What form you need and where to get it
The form you need is called the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plates, officially known as Form DL 625. This is the only form the California DMV accepts to request a handicap placard. You can get it directly from the DMV website, at any DMV office, or by calling 1-800-777-0133 to have one mailed to you.
The form itself is free. There is a one-time fee of $1 to issue the placard, though some people with certain disabilities may not pay this fee — the DMV will tell you during processing if you may have access to for a waiver. The placard lasts four years before you need to renew it.
You do not fill out this form alone. A licensed physician, surgeon, or other may have access to medical professional must sign it after examining you. This means you will need to bring the blank form to your doctor's office, have them complete their section, and then submit the whole thing to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL 625 is the only form the California DMV accepts for a handicap placard, and you can get it free from the DMV website, any DMV office, or by phone.
- A licensed doctor or medical professional must examine you and sign the form before you send it to the DMV — you cannot submit it without their signature.
- The DMV processes the form by mail or in person, and the placard is valid for four years from the date it is issued.
- You will need to provide proof of your identity and residency along with the completed form, such as a driver's license or state ID and a recent utility bill.
What the form asks for and what your doctor needs to certify
Form DL 625 has two main sections: one for you to fill out and one for your medical provider. In your section, you provide your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license or state ID number. You also indicate whether you are requesting a placard (which hangs from your mirror and moves between vehicles) or permanent license plates (which stay with one vehicle).
The medical section asks your doctor to confirm that you have a permanent disability that limits your ability to walk. The form lists specific conditions — such as severe arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes with complications, or mobility impairment — but your doctor can also certify other conditions that substantially limit walking. Your doctor does not need to write a separate letter; their signature on the form is enough.
Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address when you visit your doctor. Some offices may ask for your insurance card as well. If you do not have a regular doctor, you can visit an urgent care clinic or a disability evaluation clinic; many will complete the form for a small fee, usually between $20 and $50.
How to submit the form to the DMV
Once your doctor has signed the form, you have two options: mail it to the DMV or bring it in person to a DMV office. If you mail it, send the completed Form DL 625 along with a copy of your driver's license or state ID to the address listed on the form itself. Include a check or money order for $1 unless you have been told you may have access to for a fee waiver.
Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks. If you need the placard sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person with the completed form, your ID, and the $1 fee. In-person processing is often faster, sometimes the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Do not send the original form by email or fax — the DMV only accepts it by mail or in person. If you are unsure whether your form is complete, call 1-800-777-0133 before mailing it.
Temporary versus permanent placards
Form DL 625 lets you choose between a temporary placard and a permanent one. A temporary placard is valid for six months and is meant for people whose disability may improve or change. A permanent placard is valid for four years and is for people with long-term or lifelong disabilities.
Your doctor decides which type to recommend based on your condition. If your disability is expected to last at least two years, your doctor will usually recommend the permanent placard. If you are unsure which one applies to you, ask your doctor during the appointment — they will indicate it on the form.
Both types look similar and work the same way. The main difference is how long you can use them before renewing. When your placard expires, you will need to submit a new Form DL 625 with a fresh doctor's signature to get a replacement.
What to do if your form is rejected or incomplete
The DMV may reject your form if your doctor did not sign it, if the signature is illegible, if required fields are blank, or if the form is damaged. If this happens, the DMV will send you a notice explaining what is missing. You will need to contact your doctor again to fix the problem and resubmit.
Common reasons for rejection include a doctor's signature that is too faint to read, a missing date on the doctor's signature, or a blank field in your personal information section. Before you mail the form, check that every line your doctor was supposed to fill is complete and that you have signed and dated your own section as well.
If you do not hear from the DMV within four weeks of mailing, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Scam alert: Fake placard services and online form sellers
Do not pay anyone online to "process" your handicap placard process or to sell you a pre-made placard. These services are scams. The only legal way to get a California handicap placard is through the DMV using Form DL 625 signed by a real doctor who has examined you. No website, app, or third party can bypass this requirement.
Fake placards are illegal to use and can result in fines up to $250 and loss of parking privileges. If you see someone selling placards online or claiming they can get you one without a doctor's exam, report it to the California DMV's fraud line at 1-800-777-0133.
Be cautious of websites that charge you to read Form DL 625. The form is free from the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) and from any DMV office. If a site is asking for money just to give you the form, it is not legitimate.
Renewing your placard when it expires
When your placard is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail. You will need to submit a new Form DL 625 with a fresh doctor's signature. You cannot renew by phone or online — you must go through the same process as the first time.
Start the renewal process at least one month before your placard expires. This gives you time to schedule a doctor's appointment and mail the form without running out of time. If your placard expires before the DMV processes your renewal, you cannot legally use the old one, so plan ahead.
If you lose your placard or it is damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new Form DL 625 or by visiting a DMV office with your ID and a small fee. The DMV can sometimes issue a replacement the same day if you go in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a handicap placard without going to a doctor?
No. California law requires a licensed physician, surgeon, or other may have access to medical professional to examine you and sign Form DL 625. The DMV will not process the form without a doctor's signature. If you do not have a regular doctor, you can visit an urgent care clinic or disability evaluation clinic to have the form completed.
How long does it take to get a placard after I mail the form?
Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks. If you submit the form in person at a DMV office, you may receive your placard the same day, though this depends on how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your local DMV.
What if my disability gets better and I no longer need the placard?
You can return your placard to any DMV office or mail it back to the DMV. You are not required to keep using it if your condition improves. If you return it early, you may be able to request a refund of the $1 fee, though this varies by situation.
Can I use someone else's handicap placard if they let me borrow it?
No. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine. Each placard is issued to one person only. If you need your own placard, you must submit your own Form DL 625 with your own doctor's signature.
What if I move to a different state — is my California placard still valid?
Your California placard is valid only in California. If you move to another state, you will need to explore for a handicap placard through that state's DMV or equivalent agency. Most states have similar processes but different forms and requirements.