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• Any person with a permanent or temporary disability that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility is eligible for a handicap placard in California.
• Licensed medical practitioner must complete medical certification section on Form REG 195.
• Organizations providing transportation to disabled persons may obtain placards for vehicles used solely for that purpose.
• Disabled veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Disabled Veterans License Plates with registration fee exemption.
• Permanent placards are valid for 2 years and expire June 30 of odd-numbered years for permanent disabilities. Temporary placards are valid up to 180 days for temporary disabilities.
• Travel placards valid up to 90 days for nonresidents visiting California.
• DP License Plates available for permanently disabled vehicle owners and must stay with specific vehicle.
• Maximum one permanent placard per person at any time with maximum four substitute permanent placards during 2-year renewal period.
• Permanent placards issued free of charge while temporary placards cost $6, though DMV may issue them free to permanent placard holders.
• License plates require normal vehicle registration fees, except Disabled Veterans License Plates which are exempt from all fees.
• Using someone else’s placard is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 4461, punishable by fines up to $1,000 and up to 6 months jail time.
• Must remain in “reasonable proximity” to disabled person when using their placard and cannot drop off disabled person to park elsewhere.
• Placards can be moved between vehicles unlike license plates which stay permanently affixed.

To apply for a new disability parking permit in California:

• Form REG 195 (Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates), completed and signed by qualified medical professional
• Copy of state-issued driver’s license or identification card, or birth certificate
• Valid and unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card also acceptable
• Medical provider must include medical license number and signature

Exemptions from Medical Certification

• Applicant has lost a lower extremity or both hands (must appear in-person at DMV office)
• Applicant currently has permanent California DP Placard or DP/DV License Plates (enter plate number on application)

Online Doctor’s Certification

If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You’ll receive a signed medical certification (Form REG 195) delivered to you via email within 24-48 hours, ready for DMV submission

Lost or Stolen Permit Replacement

If permit is lost or stolen, you’ll need a complete Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) and pay substitute fee for temporary placards only (permanent and travel placards replaced free)

• Organizations providing transportation for disabled persons must submit (REG 195) with the organization’s name listed as the applicant, Statement of Facts (REG 256) & vehicle’s current registration card.
• Disabled Veteran can also apply using (REG 256A) form, Medical certification or USDVA certification letter confirming service-connected disability qualifications

• Valid for 2 years and expire June 30 of odd-numbered years.
• Automatic renewal system: placard holders receive renewal notices every 6 years starting from initial issuance.
• No re-certification by medical professional required for permanent placard renewals.

Temporary Placards

• Valid up to 180 days (6 months) or until date specified by medical professional, whichever is sooner.
• No automatic renewal – must apply for new temporary placard if continued need exists.
• Require new medical certification for each application.

Travel Placards

• Valid up to 90 days or until date specified by medical professional, whichever is less.
• Available for nonresidents visiting California

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Permits

• Complete REG 156 form and surrender damaged placard if applicable.
• No replacement fee for permanent and travel placards while temporary placards require a substitution fee.

Processing Times:

• Online and mail applications are processed in 2-4 weeks while in-person applications are processed immediately with complete documentation.