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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.
  • A licensed medical practitioner must complete the 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. Temporary placards are valid up to 180 days.
  • Travel placards are valid up to 90 days for nonresidents visiting California.
  • DP License Plates are available for permanently disabled vehicle owners and must stay with the specific vehicle.
  • Maximum one permanent placard per person at any time, with a maximum of four substitute permanent placards during the 2-year renewal period.
  • Permanent placards are issued free of charge while temporary placards cost $6.
  • 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.
  • You must remain in "reasonable proximity" to the disabled person when using their placard.
  • 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 a qualified medical professional
  • A copy of your state-issued driver's license or identification card, or birth certificate
  • A valid and unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card is also acceptable
  • The medical provider must include their medical license number and signature

  Exemptions from Medical Certification

  • The applicant has lost a lower extremity or both hands (must appear in-person at a DMV office)
  • The applicant currently has a 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 your permit is lost or stolen, you'll need to complete an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) and pay the substitute fee for temporary placards only (permanent and travel placards are replaced free).

• California Placard Types & Processes

  • 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 a medical professional is required for permanent placard renewals.

  Temporary Placards

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

  Travel Placards

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

  Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Permits

  • Complete the REG 156 form and surrender the damaged placard if applicable.
  • No replacement fee for permanent and travel placards; 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.