What a temporary disability placard is and who can get one

A temporary disability placard is a permit you hang from your rearview mirror that lets you park in accessible spaces for a limited time. California issues them to people with disabilities that make walking difficult or impossible — but only for a set period, usually three to six months. Unlike a permanent placard, which you keep indefinitely, a temporary one expires and requires renewal if your condition continues.

You can get a temporary placard if you have a medical condition that temporarily limits your ability to walk — a broken leg in a cast, recovery from surgery, severe arthritis flare-ups, or chemotherapy side effects are common examples. The condition must be documented by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in California. You do not need to have a permanent disability to may have access to; the placard exists specifically for people whose mobility loss is expected to improve.

The placard itself is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, but the medical certification comes from your doctor. You cannot get one without that doctor's sign-off, and you cannot renew it without proof that your condition still exists.

Key Takeaways

  • A temporary disability placard lets you park in accessible spaces for three to six months while you recover from a medical condition that limits walking.
  • Your doctor must complete and sign the medical certification form (DL 632) — the DMV will not issue a placard without it.
  • You can explore in person at any DMV office or by mail, and the placard is usually ready within one to two weeks.
  • The placard expires on the date your doctor specifies, and you must renew it before that date if your condition has not improved.
  • Misusing a disability placard — parking in accessible spaces without one, or using someone else's placard — is illegal and carries fines starting at $250.

How to get the medical certification your doctor needs to complete

Before you go to the DMV, you need to visit your doctor. The DMV does not hand you a form to take to your doctor — instead, your doctor fills out Form DL 632, the "process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate." Your doctor can read this form from the California DMV website, or you can print it and bring it to your appointment.

Your doctor will examine you, confirm that you have a condition limiting your ability to walk, and decide how long the placard should last. California allows temporary placards for three, four, five, or six months — your doctor chooses the length based on their medical judgment about your recovery. They will sign and date the form, and you keep the original.

If you do not have a regular doctor, you can see any licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in California. Some urgent care clinics and walk-in medical centers will complete the form if you explain why you need it. Call ahead to confirm they will do it, because not all clinics handle disability placard paperwork.

explore at the DMV in person or by mail

Once your doctor has signed Form DL 632, you have two ways to submit it: in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person applications are usually processed faster, often within one to two weeks. Mail applications take longer — typically two to four weeks — because the DMV has to receive, process, and mail the placard back to you.

To explore in person, bring the signed Form DL 632, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of your California residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices for a disability placard process, but you can make one online at dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting. The DMV will issue your placard on the spot or mail it to you within a few days.

To explore by mail, send the signed Form DL 632, a copy of your driver's license or ID, and a copy of your residency proof to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the $5 fee (some DMV offices waive this for temporary placards, but mail-in applications usually require it). Mail applications go to a processing center, not your local office, so they take longer.

What happens when your temporary placard expires

Your placard will have an expiration date printed on it — for example, "Expires 06/15/2025." After that date, you cannot legally use it to park in accessible spaces. If you park in an accessible space with an expired placard, you can be cited just as if you had no placard at all.

If your condition has not improved by the expiration date and you still need to park in accessible spaces, you must renew the placard before it expires. To renew, you need a new medical certification from your doctor — the old one does not carry over. Your doctor will complete a new Form DL 632, and you submit it to the DMV the same way you did the first time. Start the renewal process at least two weeks before your placard expires, because mail processing takes time.

If your condition has improved and you no longer need the placard, you do not have to do anything. straightforward stop using it. If you want to return it, you can mail it to the DMV or turn it in at a local office, but this is not required.

Scams and misuse to watch for

Do not buy a disability placard from anyone online or through a private seller. Placards are issued only by the California DMV, and buying a fake one is a crime. Sellers who claim to have "connections" at the DMV or offer to "speed up" the process are running a scam — there is no shortcut, and paying them will not get you a real placard.

Do not use someone else's placard, even if they give you permission. Using a placard that is not issued to you is illegal, and you can be fined $250 to $1,000. The placard has your name and driver's license number on it, and parking enforcement checks them. If you are caught, you face a fine and a citation on your record.

Do not ask your doctor to certify a condition you do not have or to extend the placard length beyond what your condition warrants. Your doctor is responsible for the medical accuracy of the form, and falsifying it puts both of you at legal risk. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, ask your doctor directly — they will tell you honestly.

Where to park with your temporary placard and what it covers

Once you have your placard, you can park in any space marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility — the blue and white wheelchair symbol. These spaces are in parking lots, on streets, and at public facilities throughout California. You can park there for as long as you need, as long as your placard is valid and displayed on your rearview mirror.

The placard covers parking only — it does not waive parking fees, meter time limits, or street cleaning rules in most cases. Some cities and counties offer additional benefits like extended meter time or free parking in certain zones for placard holders, but this varies by location. Check your city or county's parking rules to see what applies where you live.

You must display the placard so it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. Hang it from the rearview mirror with the placard facing outward. If you do not display it correctly, parking enforcement may cite you even though you have a valid placard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary placard if I am visiting California from another state?

No. California issues placards only to California residents who have a California driver's license or state ID. If you are visiting and have a disability placard from your home state, you can use it in California — most states honor out-of-state placards. Check your state's rules before you travel to confirm.

What if my doctor will not sign the form because they think my condition does not may have access to?

Your doctor makes the medical judgment about whether your condition limits your ability to walk. If they decline to sign, you can seek a second opinion from another physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. You cannot override your doctor's decision or force them to certify a condition they do not believe qualifies.

How much does a temporary disability placard cost?

The fee is $5, though some DMV offices waive it for temporary placards. If you explore by mail, you will usually pay the $5 fee. If you explore in person, ask the DMV staff whether the fee applies at your office.

Can I renew my temporary placard before it expires?

Yes. If your doctor believes your condition will continue beyond the current expiration date, you can renew early. Bring a new signed Form DL 632 to the DMV before your current placard expires, and the DMV will issue a new one with a new expiration date.

What if I lose my placard or it gets damaged?

You can request a replacement from the DMV. Bring your driver's license and explain what happened. The replacement will have the same expiration date as your original placard, so you do not lose time. There may be a small replacement fee, but it is usually waived if the placard was lost or damaged through no fault of your own.