What a California handicap parking permit is and who can get one

A California handicap parking permit is a placard or license plate issued by the DMV that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. The permit is free and comes in two forms: a removable placard that hangs from your rearview mirror, or special license plates that replace your regular plates. You need one or the other to legally use handicap spaces—parking in them without a valid permit results in a citation and fine.

The DMV issues permits to people with permanent or temporary disabilities that significantly limit mobility. This includes people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes; people with severe arthritis or heart conditions that make walking difficult; people who are blind; and people with other conditions that a licensed physician confirms limits mobility. You do not need to have a specific diagnosis—the DMV looks at functional limitation, not the name of the disease.

Temporary permits are valid for six months and are meant for people recovering from surgery, injury, or acute illness. Permanent permits last four years for people under 62, and do not expire for people 62 and older. You can renew a permanent permit by mail or online before it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • California handicap parking permits are issued free by the DMV to people whose mobility is significantly limited by a medical condition, confirmed by a licensed physician.
  • You must submit a completed process form (DL 632) signed by your doctor, along with proof of identity and residency, either in person at a DMV office or by mail.
  • Temporary permits last six months; permanent permits last four years (or indefinitely if you are 62 or older).
  • You can request either a removable placard or special license plates, and you can have both at the same time if you own multiple vehicles.
  • Permits are nontransferable—only the person named on the permit can use it, and using someone else's permit is illegal.

how the process works for a permit in person at a DMV office

To explore in person, you will need three things: a completed process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (form DL 632), a signed statement from a licensed physician confirming your mobility limitation, and proof of your identity and California residency. The physician's statement can be a letter, a completed section of the DL 632 form itself, or a medical report—it does not have to be on any specific form, but it must be signed and dated by the doctor.

Bring your documents to any DMV office. You do not need an appointment, but you can make one online at dmv.ca.gov to reduce wait time. Tell the clerk you are explore for a handicap permit. The DMV will process your process on the spot if everything is complete. If you choose a placard, you will receive it when ready. If you choose special license plates, you will receive temporary plates that day and permanent plates will arrive by mail within two weeks.

There is no fee for the permit itself. If you choose special license plates instead of a placard, you pay the standard California license plate renewal fee, which varies by vehicle type and county.

how the process works by mail

You can mail your process to the DMV if you prefer not to visit an office. Complete form DL 632, have your physician sign the medical certification section, and include a copy of your California ID, driver's license, or state ID card. If you do not have a California ID, include a copy of your passport or other government-issued photo ID plus a utility bill or lease showing your current address.

Mail your packet to the DMV address listed on the form DL 632 instructions. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person process—typically two to four weeks. If you choose a placard, it will arrive by mail. If you choose special license plates, you will receive temporary plates by mail and permanent plates will follow.

Keep copies of everything you send. If your process is incomplete, the DMV will return it and you will have to resubmit, which adds weeks to the process.

Choosing between a placard and special license plates

A placard is a removable card that hangs from your rearview mirror. It is portable—you can move it between vehicles. Placards are valid for the time period shown on the permit (temporary or permanent). The downside is that a placard can be stolen or forgotten, and some people find it inconvenient to hang and remove each time they park.

Special license plates are permanent fixtures on your vehicle. They cannot be stolen or forgotten because they are part of your registration. They are valid for as long as your vehicle registration is current. The downside is that they are tied to one vehicle—if you own multiple cars, you would need separate plates for each one, and you pay a renewal fee each time you renew your vehicle registration.

You can have both a placard and special license plates at the same time. Many people keep a placard in their car as a backup and use plates on their primary vehicle. If you own multiple vehicles, you can get plates for one and a placard for another.

Renewing an expiring permit

If you have a temporary permit that is about to expire, you can renew it by submitting a new process with updated physician certification. The process is the same as the initial process—in person or by mail.

If you have a permanent permit that is expiring, you can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if you have a placard, or by mail if you have special license plates. Online renewal is faster and requires only your permit number and date of birth. By mail, send a completed renewal form (DL 632R) with updated physician certification. Permanent permits for people 62 and older do not expire and do not need renewal.

Renew before your permit expires. If your permit has already expired, you must submit a new process rather than a renewal, which takes longer.

What happens if your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your placard is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV and request a replacement. You can do this in person at any DMV office or by mail. There is no fee for a replacement placard. The DMV will issue a new one with a different number to prevent misuse of the lost placard.

If your special license plates are damaged or unreadable, you can request replacement plates at any DMV office or by mail. There is a fee for replacement plates, which varies by county. Bring or send your current plates and a completed form.

If your permit was used illegally by someone else, report it to the DMV and local law enforcement. Misuse of a handicap permit is a misdemeanor in California and can result in fines and criminal charges.

Rules for using your permit legally

Your permit is nontransferable—only the person named on the permit can use it. If you lend your placard or plates to a family member or friend, even with permission, both you and the person using it can be cited. The fine for misusing a handicap permit is substantial and increases with repeat violations.

You can only park in a handicap space when you are the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. You cannot park in a handicap space while running an errand for someone else, even if that person has a valid permit. The vehicle must display the permit (placard visible or plates on the vehicle) at all times when parked in a handicap space.

Handicap spaces are reserved for people with disabilities. Parking in one without a valid permit, or using someone else's permit, is illegal and subject to citation. Enforcement varies by location, but citations are common in parking lots, on streets, and at public facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary permit while I wait for my permanent one?

No. The DMV issues either a temporary or permanent permit based on your physician's certification. If your condition is expected to improve, you receive a temporary permit valid for six months. If your condition is permanent or long-term, you receive a permanent permit. You cannot have both at the same time.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

Your doctor must be a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in California. If your regular doctor will not certify your mobility limitation, you can see another licensed provider. The DMV does not require that the certifying doctor be your primary care physician. If you cannot afford to see a doctor, some community health centers offer low-cost or sliding-scale visits.

Can I use my California handicap permit in another state?

Most states honor out-of-state handicap permits, but the rules vary. Some states require you to register your permit with their DMV first. Before traveling, check the DMV website of the state you are visiting or call their office to confirm. Your California permit will always be valid in California.

What if I move out of California?

Your California permit is no longer valid once you establish residency in another state. You will need to obtain a permit from your new state's DMV. The process and requirements vary by state. If you move back to California later, you can reapply for a California permit.

Can I get a permit for someone else, like a family member?

No. The permit is issued only to the person named on it, and only that person can use it. A family member with a disability must explore for their own permit with their own physician certification. Each person with a mobility limitation needs their own permit.