What the California disabled parking placard form does
The California disabled parking placard is a permit that lets you park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. You display it on your rearview mirror or dashboard, and it gives you the same parking rights as a disabled license plate — closer spaces, longer time limits, and exemption from meter fees in many places.
To get one, you fill out Form DL 44 (process for Disabled Person Parking Placard and Identification Card) at a DMV office or by mail. A doctor or other licensed medical professional must sign the form to confirm you have a may have access to disability. The form itself does not determine whether you get the placard — your medical provider's certification does.
California issues two types of placards: temporary (valid 6 months) and permanent (valid 2 years, then renewable). Which one you receive depends on what your doctor writes on the form about the expected duration of your condition.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL 44 requires a signature from a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner — not just any healthcare worker.
- You can submit the form in person at any DMV office, by mail to the address on the form, or through an authorized third party like a family member.
- Processing takes about two weeks by mail and is usually faster in person, though wait times vary by location.
- A temporary placard costs $0 and lasts 6 months; a permanent placard costs $0 and lasts 2 years, then requires renewal.
- You can have both a placard and a disabled license plate at the same time, or use either one alone.
Where to find and read Form DL 44
The official form is available on the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Search for "DL 44" or "disabled parking placard form" and you will find a PDF you can print at home. The form is also available in Spanish (Formulario DL 44).
You can pick up a printed copy at any DMV office without an appointment — just ask at the counter. If you are submitting by mail, you do not need to print it yourself; you can request one by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and they will mail it to you, though this adds time to the overall process.
Who can sign the medical certification section
Only certain licensed professionals can sign Form DL 44. California law limits this to: a physician (MD or DO), surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. Physician assistants, nurses without the practitioner credential, mental health counselors, and social workers cannot sign the form, even if they work in a medical office.
The person who signs must have examined you in person within the past 6 months. They cannot sign based on a phone call, email, or records alone. If your regular doctor is not on this list, ask them to refer you to someone who is, or contact your local county health department for a referral.
The medical provider does not submit the form themselves — you bring it to them, they sign it, and you submit it to the DMV. Some offices charge a small fee for this signature; others do not. Call ahead to ask.
How to submit the form to the DMV
You have three options: in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized representative.
In person: Bring the completed and signed Form DL 44, your driver's license or ID card, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days) to any DMV office. You do not need an appointment. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and you may receive your placard the same day or within a week by mail.
By mail: Send the signed form, a copy of your driver's license or ID card (front and back), and proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return your ID card. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.
Through a representative: A family member, friend, or authorized agent can submit the form on your behalf. They must bring the original signed form, your ID card or a copy of it, proof of residency, and a signed statement from you authorizing them to act on your behalf (a straightforward letter is fine).
What happens after you submit the form
The DMV reviews your form to make sure it is complete and the medical provider's signature is valid. If something is missing or unclear, they will contact you by mail or phone. If everything is in order, they issue the placard and mail it to the address on your form.
A temporary placard is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. A permanent placard is valid for 2 years. When your placard expires, you can renew it by submitting a new Form DL 44 with an updated medical certification — you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
Once you receive your placard, hang it on your rearview mirror so it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. If you lose or damage it, you can request a replacement by submitting a new form or by visiting a DMV office with your ID.
Scams and safety alerts
Do not buy a disabled parking placard from anyone online or through a private seller. Placards are issued only by the California DMV and cannot be transferred between people. Buying or selling a placard is a crime, and using a placard that is not registered to your vehicle can result in fines and towing.
Be cautious of websites that claim to "fast-track" your placard process or may provide approval. The DMV does not partner with third-party services to process these forms. You can submit the form yourself for free, and there is no faster official route than the standard DMV process.
Do not provide your personal information (Social Security number, driver's license number, or banking details) to anyone claiming to help you with this form. The DMV will never ask for these details by email or phone to process a placard request.
Temporary vs. permanent placard: what your doctor decides
Your medical provider decides whether to certify you for a temporary or permanent placard based on the expected duration of your condition. If your disability is permanent or expected to last more than 6 months, they will check the "permanent" box. If it is temporary or healing (such as a broken leg in a cast), they will check the "temporary" box.
A temporary placard is valid for 6 months and cannot be renewed — once it expires, you must submit a new form with a new medical certification. A permanent placard is valid for 2 years and can be renewed by submitting a new form before or after expiration.
If your condition changes — for example, you recover from a temporary injury or your permanent condition worsens — you can request a new placard at any time. There is no penalty for changing from temporary to permanent or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's disabled parking placard if I am driving their car?
No. The placard is registered to a specific vehicle and person. Only the person whose name is on the placard can use it, and only in the vehicle it is registered to. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in fines and towing.
Do I need a disabled license plate if I already have a placard?
No. A placard and a disabled license plate provide the same parking rights. You can have one, the other, or both, depending on your preference. A placard is easier to move between vehicles; a plate stays with the car. Many people use a placard for flexibility.
What if my doctor will not sign the form?
If your regular doctor cannot or will not sign, ask for a referral to another licensed provider on the approved list (physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner). You can also contact your county health department or a local disability services organization for a referral to a provider who can examine you and sign the form.
How long does it take to get a placard by mail?
The DMV typically processes mail submissions within two weeks of receiving your envelope. Delivery time depends on postal service speed. If you need a placard urgently, submitting in person at a DMV office is faster — you may receive it the same day or within a week.
Can I renew my placard before it expires?
Yes. You can submit a renewal form at any time, even if your current placard has not expired yet. The new placard will be valid for 6 months (temporary) or 2 years (permanent) from the date of issue, regardless of when the old one was set to expire.