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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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Once your evaluation is complete and approved, you’ll receive a medical certification form (REG 195) signed by our licensed doctors.
Disability Parking in San Francisco, California:
Everything You Need to Know
San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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
Renewal & Replacement
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.
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.
Turnaround Time:
Online and mail applications are processed in 2-4 weeks while in-person applications are processed immediately with complete documentation.
San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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
Renewal & Replacement
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.
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.
Turnaround Time:
Online and mail applications are processed in 2-4 weeks while in-person applications are processed immediately with complete documentation.
Top Accessible Places in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf
California Academy of Sciences
Ferry Building Marketplace
Helpful Hotlines & Services for Accessibility in San Francisco, California
Accessibility Support
SF Office on Disability & Accessibility (ODA):
City's ADA coordinator ensuring all city programs, services, and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities 📞 Call (415) 554-6789 | TTY: (415) 554-6799 or visit sf.gov/departments–office-disability-accessibility
SF Paratransit (SF Access):
ADA-certified door-to-door van and subsidized taxi service for people unable to independently use Muni due to a disability 📞 Call (415) 351-7000 or visit sfmta.com/getting-around/accessibility/paratransit
Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF):
Disability rights advocacy and support organization providing assistive technology, housing support, peer counseling, and legal services 📞 Call (415) 543-6222 or visit ilrcsf.org
Support Groups & Therapy Resources
NAMI San Francisco:
Local mental health support groups, education programs, peer-to-peer resources, and a 24/7 helpline 📞 Call (415) 905-6264 or visit namisf.org
SF Behavioral Health Services:
24/7 Access Line Free, confidential mental health and substance use crisis support, service referrals, and care coordination for San Francisco residents 📞 Call (888) 246-3333 | TDD: (888) 484-7200 or visit sf.gov/information–mental-health-sf
San Francisco Suicide Prevention (Felton Institute):
The nation's oldest community-based crisis hotline providing 24/7 suicide prevention, emotional support, and referrals 📞 Call (415) 781-0500 or 988 or visit sfsuicide.org
Health Care Facilities
UCSF Medical Center:
Nationally ranked academic medical center with comprehensive specialty care across multiple campuses 📞 Call (415) 476-1000 or visit ucsfhealth.org
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma Center:
The city's only Level 1 trauma center and public safety-net hospital serving 100,000+ patients annually regardless of ability to pay 📞 Call (628) 206-8000 or visit zuckerbergsanfranciscogeneral.org
California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) – Van Ness Campus:
One of California's largest private nonprofit academic medical centers with 24/7 ER, pediatric emergency care, and advanced cardiac services 📞 Call (415) 600-6000
Benefits of Choosing ParkingMD
Driver’s License Exemption for In-Person Submission
Extended Time Limits
Convenience and Safety
No Meter Payment in Some Cities
FAQs
How do I apply for a disability parking permit in San Francisco, California?
To apply through an online service like ParkingMD, start by completing a quick evaluation with a licensed medical professional from the comfort of your home. If you're approved, your signed medical certification (Form REG 195) will be delivered to you within 24-48 hours. Once you receive the form, simply submit it along with a copy driver's license, ID card, or passport to DMV, either in person or by mail, to receive your disability parking permit.
Can you get two handicap placards in San Francisco, California?
San Francisco, CA law specifically states that a disabled person is not eligible for more than one permanent placard at any time. However, there are exceptions: you can get up to 4 substitute permanent placards during a 2-year renewal period if your original is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can also get travel placards (30 days for residents, 90 days for non-residents) in addition to your permanent placard for specific travel purposes.
Can I use my handicap placard in another car?
Yes, the placard may be used in any vehicle in San Francisco, California as long as it's transporting the placard owner. The person the placard was issued to must be in the vehicle, either as the driver or passenger, and the placard must be displayed correctly. This means family members or caregivers can drive the placard holder and use the placard, but they cannot use it when the disabled person isn't with them.