California Drivers with Disabilities Show
If you are a driver with a disability, you can apply for a disabled parking placard or license plate from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The placard will allow you to use designated disabled parking places and has several other parking benefits. Read below for more information about disabled parking regulations and disabled parking placards, including how to apply for one. California Disabled PlacardsThe CA DMV offers several types of disabled license plates and handicap placards for drivers with disabilities:
A disabled placard or license plate allows you to park in certain places, but some parking is still off limits. You CAN park:
You CANNOT park:
Permanent Placards & PlatesPermanent handicap parking permits are available ONLY if you have a permanent disability that is certified by a medical professional. The California DMV issues:
*Veterans who are 100% disabled may be eligible for Disabled Veterans License Plates and be exempt from vehicle registration fees. Temporary Parking PlacardsIf you are temporarily disabled, you can apply for a handicap placard that is valid for no more than 6 months. A medical professional will need to:
Once the placard expires, you can reapply up to 6 times in a row. You will need medical certification each time. Travel PlacardsYou can apply for a travel placard IF:
A travel placard is valid for:
How to Apply for a California Disabled Parking PlacardYou should plan ahead when applying for a CA handicap parking permit because:
The application process will be the same regardless of the type of disability placard or license plate you choose to obtain. You can submit your placard application:
By MailTo apply for a disabled placard or license plate in California by mail, you will need:
NOTE: You DO NOT need medical certification if you already have a permanent placard or license plate. Mail all of your application materials to:. DMV Placard In PersonTo apply in person for your handicap parking permit, you need to first make an appointment with your local CA DMV office. You will need to submit to the DMV:
NOTE: You DO NOT need medical certification if you are appearing in person AND your disability includes a lost leg or both of your hands. How to Renew Your Disabled Placard in CaliforniaDisabled parking placards still expire, even if they are permanent. Renewal processes differ depending on the type of placard you have. Permanent Placard RenewalPermanent disabled parking placards expire every 2 years, specifically on June 30 in odd-numbered years. Permanent placards are automatically renewed 2 times and mailed to you. On the next renewal you will need to reapply by filling out a new Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195). You will not be required to have a new medical certificate. Beginning in 2023 applicants for the permanent disabled parking placards will be required to return a renewal notice by mail every 6 years and will not require a medical certification. If your address has changed, you must notify the California DMV by:
Temporary Placard RenewalYou must reapply for a disabled parking placard if your temporary placard expires and you still need it. To reapply, follow the steps in “ Apply for a Disabled Parking Placard" above. Your doctor WILL need to re-certify your disability. You can apply for a temporary placard up to 6 times in a row; each issuance is good for up to 6 months. You will need a new medical certification each time you apply. Disabled License Plate RenewalIf you have a disabled person (DP) or disabled veteran (DV) license plate, you must renew your vehicle registration in order to keep your license plate up to date. How to Replace a California Disability PlacardIf your disabled placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by submitting:
Submit the materials by mail to: DMV Placard You should receive the replacement placard within 4 weeks. For more information about replacing license plates and other registration materials, see our page on Replacing a Lost Registration in California. How much does a CA Disability Placard cost?Fees for new placards and plates:
Fees for replacement placards and plates:
How much does it cost to replace a handicap placard in California?There is no fee for a replacement disability placard. It takes 30 days to issue a new placard and after a replacement placard is requested, the original placard is cancelled. 1.
Can I get a disabled placard at AAA in California?The following DMV services are available at AAA offices in Northern California: Apply for and pick up disabled license plates and temporary placards. Duplicate license plates.
How do I renew my California handicap placard?Renewing Your California Placard or Permit
The DMIf you have a permanent disability, you don't have to file a renewal application if you live in California. The DMV will mail you a new placard on the address included in your DMV records. In some instances, you might need a handicap placard renewal form.
Where can I get a handicap placard near me?The nearest place you can go to get a handicap parking permit in-person will be either your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or your local tax collector's office.
|