California handicap placard renewal happens through the DMV, and you must renew before your current placard expires
Your California DMV handicap placard is valid for two, four, or six years depending on the type you hold. The expiration date is printed on the front of your placard. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The process is faster than the original issuance because you do not need a new medical certification if your condition has not changed — you only need to confirm your information and pay the renewal fee.
The renewal fee varies: permanent placards cost around $30, and temporary placards cost around $10, though fees can change. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your placard expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the renewal process. If your placard has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally display an expired placard while driving.
Key Takeaways
- Renew your placard before the expiration date printed on the front, or online through the DMV website if you have not received a renewal notice.
- If your medical condition has not changed, you do not need a new doctor's certification — only your renewal form and fee.
- Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster if your placard was issued within the last 10 years.
- If your condition has worsened or improved, you may need to submit a new medical form (DL 44 or REG 195) depending on what changed.
- An expired placard cannot be used legally, even if your renewal is in progress — plan ahead to avoid gaps.
Renewing by mail with the DMV renewal notice
The DMV mails a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before your placard expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. You sign the notice, enclose your current placard, and mail it back with the renewal fee. The DMV processes mail renewals in two to three weeks.
If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visiting a DMV office in person. Do not wait for a replacement notice to arrive — you can renew online or in person when ready without it.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is available if your placard was issued within the last 10 years and your medical condition has not changed. Visit the California DMV website and select the handicap placard renewal option. You will need your placard number, driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive confirmation when ready.
Your renewed placard will be mailed to you within two weeks. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, and you can renew at any time — you do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You can walk into any DMV office with your current placard, a completed renewal form, and your payment. Bring your driver's license or state ID for identification. The DMV will issue your new placard on the spot, so you leave with it the same day. This is the fastest way to renew if you need the placard when ready.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits. You do not need an appointment for placard renewal at most offices, but some locations now require you to reserve a time slot through the DMV website before you arrive.
When you need a new medical certification to renew
If your medical condition has improved or worsened significantly, the DMV may require a new medical form. A permanent placard can be renewed without a new certification as long as your condition remains the same. A temporary placard requires a new doctor's certification each time you renew, because temporary placards are issued only for conditions expected to improve.
If the DMV determines that your condition has changed enough to affect your parking needs, they will contact you and tell you what form to submit. The form is either DL 44 (for permanent placards) or REG 195 (for temporary placards), and it must be completed by a licensed physician, surgeon, or other may have access to medical professional. You can obtain these forms from the DMV website or any DMV office.
What happens if your placard expires before you renew
An expired placard has no legal standing. You cannot park in accessible spaces while displaying an expired placard, even if your renewal is pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement or a parking enforcement officer, you can be cited for improper use of a disabled parking space.
If your placard has already expired and you need to use accessible parking when ready, renew in person at a DMV office to receive your new placard the same day. If you cannot reach an office quickly, ask your doctor or medical provider whether a temporary letter confirming your disability status might help you explain the situation to a parking officer, though this is not a legal substitute for a valid placard.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged placard during renewal
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement during the renewal process. When you renew by mail, include a note explaining what happened to your original placard. When you renew online or in person, tell the DMV staff that you need a replacement, and they will issue a new one with the same expiration date as your current placard would have had.
There is no additional fee for a replacement placard issued during renewal. If you lose your placard before the renewal date arrives, you can request a replacement at any time by visiting a DMV office or calling 1-800-777-0133. A replacement issued before your renewal date will have a new expiration date based on when it is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my placard if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, you can renew an expired placard at any time. However, you cannot legally use an expired placard for parking, so you should renew as soon as possible. If your medical condition has changed during the time your placard was expired, the DMV may require a new medical certification.
Do I need to submit a new doctor's form to renew a permanent placard?
No, a permanent placard can be renewed without a new medical certification as long as your condition has not changed significantly. The DMV will contact you only if they need updated medical information. Temporary placards always require a new certification at renewal because they are issued only for conditions expected to improve.
How long does it take to get a renewed placard by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed renewal notice and payment. Online renewal is faster — your new placard arrives within two weeks. In-person renewal is the fastest option because you receive your placard the same day.
What if I move to a different address before my placard expires?
Update your address with the DMV before your renewal notice is mailed. You can change your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If your renewal notice is mailed to an old address, contact the DMV to request a new notice sent to your current address.
Can someone else renew my placard for me?
For mail renewal, you can have someone else mail in your renewal notice and placard on your behalf. For in-person renewal, you must be present with your ID. Online renewal requires your placard number and driver's license number, so you can complete it yourself from home.