What You Need to Know About California Handicap Placards

A California handicap placard is a permit that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. You get it by filling out a form, having a doctor sign it, and sending it to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The form is called the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate, and it's the only official document the state accepts for this purpose.

The placard itself is temporary — it lasts between two and five years depending on your condition — or permanent if your disability is lifelong. You can get a placard, a license plate, or both. The placard hangs from your rearview mirror and works in any vehicle you're driving. The license plate stays with one car.

You do not need to visit a DMV office in person to get a placard. You can mail the completed form directly to the DMV, and most people do. Processing takes roughly two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The official form is the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate, available on the California DMV website or at any DMV office.
  • A licensed physician, surgeon, or other approved medical professional must sign the form — you cannot sign it yourself, and the signature must be dated within the last 60 days.
  • You mail the completed form and a copy of your ID to the DMV; you do not need to appear in person.
  • The placard arrives by mail in two to four weeks and is valid for two to five years, depending on whether your condition is temporary or permanent.
  • Using someone else's placard or parking in an accessible space without one is illegal and carries fines starting at $250.

Where to Find and read the Form

The official form is available on the California DMV website under "Forms and Publications." Search for "process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate" or look for form number DL 632. You can read and print it, or pick up a paper copy at any DMV office, hospital, or medical clinic.

Do not use a form from another state or an unofficial version you find elsewhere online. Only the California DMV form will be accepted. If you are unsure whether you have the right one, check that it says "State of California Department of Motor Vehicles" at the top and includes a section for a doctor's signature.

Who Can Sign Your Form and What They Need to Write

Only certain medical professionals can sign the form: a licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Your doctor does not have to work for a hospital or large clinic — they can be in private practice. If you see a specialist, that person can sign it.

The doctor must write the date they sign the form, and that date must be no more than 60 days before you mail it to the DMV. They also must check a box indicating whether your disability is temporary (lasting fewer than six months) or permanent. If it is temporary, they write the expected end date. This is important because it determines how long your placard lasts.

Your doctor does not need to write a detailed explanation of your condition. They only need to confirm that you have a disability that limits your ability to walk, and they sign to verify that.

How to Fill Out the Form Correctly

Start with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. If you do not have a California driver's license, you can still get a placard — write your ID number from your state ID card instead. You also need your mailing address and phone number.

Next, you choose whether you want a placard, a license plate, or both. Most people choose the placard because it works in any vehicle. If you want a permanent license plate instead, you can request that, but it only works on one specific car and you have to register it with the DMV.

Leave the section for DMV use blank — the office will fill that in. Make sure your doctor signs and dates the form in the medical professional section. Then make a copy of your California driver's license or state ID (front and back) and include it with your process.

What Happens After You Mail the Form

Mail the completed form, your ID copy, and any required medical documentation to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes applications in the order they arrive. You should receive your placard or license plate by mail within two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If you need the placard urgently, some DMV offices allow you to explore in person and receive a temporary placard the same day while your permanent one is being processed. Call your local DMV office to ask whether they offer this service.

If your process is rejected, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a missing doctor's signature, a signature dated more than 60 days before you mailed the form, or incomplete information. You can resubmit with the corrections.

Renewing Your Placard Before It Expires

When your placard is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail. You fill out a new process form, have your doctor sign it again, and mail it back. You do not need to wait until the expiration date — you can renew up to 60 days early.

If your condition has changed and you no longer need the placard, you can surrender it to any DMV office or mail it back. Do not throw it away or keep it after it expires, as using an expired placard can result in a parking citation.

Scams and Safety Information

Do not buy a placard from anyone online or through a third party. Placards are issued only by the California DMV, and selling or buying one illegally is a crime. Fake placards are straightforward for parking enforcement to spot, and using one can result in fines up to $1,000 and criminal charges.

Do not lend your placard to family members or friends, even if they have a disability. Placards are issued to a specific person and can only be used when that person is in the vehicle. Letting someone else use yours is illegal and can result in your placard being revoked and a fine.

Be cautious of websites that claim to help you "get" a placard or that charge a fee to submit your form. These are not affiliated with the DMV. The only cost is the DMV fee, which is currently $0 for the placard itself (though this can change). If a website asks for money or promises a faster process, it is not legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a placard if I do not have a California driver's license?

Yes. You can use a California state ID card number instead. If you have neither a license nor a state ID, contact your local DMV office to ask what ID you can use.

What if my doctor will not sign the form?

You need a different medical professional to sign it. Any licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can do so. If you do not have a regular doctor, you can visit an urgent care clinic or ask your insurance company for a referral.

How long does the placard last?

Temporary placards last two years. Permanent placards last five years. Your doctor decides which type you need based on whether your condition is expected to improve or is lifelong. The DMV will tell you the expiration date when you receive your placard.

Can I use my placard in another state?

Most states honor placards from other states, but the rules vary. Before traveling, check the parking rules for the state you are visiting. Some states require you to register your out-of-state placard with local parking enforcement first.

What if I lose my placard?

Contact the DMV and request a replacement. You will need to fill out a new process form and have your doctor sign it again. There is usually a replacement fee, which varies by county.