How to Get Your Disability Plate and Placard in California

If you have a permanent or temporary disabilityHandbook Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual 2 Special Plates Disabled Person Definition Portal and live in California, you can get special parking perks. For example, you can park in those blue, wide reserved parking spaces. It could make your day-to-day so much easier! 

But before you pull into a spot, you need a California disability plate or placard. Here's how you can get yours.

5 Types of California Disability Plates and Placards

First, decide which type of accessibility permitVehicle Registration License Plates Decals And Placards Disabled Person Parking Placards Plates Portal you need. Yes, they all let you park in reserved spots, but they may not all fit your needs.

1. Disabled Person (DP) License Plate

Do you have a permanent disability and drive a vehicle registered in your name? If so, consider applying for a free Disabled Person (DP) license plate.

2. Permanent Parking Placard

If you have a permanent disability but don't own a vehicle, that's okay. You're eligible for a permanent parking placard, which auto-renews every two years.

3. Temporary Parking Placard

Californians with temporary disabilities can apply for temporary parking placards. These are valid for up to 180 days, but you can renew them.

4. Travel Parking Placard

Travel placards are great for when you go on a trip but don't take your vehicle. Road-trippingTips Safe And Fun Road Trip Blog across California in a friend's car? Just display this 30-day placard inside and park in reserved spots worry-free.

5. Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plate

You can get a special license plate if you served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a qualifying disabilityVehicle Registration License Plates Decals And Placards Disabled Veteran Dv License Plates Portal. Disabled Veteran (DV) plates have a few extra perks beyond parking (like not paying for some registration fees).

How Do I Get My Disability License Plate?

Getting a Disabled Person (DP) or Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate isn't too complicated. You can do it online, by mail, or in person at your local DMVLocations Portal.

Step 1: Complete an Application Form

The first step is to fill out paperwork.

• DP license plate: Application for Disables Person Placard or Plates (REG 195)File Application For Disabled Person Placard Or Plates Reg 195 Pdf PortalFile Application For Disabled Person Placard Or Plates Reg 195 Pdf Portal.

• DV license plate: Disabled Veteran Certification on the Miscellaneous Certification (REG 256A)File Miscellaneous Certifications Reg 256a Pdf Portal.

Step 2: Get a Medical Provider's Signature

Once that's done, go to your medical provider and show them your application form. They will complete some fields about your permanent disabilityHandbook Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual 2 Special Plates Disabled Person Certification Portal and sign the application.

Step 3: Submit Identity Documents

Next, prove your full name and date of birth with a copy of your California driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. 

Step 4: Show Your Vehicle Registration

Don't forget to submit your vehicle registration, too! It has to be in your name. If you lost your copy, you can request a replacement registrationCalifornia Replacing Lost Registration Dmv.

Step 5: Surrender Your License Plate

The final step is returning your current license plates to the DMV. You'll get a temporary plate while waiting for the new one.

And you're done! You'll only have to go through this whole process once.

How Can I Get a Disability Parking Placard?

Applying for a disability parking placard? Here's what you need to do online, by mail, or in person.

Step 1: Fill Out an Application Form

Complete the Application for Disables Person Placard or Plates (REG 195)File Application For Disabled Person Placard Or Plates Reg 195 Pdf PortalFile Application For Disabled Person Placard Or Plates Reg 195 Pdf Portal, no matter which kind of placard you're applying for.

Step 2: Get a Medical Provider's Signature

Your application form isn't complete without a medical provider's signature. Show them your application, and they'll do the rest.

Step 3: Prove Your Identity

Make copies of your California driver's licenseCalifornia How To Get Your Driver License Dmv, birth certificate, or passport. You'll only need to submit one to prove your identity.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Permanent parking placards are free. If that's what you're applying for, you don't need to pay anything. Temporary and travel parking placards, however, cost $6Vehicle Registration Registration Fees Portal. Once you pay the fee, you get your permit.

Earn Your Driver's License the Accessible Way

Getting your driver's license in California and your disability permits is freeing. You can go (and park!) wherever on your own. Our California-approved driver's ed courseCalifornia Drivers Ed helps you conquer your independence. Learn everything online, no matter where you are, at your own pace.