What the California DMV Handicap Form Does

The California DMV handicap form — officially called the process for Disabled Person Placard or License Plate (Form DL 625) — is how you request a disabled parking placard or special license plate that lets you park in accessible spaces. A doctor fills out part of the form to confirm you have a medical condition that limits mobility, and you submit it to the DMV. If approved, you receive either a hanging placard (which you move between vehicles) or a permanent or temporary license plate (which stays on one vehicle).

The form itself does not determine whether you get the placard. A licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, or optometrist must sign it, confirming that your condition meets California's definition of disability for parking purposes. The DMV then reviews the medical certification and either approves or denies your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 625 requires a doctor's signature confirming a mobility-limiting condition; you cannot submit it without medical certification.
  • You can request a placard (temporary or permanent), a permanent license plate, or a temporary license plate — each has different costs and renewal timelines.
  • The form is available free from the DMV website, any DMV office, or by mail request, and you can submit it by mail, in person, or online through your DMV account.
  • Processing takes roughly two to four weeks by mail; in-person submission at a DMV office may be faster depending on wait times.
  • Disabled placards and plates are not transferable to other people, and misuse (parking in accessible spaces without authorization) carries fines and potential placard revocation.

Which Type of Placard or Plate to Request

California offers three options, and the form lets you choose which one fits your situation. A temporary placard is valid for six months and costs nothing; it is a good choice if your condition is expected to improve or if you are testing whether you need one before committing to a permanent option. A permanent placard is valid for four years, costs $20, and is designed for long-term or lifelong disabilities. A permanent license plate costs $20 and stays on one vehicle; unlike a placard, you cannot move it to a different car, but it is harder to lose or forget.

Some people request a temporary license plate instead, valid for six months and costing nothing, if they prefer a plate to a placard. The choice between placard and plate often comes down to convenience: placards work on any vehicle you drive (you just move it), while plates are tied to one car's registration. If you drive multiple vehicles or borrow cars frequently, a placard is usually more practical.

How to Fill Out Form DL 625

You fill out the top section of the form with your name, driver's license number, address, and phone number. You then choose which type of placard or plate you want (temporary placard, permanent placard, permanent plate, or temporary plate). The form also asks whether you are the registered owner of the vehicle or a driver of a vehicle registered to someone else — this matters for plate requests, since a plate is tied to a specific vehicle registration.

The critical part is the medical certification section. You must take the form to a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, or optometrist in California. That doctor examines you, confirms that you have a condition that substantially limits your ability to walk (or, in some cases, limits your ability to use your arms or hands in a way that affects driving), and signs the form. The doctor does not submit the form — you do. California law requires that the medical certification be no more than 60 days old when you submit it to the DMV.

Where to Submit the Form

You have three submission routes. By mail: Print the form, have your doctor sign it, and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form (usually your local DMV office). Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. In person: Bring the signed form and your ID to any DMV office. You can often get faster service this way, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Online: If you have a California DMV online account, you can upload the signed form through your account portal; this route is often the fastest.

Do not mail cash. If you owe a fee (for a permanent placard, permanent plate, or temporary plate), the DMV will bill you or you can pay when you submit in person. Temporary placards and temporary plates are free.

What Happens After You Submit

The DMV reviews your form and the doctor's certification. If everything is in order, they approve your request and mail you the placard or plate within two to four weeks. If the form is incomplete, missing the doctor's signature, or the medical certification is older than 60 days, the DMV will deny it and send you a notice explaining why. You can then correct the problem and resubmit.

Once you receive your placard or plate, it is yours to use — but only you. California law prohibits lending your placard or plate to anyone else, even family members. If someone else parks in an accessible space using your placard or plate without your permission, you can report it to local law enforcement. If you misuse your own placard (for example, parking in an accessible space when you are not the one driving), you can be fined and the DMV can revoke it.

Renewing or Replacing Your Placard or Plate

Temporary placards and temporary plates expire after six months and cannot be renewed; you must reapply with a new Form DL 625 and a fresh doctor's certification if you still need one. Permanent placards expire after four years; the DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Permanent license plates do not expire as long as your vehicle registration is active, but if your vehicle registration lapses, the plate becomes invalid.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new Form DL 625 or by contacting your local DMV office. Replacement placards usually arrive within two to three weeks. If your condition improves and you no longer need the placard or plate, you can surrender it to the DMV or straightforward let it expire.

Scams and Safety Alerts

Do not buy a disabled placard or plate from anyone other than the California DMV. Fraudulent placards are sold online and at swap meets; using one is a crime and can result in fines up to $1,000 and vehicle impoundment. The DMV placard has specific security features (a serial number, expiration date, and the DMV seal) that are difficult to counterfeit but straightforward for law enforcement to verify.

Be cautious of websites or services claiming they can "speed up" your DMV process or "may provide" approval. The DMV does not work with third-party services, and no one can may provide approval — only your doctor's certification and the DMV's review determine the outcome. If a website asks you to pay a fee to submit your form or claims to have a special relationship with the DMV, it is a scam.

If you lose your placard, report it to the DMV when ready so it cannot be misused by someone else. If you see someone using a disabled placard or plate illegally (for example, a person without a visible disability parking in an accessible space), you can report the license plate number to local law enforcement, but do not confront the person directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled placard if my condition is temporary?

Yes. A temporary placard is valid for six months and is free. You can request it if your doctor certifies that your condition limits your mobility, even if you expect to recover. When the six months are up, you can reapply if you still need one, or let it expire.

What if my doctor is not in California?

Your doctor must be licensed in California to sign Form DL 625. If your regular doctor is out of state, you will need to see a California-licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, or optometrist for the certification. Many urgent care clinics and walk-in medical offices can provide this if you explain what you need.

Can I use someone else's disabled placard if they give me permission?

No. California law prohibits lending or using a disabled placard or plate that is not issued to you, even with the owner's permission. Both you and the placard owner can be fined. Each person who needs a placard must have their own.

How much does a disabled placard cost?

Temporary placards and temporary plates are free. Permanent placards and permanent license plates each cost $20. The fee is a one-time charge for a four-year placard or a permanent plate (as long as your vehicle registration stays active).

What if the DMV denies my request?

The DMV will send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete forms, missing doctor's signature, or medical certification older than 60 days. You can correct the problem and resubmit. If you believe the denial was wrong, you can request a hearing through the DMV's administrative review process.