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Handicap Parking Permit
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We provide the physician-signed DMV forms required for your handicap placard.

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Our physicians will review your medical records to verify your qualifying condition. Uploading relevant documentation early helps ensure a fast review. Don't have your records? No problem—we can help you get them from your doctor.

Handicap parking permit in California

See What Our Happy Customers Are Saying!

  • Michael Graves – Nevada

    5out of 5 stars

    The Transformative Impact of My Handicap Parking Permit.

    Living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) has been a constant challenge since my diagnosis five years ago. This heart rhythm disorder causes irregular beats, leading to debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath, and occasional dizziness. Simple tasks like walking across a parking lot could trigger episodes, leaving me exhausted or anxious about potential flare-ups. In the scorching heat of Las Vegas, where I reside, even short distances felt insurmountable. That all changed when I obtained my handicap parking permit—a small blue placard that has profoundly reshaped my daily life.

    Michael Graves – Nevada with their disability parking placard

  • Peter W. – California

    5out of 5 stars

    It helps me with getting in and out of stores without having to suffer with more pain

    Peter W. – California with their disability parking placard

  • Fern H. – Texas

    5out of 5 stars

    Having a parking permit has significantly reduced the amount of walking I need to do each day, which has greatly increased my comfort. For someone who suffers from painful feet, this change brings both comfort and delight.

    Fern H. – Texas with their disability parking placard
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    Book Your Appointment

    Skip the wait at the doctor's office and schedule your DMV disability parking permit evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home.

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    Connect with the right doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video.

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    Get Approved And Receive Your Certification Form (REG 195)

    Once your evaluation is complete and approved, you'll receive a medical certification form (Form REG 195) signed by our licensed doctors.

Making Disability Parking Access Easy in Every City

Browse featured cities below or apply for your disability parking permit online from anywhere across California

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Disability Parking in California:
Everything You Need to Know

  • California Disability Parking Laws

    • 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.

  • Documents You’ll Need

    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 can skip the DMV wait in California by completing the medical certification step from home. 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

  • Permanent Placards

    • 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.

    Permanent placard holders may also qualify for the America the Beautiful Access Pass — a free lifetime pass for entry to over 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites.

    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.

Benefits of Having a Handicap Placard

Handicap ID exemption

Driver's License Exemption for In-Person Submission

Individuals with severe mobility limitations may qualify for an ID exemption, so a caregiver can submit forms on their behalf.

Extended Parking Time Limit with a handicap placard

Extended Time Limits

In certain areas, you may be allowed to park beyond posted time limits without penalties (depending on local ordinances).

ParkingMD physician holding a disability parking permit
Secure handicap placard application process

Convenience and Safety

Reduces the distance and difficulty of walking in public spaces, especially important for individuals with limited mobility, chronic illness, or assistive devices.

Free Handicap Parking in Selected Cities

No Meter Payment in Some Cities

Some municipalities waive metered parking fees for permit holders. Always check posted signs and local rules.

Explore California Hotspots
With Your Accessible Parking Permit

  • los angeles, ca

    Los Angeles

    The entertainment capital of the world sprawls across diverse neighborhoods, each with its own personality. From Hollywood's iconic landmarks to Venice Beach's bohemian vibes, Santa Monica's pier to Beverly Hills' luxury shopping, LA offers endless possibilities. The food scene rivals any city globally, and you're never far from both beaches and mountains. The city has also made significant improvements to accessibility across major attractions and transit systems.

    • #HollywoodCA
    • #CityOfAngels
  • san diego, ca

    San Diego

    Southern California's laid-back beach city offers year-round perfect weather and stunning coastline. Balboa Park houses world-class museums and the famous San Diego Zoo, while the Gaslamp Quarter buzzes with rooftop bars and farm-to-table restaurants. From surfing in La Jolla to craft beer in North Park, it's got that effortless California vibe.

    • #CaliforniaCoast
    • #ScenicDrives
    • #SanDiegoCA

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about disability parking permits
  • Can I get a handicap placard online in California?

    Yes. With ParkingMD, you can complete your California handicap parking permit evaluation online with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. If you're medically eligible, ParkingMD will provide the completed medical certification you need to apply for your California handicap placard through the California DMV.

  • How long does it take to get a handicap placard in California?

    Getting started is quick with ParkingMD. Most online medical evaluations take just a few minutes, and if you're approved by a licensed provider, you'll receive the completed paperwork needed to submit your California handicap parking permit application to the California DMV, which determines final processing and mailing times.

  • How much does a handicap placard cost in California?

    Permanent California handicap placards are generally issued free of charge by the California DMV. If you choose ParkingMD, you'll pay only for the online medical evaluation performed by a licensed healthcare provider, making it a convenient way to obtain the certification required for your handicap parking permit application.

  • Can I use my handicap placard in someone else's car in California?

    Yes. A California handicap placard is issued to the individual, not the vehicle, so it may be used in any car as long as the placard holder is traveling in it. After completing your online evaluation with ParkingMD and receiving your medical certification, your placard can be used in accordance with California DMV regulations once issued.

  • Do you get free parking with a handicap placard in California?

    A valid California handicap placard allows you to park in designated accessible parking spaces and may provide additional parking privileges under California law. Once you've obtained your handicap parking permit through the ParkingMD evaluation process and received your placard from the California DMV, you should always follow local parking signs and regulations, as some cities and private parking facilities have their own rules.

  • Can you have both a handicap placard and a license plate in California?

    Yes. If you qualify under California's eligibility requirements, you may be issued both a handicap placard and disabled person license plates, depending on your needs. ParkingMD can help you complete the required online medical evaluation so you have the physician certification needed to apply through the California DMV.

  • Does AAA help with handicap placards in California?

    Some AAA branches may offer limited DMV-related services, but they generally do not provide the medical certification required for a California handicap parking permit. With ParkingMD, you can complete your online medical evaluation with a licensed healthcare provider and receive the documentation needed for your DMV application.

  • Can you park at a meter in California with a handicap placard?

    Yes. In many cases, California handicap placard holders may park at parking meters without paying fees or observing time limits, provided they follow state and local parking regulations. After obtaining your handicap parking permit through ParkingMD's online evaluation process, be sure to check local signage, as some restrictions may still apply.

  • Does 2-hour parking apply to handicap parking in California?

    California law may exempt eligible handicap placard holders from certain posted parking time limits, including some 2-hour parking restrictions. However, local rules and safety restrictions still apply, so always check posted signs before parking. ParkingMD makes it easy to get the medical certification needed to begin your California handicap parking permit application.

  • Can you tow a car with a handicap placard in California?

    Yes. Displaying a handicap placard does not prevent a vehicle from being towed if it is parked illegally, blocks traffic, or violates parking restrictions. After receiving your California handicap parking permit through ParkingMD, it's important to follow all applicable state and local parking laws to avoid citations or towing.

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