMV will accept other forms of identification. You will also need to provide your phone number and email address if you have one.

In the vehicle section, you list the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you plan to use the placard in most often. This is optional information — the placard works in any vehicle, so you do not have to register a specific car. However, providing this information can help the DMV track the placard if it is lost or stolen.

The form includes a section where you describe your disability or medical condition in your own words. This is not a diagnosis — you are straightforward explaining why you need accessible parking. Common reasons include mobility impairment, chronic pain, respiratory disease, or visual impairment. You do not need to be extremely detailed; a sentence or two is sufficient.

The Medical Certification Requirement

You cannot submit Form 256 without a medical certification form completed by a licensed provider. California accepts certifications from physicians, surgeons, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The provider must be licensed in California or another state.

The medical form (usually provided by the DMV or your provider) asks the provider to confirm that your condition meets one of the state's criteria for a disabled person placard. These criteria include difficulty walking 200 feet without stopping to rest, inability to walk without information, severe limitation of lung or heart function, or significant visual impairment. Your provider checks the box or boxes that explore and signs the form.

You do not need a new medical certification every time you renew your placard, but you do need one when you first explore. If your placard is temporary (six months), you will need a new certification when you reapply. Permanent placards last five years, and you will need updated medical documentation when that five-year period ends.

How to Submit Form 256 to the DMV

Print Form 256 from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at your local DMV office. Complete all sections in black or blue ink. Attach the medical certification form signed by your provider. Do not submit the form online — mail it to your local DMV office along with the medical documentation.

Include a copy of your driver's license or identification card front and back. If you do not have a California ID, include a copy of your passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. Mail everything together in an envelope to the address listed on the form or on the DMV website for your county.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The DMV does not send a receipt, so having your own copy helps if you need to follow up. Processing time is typically two to four weeks, but during busy periods it may take longer. You can call your local DMV office to check the status of your process if you have not heard back after four weeks.

What Happens After You Submit

Once the DMV receives your complete process, a staff member reviews the medical certification to confirm it meets state requirements. If everything is in order, the DMV approves your request and mails the placard to your address. You do not need to do anything else — the placard arrives ready to use.

If the DMV finds an issue — for example, the medical form is incomplete or the provider is not licensed in California — they will mail you a notice explaining what is missing. You then have 30 days to submit the corrected or additional documentation. If you do not respond within 30 days, your process is denied and you must start over with a new Form 256.

Once you receive your placard, hang it from your rearview mirror with the expiration date facing outward. The placard is valid when ready upon receipt. You can use it in any vehicle, and you do not need to register it with the DMV or notify them when you switch cars.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must submit a new Form 256 with an updated medical certification. You cannot straightforward request a replacement without resubmitting the medical form. However, if your condition has not changed, your provider can usually complete the certification quickly — many offices will do this over the phone or by email.

If your placard was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though this is not required by the DMV. Some people include a copy of the police report with their replacement process to document the theft, but the DMV does not require it.

Replacement placards follow the same processing timeline as new applications — two to four weeks. If you need a placard urgently, call your local DMV office to ask if they can expedite the request or if you can pick up a temporary placard in person while your process is being processed.

When Your Placard Expires

The expiration date is printed on your placard. Temporary placards expire after six months; permanent placards expire after five years. You can continue using your placard up to and including the expiration date. After that date, the placard is no longer valid and you cannot park in accessible spaces.

To renew a permanent placard, submit a new Form 256 with an updated medical certification at least 30 days before the expiration date. This gives the DMV time to process your renewal and mail the new placard before the old one expires. If your placard expires before you receive the new one, you will not have a valid permit during that gap, so plan ahead.

If your condition has improved and you no longer need the placard, you can return it to the DMV or straightforward stop using it. There is no penalty for not renewing, and you do not need to notify the DMV that you are no longer using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else use my placard if I am not in the car?

No. The placard is issued to you personally and is only valid when you are in the vehicle. If someone else parks using your placard without you present, that is misuse and can result in a citation and fine. The placard must be removed from the mirror when you are not in the car.

Do I need to renew my placard if I move to a different county?

No. Your placard is valid throughout California regardless of which county you live in. You do not need to notify the DMV or reapply if you move. However, if you move out of California, your placard is no longer valid and you will need to follow the rules of your new state.

What if my medical provider will not complete the certification form?

You will need to find another licensed provider who can complete it. If your regular doctor is unwilling, you can see another physician, optometrist, or other may have access to provider specifically to obtain the certification. Some urgent care clinics and walk-in medical offices will complete the form for a fee if your regular provider cannot.

Can I get a placard if I have a temporary or short-term condition?

Yes. If your condition is expected to last six months or less, your provider can certify you for a temporary placard. Temporary placards are valid for six months and do not renew automatically — you must reapply if you still need one after six months.

Is there a fee for Form 256 or the placard?

Form 256 itself is free. The disabled person placard is also free the first time you receive it. If you lose your placard and need a replacement, some DMV offices charge a small replacement fee, though this varies by location. Call your local DMV office to confirm whether a replacement fee applies in your area.