California DMV placard renewal happens every two years, and you renew it through the California Department of Motor Vehicles—not your local office, but through mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
A disability placard (also called a handicapped placard or disabled person placard) is the hanging permit that lets you park in accessible spaces. California issues them for two years, after which the placard expires and becomes invalid. You cannot legally park in an accessible space with an expired placard, even if your medical condition hasn't changed.
The renewal process depends on whether you're renewing the same condition, whether your doctor is still the same, and whether you have an online account with the DMV. Some people can renew by mail with a form and their doctor's signature. Others must renew in person at a DMV office. A small number can renew online through the DMV website if they meet specific requirements.
Key Takeaways
- California disability placards expire every two years and must be renewed before the expiration date printed on the placard itself.
- Renewal by mail requires a completed process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (Form DL 625) signed by your doctor within the last 60 days, plus your current placard.
- You can renew online through the DMV website only if you have an online account, your medical condition is unchanged, and your doctor can electronically certify your condition.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your medical condition has changed, you need a new doctor's certification, or you cannot renew by mail or online.
- Processing times vary: mail renewal typically takes two to four weeks, online renewal is faster, and in-person renewal is completed the same day.
Renewal by Mail: The Most Common Route
Most people renew their California disability placard by mail. You need three things: the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (Form DL 625), a signature from your doctor dated within the last 60 days, and your current placard.
read Form DL 625 from the California DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information. Your doctor must complete the medical certification section, sign it, and date it. The signature must be dated no more than 60 days before you mail the form. Mail the completed form, your current placard, and a copy of your driver's license to the address listed on the form (typically the DMV office that serves your county).
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will receive your new placard by mail. If your placard expires before the new one arrives, you cannot legally use an expired placard in an accessible space, so plan ahead and mail your renewal at least six weeks before the expiration date.
Online Renewal Through Your DMV Account
The California DMV allows online renewal for some people, but only if you meet all of these conditions: you have an active online account with the DMV, your medical condition is unchanged from the previous certification, your doctor can electronically sign and submit the certification, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.
If you may have access to, log into your DMV online account, navigate to the disability placard section, and follow the prompts to request renewal. The system will send a certification request to your doctor's office. Your doctor must complete and electronically submit it. Once the DMV receives the signed certification, your new placard is typically mailed within one to two weeks.
Not all doctors' offices can submit certifications electronically, and not all medical conditions may have access to for online renewal. If your doctor's office cannot participate or if your condition has changed, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person at a DMV office if your medical condition has changed, if you need a new doctor (your previous doctor is no longer available), or if you cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your current placard, a valid driver's license or ID, and a completed Form DL 625 signed by your doctor within the last 60 days.
Visit any DMV office during business hours. You will need to take a number and wait. A DMV representative will review your documents, verify your information, and issue your new placard on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You leave with your new placard the same day.
Check the DMV website for your local office's hours and location. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be longer on certain days. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.
What Happens If Your Placard Expires Before You Renew
An expired disability placard is not valid. Parking enforcement officers can cite you for parking in an accessible space with an expired placard, and you may receive a parking ticket. The citation amount varies by city but typically ranges from $100 to $500.
If your placard has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods (mail, online, or in-person). There is no penalty for renewing a placard that has already expired, as long as you renew it before you park in an accessible space again. However, you cannot legally use the expired placard in the meantime.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard
If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged before the two-year expiration date, you can request a replacement rather than waiting for the scheduled renewal. Complete Form DL 625, have your doctor sign it (the signature must be dated within the last 60 days), and mail it to the DMV with a note explaining that you are requesting a replacement due to loss or damage.
Alternatively, visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license, the completed form with your doctor's signature, and an explanation of what happened to the original placard. You will receive a replacement placard the same day. If you cannot get your doctor's signature in time, some DMV offices may issue a temporary placard valid for 30 days while you arrange the permanent replacement.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Form DL 625 (signed by doctor within 60 days), current placard, copy of driver's license | 2 to 4 weeks | |
| Online | Active DMV online account, unchanged medical condition, doctor's electronic certification | 1 to 2 weeks |
| In-Person at DMV | Form DL 625 (signed by doctor within 60 days), current placard, valid driver's license or ID | Same day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my placard before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew your placard up to 60 days before it expires. This is useful if you want to avoid a gap where your placard is invalid. Mail your renewal at least six weeks early to may support the new placard arrives before the old one expires.
What if my doctor will not sign the renewal form?
Your doctor must certify that your medical condition still meets the criteria for a disability placard. If your doctor refuses to sign, it may mean your condition no longer qualifies. You can seek a second opinion from another doctor, or you can contact the DMV to understand what medical criteria must be met.
Do I need to renew my placard if I move to a different county in California?
No. Your California disability placard is valid statewide and does not need to be renewed because of a move within California. However, you should update your address with the DMV. If you move out of California, your placard is no longer valid in your new state.
What if I lose my placard after I have already mailed in my renewal?
Contact the DMV and explain that you have submitted a renewal and also lost your placard. The DMV can issue a temporary placard valid for 30 days while your renewal is being processed. Visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license to request the temporary placard.
Can someone else renew my placard for me?
For mail renewal, you can have someone else mail the form on your behalf, but your doctor must sign it and your name must be on the envelope. For in-person renewal, you must be present at the DMV office with a valid ID. The DMV does not allow someone else to renew a placard without the placard holder present.