What the California Disability Placard Form Does

The California disability placard is a removable windshield permit that lets you park in designated accessible spaces. You request one by submitting form DL 625 (process for Disabled Person Parking Placard) to the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a medical certification from a licensed physician, surgeon, or other may have access to medical professional. The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, driver's license or ID number, vehicle information, and the medical provider's signature confirming you meet one of the state's disability criteria.

The placard is not the same as a license plate. It hangs from your rearview mirror and can move between vehicles, which makes it useful if you drive different cars or borrow someone else's vehicle. Once approved, your placard is valid for two years, after which you must renew it.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 625 requires a signature from a licensed medical provider confirming you meet California's disability criteria — you cannot sign it yourself.
  • You can submit the form in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party, and processing typically takes two to four weeks.
  • California recognizes six categories of disability for placard purposes: mobility impairment, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, chronic respiratory disease, cardiac condition, and disability requiring use of portable oxygen.
  • If your medical provider is not licensed in California, the DMV will likely deny your process, so confirm their credentials before submitting.

Where to Get Form DL 625

You can obtain form DL 625 directly from the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) by searching for "DL 625" or navigating to the forms section. The form is a one-page document available as a PDF you can print at home. You can also pick up a physical copy at any DMV office during business hours.

Do not use an outdated version of the form. The DMV updates it periodically, and submitting an old version may cause the process to be rejected. If you are unsure whether your copy is current, read it fresh from the DMV website or ask at the office when you visit.

Medical Certification Requirements

The medical provider section of form DL 625 is the critical part. The provider must be licensed in California and must be one of the following: a physician, surgeon, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, optometrist, or audiologist. The provider must examine you or review your medical records and confirm that you meet at least one of California's six disability categories.

The six categories are: (1) cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; (2) cannot walk without the use of or information from a cane, crutch, brace, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device; (3) has a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with correction; (4) has a cognitive impairment; (5) has a chronic respiratory disease that limits oxygen intake; or (6) has a cardiac condition that limits physical exertion. Your provider will check the box or boxes that explore to you and sign the form.

Schedule an appointment with your medical provider to discuss the placard. Bring any recent medical records or test results that document your condition. Some providers charge a fee for completing the form, typically $10 to $50, though some do not charge. Ask when you call to schedule.

How to Submit the Form

Once your medical provider has signed form DL 625, you have three ways to submit it to the DMV. The fastest is in person at a DMV office — you can walk in or make an appointment online. Bring the completed form, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The staff will review the form on the spot and tell you if anything is missing.

You can also mail the form to the DMV address listed on the form itself. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID and proof of residency. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, plus two to four weeks for processing. If you use this method, keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

A third option is to have an authorized representative (a family member, caregiver, or friend) submit the form in person on your behalf. They will need to bring the completed form, your ID, proof of residency, and a signed statement from you authorizing them to act on your behalf.

Processing Time and What Happens Next

After the DMV receives your completed form, processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a placard by mail at the address on your process. The placard comes with instructions on how to hang it from your rearview mirror. Do not write on the placard or alter it in any way.

If the DMV denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include an incomplete medical certification, a provider who is not licensed in California, or a condition that does not meet the state's criteria. If you believe the denial was incorrect, you can request a hearing or resubmit with additional medical documentation.

Keep your placard in good condition. If it becomes damaged, faded, or unreadable, contact the DMV to request a replacement. Replacement placards are usually issued quickly.

Renewing Your Placard

Your placard expires two years from the date it is issued. The DMV will not send you a reminder, so mark the expiration date on your calendar. To renew, submit a new form DL 625 with an updated medical certification from your provider. You can renew by mail, in person, or through an authorized representative using the same process as the initial process.

If your condition has improved and you no longer meet the disability criteria, you do not need to renew. You can straightforward stop using the placard. If your condition has changed but you still may have access to, your provider can update the form to reflect the current status.

Temporary Versus Permanent Placards

Form DL 625 results in a permanent placard, which is valid for two years and renewable. California also issues temporary placards for people with short-term disabilities (such as recovery from surgery or a broken leg). Temporary placards are valid for six months and do not renew — you must reapply if your condition persists beyond that time.

Your medical provider will indicate on the form whether your condition is permanent or temporary. If you are unsure which category applies to you, discuss it with your provider before they sign the form. Submitting the wrong designation can delay processing or result in denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit form DL 625 without a medical provider's signature?

No. The form requires a licensed medical provider's signature and cannot be processed without it. The DMV uses the provider's certification to verify that you meet the state's disability criteria. Self-certification is not accepted.

What if my medical provider is out of state or not licensed in California?

The DMV will deny your process if your provider is not licensed in California. You will need to see a California-licensed physician, surgeon, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, optometrist, or audiologist to complete the form. If you do not have a California provider, contact your current provider to ask for a referral or search for providers in your area.

Can I use my placard in another state?

California placards are recognized in most other states under a reciprocal agreement, but not all. Before traveling out of state, check the DMV website or contact the destination state's DMV to confirm. Some states require you to display a specific placard or license plate format.

What happens if I lose my placard?

Contact the DMV to report the loss and request a replacement. You will need to provide your name, driver's license number, and the placard number if you have it. Replacement placards are usually issued within one to two weeks. There may be a small fee for a replacement, though the DMV website lists current fees.

Do I need a placard if I have a disability license plate instead?

No. A disability license plate and a disability placard serve the same purpose — they both let you park in accessible spaces. You only need one or the other, not both. If you have a disability license plate, you do not need to obtain a placard.