What a California disabled placard is and who can get one

A California disabled placard (also called a disabled person placard) is a removable windshield hang-tag that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. It is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and is valid for either two or four years depending on the medical condition. You do not need to own the vehicle — you can use the placard in any vehicle you are riding in, as long as the placard is displayed.

To get a placard, you must have a medical condition that limits your ability to walk. This includes permanent disabilities (like spinal cord injury or amputation), temporary disabilities (like a broken leg or recovery from surgery), and progressive conditions (like Parkinson's disease). A licensed physician, surgeon, or other may have access to medical professional must sign off on your process — you cannot self-certify.

California also issues disabled license plates as an alternative to placards. Plates are permanent and stay with the vehicle, but placards are more flexible if you ride in different cars or need to transfer the permit to someone else's vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a doctor's signature on the process form (DL 625 or DL 625B) before you submit anything to the DMV.
  • The DMV processes applications by mail or in person at a field office, and you will need to bring or mail your completed form, proof of residency, and a state ID.
  • Placard fees are $0 for the first one, but replacement or renewal fees vary by county and are typically $5 to $15.
  • A two-year placard is standard, but your doctor can request a four-year or permanent placard if your condition is permanent.
  • You can explore for a disabled license plate instead of a placard if you prefer a permanent option that does not need to be displayed each time.

Getting your doctor to complete the medical portion

The DMV requires a licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner to complete the medical section of the process. This is not optional — the DMV will reject any process without a doctor's signature. You will need to schedule an appointment or contact your regular doctor's office and ask them to fill out the form.

Bring or mail the blank form (DL 625 for a two-year placard or DL 625B for a four-year or permanent placard) to your doctor's office. The doctor will assess your walking ability and sign the form. Some doctors' offices charge a small fee for this service (typically $10 to $30), though many do not. Ask when you call to schedule.

If you do not have a regular doctor, you can visit an urgent care clinic or a disability evaluation clinic. Some counties have DMV-affiliated medical evaluation services, though these are less common. Once your doctor signs the form, keep it safe — you will need it for the next step.

Completing the DMV process form

The form you need depends on how long you want the placard to last. Form DL 625 is for a two-year placard (the most common choice). Form DL 625B is for a four-year or permanent placard, and your doctor must recommend this on the medical section. Both forms are available on the DMV website or at any DMV field office.

Fill out your personal information: name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number (or state ID number if you do not drive). Write clearly in black or blue ink. On the form, you will also indicate whether you want a placard or a license plate. If you choose a placard, you can request a replacement placard later if the first one is lost or damaged.

Do not sign the form yourself until you are ready to submit it. The signature line is for you to sign in front of a DMV employee or notary public, depending on which submission method you choose. Your doctor will have already signed the medical section before you get the form back.

Submitting your process by mail or in person

You have two options: mail your process to the DMV or bring it in person to a field office. Mailing takes longer (typically two to four weeks after the DMV receives it) but is convenient if you cannot visit an office. In-person submission is faster and you can ask questions on the spot.

By mail: Send the completed form DL 625 or DL 625B, a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a copy of your state ID or driver's license to the DMV address listed on the form. You will need to sign the form in front of a notary public before mailing it. Some banks and libraries offer free notary services. Include a check or money order if your county charges a replacement or renewal fee.

In person: Bring the original completed form, your state ID or driver's license, and proof of residency to any DMV field office. A DMV employee will witness your signature on the form. If you are explore for the first time, there is no fee. If you are renewing or replacing a placard, bring payment (the amount varies by county). You will receive your placard or license plate on the spot or by mail within one to two weeks, depending on the office.

What happens after you submit your process

The DMV will review your process to make sure the doctor's signature is present, your form is complete, and your identity is verified. If something is missing or unclear, the DMV will contact you by mail or phone. This review usually takes one to two weeks.

Once approved, you will receive your placard by mail (if you applied by mail) or in person (if you applied at a field office). A placard is a blue and white hang-tag with your name, expiration date, and a unique number. Hang it from your rearview mirror so it is visible from outside the vehicle. If you requested a license plate instead, it will arrive by mail and you will need to have it installed on your vehicle.

Your placard or plate is valid only in California. If you travel to another state, you may not be able to use it in that state's accessible parking spaces. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but you should check before traveling.

Renewing or replacing your placard

A two-year placard expires two years from the date it was issued. You will receive a renewal notice from the DMV about 60 days before expiration. To renew, you will need a new doctor's signature on form DL 625 or DL 625B, just as you did for the original process. Submit the renewed form and pay the renewal fee (typically $5 to $15, depending on your county).

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Contact your local DMV field office or submit a replacement request by mail. Replacement fees are usually the same as renewal fees. You do not need a new doctor's signature for a replacement — only for a renewal or if your medical condition has changed significantly.

If your condition improves and you no longer need the placard, you can surrender it to the DMV. This is not required, but it frees up the placard for someone else and prevents misuse if the placard is lost.

Disabled license plates as an alternative to placards

Instead of a placard, you can request a disabled license plate. The process process is the same — you need a doctor's signature on form DL 625 or DL 625B — but the plate is permanent and stays on the vehicle. You do not have to remove it or display it each time you park.

Disabled plates are best if you own the vehicle and do not share it with others. If you ride in different vehicles or need to transfer the permit to someone else's car, a placard is more practical. You can have both a placard and a disabled plate on the same vehicle, though this is uncommon.

Disabled plates are also valid for parking in accessible spaces in other states that recognize California plates, though you should verify this before traveling. The plate itself does not expire, but you will need to renew your vehicle registration as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's disabled placard or plate?

No. The placard or plate is issued to a specific person and is only valid when that person is in the vehicle. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine. If you need a placard for yourself, you must go through the process process with your own doctor's signature.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

If your regular doctor declines, you can seek a second opinion from another licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. If you do not have a doctor, urgent care clinics and disability evaluation services can assess your walking ability and sign the form. Some charge a fee for this service.

How long does it take to get a placard after I submit my process?

If you explore in person at a DMV field office, you may receive your placard the same day or within one to two weeks by mail. If you explore by mail, the process typically takes two to four weeks after the DMV receives your process. Processing times vary by county and DMV workload.

Can I get a permanent disabled placard?

Yes, but only if your doctor certifies that your condition is permanent and unlikely to improve. Form DL 625B allows your doctor to request a four-year or permanent placard. Permanent placards do not expire and do not need to be renewed, though you should still check with the DMV periodically to confirm your status.

What if I move to a different county or state?

If you move within California, your placard remains valid until it expires. You do not need to reapply or update it unless you change your address on your driver's license. If you move out of California, your placard is no longer valid, and you will need to explore for a disabled placard or plate in your new state.