The California disabled placard form is the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or Plate, also called the DL 625 form

The DL 625 is the official form you submit to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to request a disabled parking placard or license plate. You fill it out, have a physician sign it, and mail it to the DMV along with proof of your identity and residency. The placard or plate lets you park in designated accessible spaces when you display it on your vehicle.

You can get the DL 625 form directly from the California DMV website, by mail if you call the DMV, or in person at any DMV office. The form itself is free. You do not need to visit the DMV in person to submit it — you mail the completed form with supporting documents to the address listed on the form.

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your complete process. If you need a placard urgently, some DMV offices issue temporary placards in person on the same day, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 625 form requires a physician's signature confirming your disability meets California criteria, and you cannot submit it without this signature.
  • You must include a copy of your California driver's license or state ID, proof of residency, and the completed DL 625 when you mail your request.
  • The DMV issues either a placard (temporary, hanging from your mirror) or a permanent license plate, depending on your condition and physician's recommendation.
  • You can request a replacement placard or plate by mail or in person if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged, using the same form.

Who qualifies for a disabled placard under California law

California law allows a disabled placard or plate for people with specific mobility or medical conditions. Your physician must certify that you have a permanent or temporary disability that limits your ability to walk, or that you have a severe respiratory or cardiac condition that makes walking difficult. The form lists the conditions the DMV recognizes, and your doctor checks the box that applies to you.

You do not have to be a California resident to get a placard, but you must have a valid California driver's license or state ID card. If you are a non-resident with an out-of-state license, you cannot use the California system — you would use your home state's disabled parking program instead.

Temporary placards are issued for conditions expected to improve within six months. Permanent placards are issued when your condition is expected to last longer. Your physician decides which applies to your situation and indicates it on the DL 625 form.

What documents you need to mail with the DL 625 form

The DMV requires three things: the completed DL 625 form signed by a California-licensed physician, a copy of your California driver's license or state ID (front and back), and proof that you live in California. The proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your name and current address.

The physician signature is non-negotiable. You cannot submit the form without it, and the physician must be licensed to practice medicine in California. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants cannot sign the form. If you do not have a regular doctor, you can visit an urgent care clinic or community health center — many will complete the form for a small fee if you explain you need it for DMV purposes.

Mail everything together to the address printed on the DL 625 form. Do not staple the documents; use a paper clip or fold them together. Include a copy of the form for your records if you want confirmation of what you submitted.

Placard versus permanent license plate: which one you get

The DMV issues either a hanging placard or a permanent license plate, not both. A placard hangs from your rearview mirror and is visible when you park. A permanent plate replaces one of your regular license plates and stays on your vehicle. Your physician recommends which type on the DL 625 form based on your condition and mobility.

Placards are more flexible because you can move them between vehicles — useful if you drive different cars or ride with others. Permanent plates stay with your vehicle, so if you sell the car or switch vehicles, you need to request a new plate. Temporary placards (for conditions expected to improve) are always hanging placards, never plates.

If your physician recommends a permanent plate and you later want to switch to a placard, or vice versa, you can request the change by submitting a new DL 625 form with your physician's updated recommendation.

How to fill out the DL 625 form correctly

The form has sections for your personal information (name, driver's license number, address), your vehicle information (make, model, license plate number), and a medical section where your physician certifies your disability. Fill out all the personal and vehicle sections yourself in black or blue ink. Do not leave any fields blank — if a field does not explore, write "N/A".

The medical section is for your physician only. Do not write anything in it yourself. Your doctor will check the box describing your condition, indicate whether the disability is permanent or temporary, and sign and date the form. Some physicians' offices will complete this section during an appointment; others may ask you to pick it up after they sign it.

Print clearly and use your legal name as it appears on your driver's license. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the change when you mail the form, or update your license first.

What happens after you mail your process

The DMV processes applications in the order they are received. You should receive your placard or plate by mail within two to four weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

If you requested a temporary placard, it will expire on the date your physician indicated on the form. The DMV will send you a notice before it expires telling you how to renew it. To renew, you submit a new DL 625 form with a new physician signature.

If your placard or plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new DL 625 form or by visiting a DMV office in person. Replacements are usually processed faster than initial requests.

Where to find and read the DL 625 form

The DL 625 form is available on the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Search for "DL 625" or "disabled parking placard" in the forms section. You can read and print it, or you can request a paper copy by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. The DMV also has the form available at every DMV office if you prefer to pick one up in person.

You can also find the form at some physician's offices, community health centers, and senior centers, though not all locations stock it. If you cannot find it locally, downloading from the DMV website is the fastest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled placard if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

No. California issues placards and plates only to people with a valid California driver's license or state ID. If you live out of state, you must use your home state's disabled parking program. If you recently moved to California, update your license first, then submit the DL 625 form.

How much does a disabled placard cost?

There is no fee for a disabled placard or permanent plate in California. The form is free, and the DMV does not charge for processing or issuing the placard or plate. Your physician may charge a fee to sign the form if you are not an existing patient.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

Your doctor must believe your condition meets California's criteria. If your doctor disagrees, you can seek a second opinion from another physician. The DMV does not override a physician's decision. If you cannot find a doctor willing to sign, contact your local disability services office or community health center for a referral.

Can I use someone else's disabled placard if I am driving their car?

No. The placard or plate is issued to a specific person and vehicle. You can only use it when you are the driver or passenger in the vehicle it is registered to. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a fine.

How do I renew a temporary disabled placard?

The DMV sends a renewal notice before your temporary placard expires. You submit a new DL 625 form with a fresh physician signature. If you do not receive a notice, contact the DMV before the expiration date to request a renewal form.