California Handicap Placard Renewal: What You Need to Know

California handicap placards expire every two years. The DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your placard expires — the expiration date is printed on the front of your placard. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail because it requires no office visit and takes about two weeks to arrive.

You do not need a new medical evaluation to renew unless your placard was issued under temporary disability status (which lasts only six months). If your disability status has changed or you are renewing a temporary placard, you will need a new process form signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV mails renewal notices 60 days before your placard expires; the expiration date is on the front of your current placard.
  • Permanent placard holders renew by mail with just the renewal notice and payment — no new medical form required.
  • Temporary placard holders must submit a new medical process form to renew, because temporary status lasts only six months.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster but requires a California driver's license or ID card with a valid digital signature.
  • If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone at 1-800-777-0133 or visit your local DMV office.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is the most common route. When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, it will include a prepaid envelope and instructions. Sign the notice where indicated, include your payment (the current fee is $0 for permanent placards and $0 for temporary placards, though this can change), and mail it back in the prepaid envelope.

Do not include your current placard with the renewal — keep it until the new one arrives. The DMV will mail your renewed placard to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it on the renewal notice before mailing. Expect the new placard to arrive within 10 to 14 business days.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and ask them to mail you a renewal form, or visit a DMV office in person to request one. Some DMV offices allow you to pick up a form the same day.

Renewing Online

Online renewal is available through the DMV website if you have a California driver's license or ID card issued after January 1, 2018. Your license or ID must have a digital signature on file with the DMV. You will need to log in with your driver's license or ID number and date of birth.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will confirm your personal information, review the renewal fee, and submit payment by credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your renewed placard within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal and you receive a confirmation email when ready.

If you attempt online renewal and the system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it usually means your placard is a temporary one or your license does not have a digital signature on file. In that case, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

You can renew your placard at any DMV office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current placard, your renewal notice (if you have it), and payment. You will fill out a short form, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new placard on the spot.

In-person renewal is the fastest option if you need the placard when ready — you walk out with it the same day. This is useful if your current placard is about to expire and you have not received a renewal notice, or if you need to update your address or vehicle information at the same time.

Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will typically wait less than 30 minutes. You can check wait times for your local office on the DMV website before you go.

Renewing a Temporary Placard

Temporary placards are issued for six months only and require a new medical evaluation to renew. You cannot renew a temporary placard by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office in person or submit a new process by mail with a completed medical form.

To renew a temporary placard, you need a new process form (Form DL 625) signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The form must state that your disability is expected to last at least six months. You can obtain the form from a DMV office, read it from the DMV website, or have your doctor's office send it directly to the DMV.

Submit the completed medical form and process to your local DMV office in person, or mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks by mail. If you renew in person, you will receive your new temporary placard the same day, provided the medical form is complete and signed.

What to Do If You Do Not Receive a Renewal Notice

The DMV mails renewal notices to the address on file with your driver's license or ID card. If you have moved and did not update your address, the notice may go to your old address. Check your current address on your driver's license by visiting the DMV website or calling 1-800-777-0133.

If your address is correct but you still have not received a notice 45 days before your placard expires, call the DMV and request that they mail you a renewal form. You can also visit a DMV office and ask for a renewal form in person. Do not wait until your placard expires — renew as soon as you realize the notice did not arrive.

If your placard has already expired, you can still renew it. Bring your expired placard to a DMV office or mail it with a renewal form. The DMV will issue a new placard with a new two-year expiration date from the date of renewal.

Fees and Payment

California does not charge a fee to renew a permanent handicap placard. Temporary placard renewals also have no fee. Payment is required only if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged placard, or if you are requesting a duplicate placard for a second vehicle.

If you are paying by mail, include a check or money order made out to "DMV". If you are renewing online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only). Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my placard expires?

The expiration date is printed on the front of your placard in the upper right corner. It shows the month and year. The DMV also mails a renewal notice about 60 days before the expiration date, which includes the same date.

Can I renew my placard if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail from anywhere. Mail your signed renewal notice and payment to the DMV address listed on the renewal form. You can also renew online if you have a California driver's license or ID with a digital signature. You cannot renew in person at a DMV office outside California.

What if my disability status has changed since I got my placard?

If you no longer have a disability that meets the criteria, contact your local DMV office and ask to surrender your placard. If your disability has changed but you still meet the criteria, you can renew normally. If you are unsure, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and describe your situation.

Can someone else renew my placard for me?

For mail renewal, yes — someone can mail the signed renewal notice and payment on your behalf. For online renewal, no — you must log in yourself with your driver's license or ID number. For in-person renewal, someone can go to the DMV office with your placard and renewal notice, but you may be asked to sign a power of attorney form.

What if my placard was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen placard is not a renewal — it is a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee and receive a new placard with a new expiration date. Report the loss to your local DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133. You can request a replacement by mail, online, or in person.