Obtaining a California Disabled Person Parking Placard

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers Disabled Person Parking Placards (DPPP) to individuals with qualifying disabilities. These placards allow holders to park in designated accessible spaces and access certain parking privileges across the state. Here's everything you need to know to obtain one.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for a California DPPP includes individuals with one or more of the following medical conditions, certified by a licensed medical professional:

Loss or functional loss of one or more lower extremities
Severe limitation in the ability to walk due to arthritis, neurological, or orthopedic condition
Cardiovascular disease classified as Class III or IV
Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses
Any condition resulting in significant mobility impairment

Types of Placards

California offers the following types of DPPP:

Permanent Placards: Valid for up to two years and renewable by mail.
Temporary Placards: Valid for up to six months, suitable for short-term disabilities.
Travel Placards: Issued for residents traveling out-of-state or visitors with a disability.
Disabled Person License Plates: Available for individuals who own or lease their vehicles.

How to Apply

You can apply for a DPPP by completing the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195) form. Here's how:

Complete the REG 195 form – available online or at DMV offices.
Medical certification – must be filled out and signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, or other qualified health professional.
Submit the application:
- Mail to: DMV Placard Section, P.O. Box 932345, Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
- Or submit in-person at a local DMV office

There is no fee for a permanent placard. Temporary placards require a $6 fee.

Renewal and Replacement

Permanent placards are automatically renewed every two years for individuals with permanent disabilities. However, you must confirm your address with the DMV. Temporary placards must be reapplied for after expiration with a new medical certification.

If your placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting the REG 195 form again.

Rules for Using Your Placard

Proper use of your placard is critical. Misuse can lead to fines and revocation. Always display the placard on the rearview mirror when parked and remove it when the vehicle is in motion. The placard is only valid when the person with the disability is in the vehicle, either as a driver or passenger.

Placard holders may park:

In spaces with the International Symbol of Access
Next to blue curbs
For unlimited time in spaces with time limits (unless it restricts all-day or overnight parking)

However, placards do not allow parking in:

Red zones (no stopping)
Yellow zones (commercial loading)
White zones (passenger loading)

Related DMV Resources

If you're applying for a placard in the context of obtaining or updating your driver's license, check out these resources:

For more information or to download application forms, visit the California DMV's official website.