California residents may apply for CA disability placards provided they meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A disabled person placard allows individuals who have obtained one to park in specially marked parking spaces, as well as have additional parking benefits. Apart from the parking privileges, service stations may refuel a disabled person’s motor vehicle at self-service rates.

Disabled motorists have the option to apply for several types of California disability parking permits, including a permanent and a temporary permit. To learn more about how to obtain a disabled person parking tag in California, as well as how to complete the renewal and replacement procedures, read the applicable sections below.

Eligibility Requirements for Disability Placards in California

The state DMV imposes specific California disability placard requirements on individuals who wish to apply for this type of permit. Part of the qualifications for disability car permits include having impaired mobility as a result of having lost use of one or more lower extremities or both hands. Licensed California drivers are also considered disabled if they have been diagnosed with a disease that interferes with their mobility.

Disability tags in CA are also issued to individuals who are severely disabled and are therefore only able to move with the aid of an assistive device. The DMV may also allow the issuance of this type of placard to motorists with certain vision issues, such as lower-vision or partial-sightedness.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in California

If you are wondering how to submit an application for disability tags, you will need to complete specific steps and present the appropriate paperwork to the state DMV. Your CA disabled placard application procedure can be finalized via mail or you may present your application package in person at a DMV office.

Prior to applying for disability vehicle permits, however, you will need to choose between the several types of tags depending on your circumstances, such as a permanent placard, temporary tag or a travel parking placard. Note that the department will allow you to have only one permanent tag at a time.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in California by Mail

Disabled drivers can initiate their California disabled tag application process via mail by filling out the appropriate application. The form for handicap parking permits consists of several sections, and it will require applicants to enter specific personal data, as well as have a licensed doctor that has knowledge of the disease or disability sign the form, thus confirming the applicant’s status.

Individuals must also be prepared to submit the CA disabled parking tag fees if requesting a temporary placard. Once applicants have all the required documentation ready, they can mail it to the address provided on the form.

Note: Similar application steps may apply to individuals requesting disabled license plates.

How to Apply for a Disability Placard in California in Person

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also processes applications for disability placards in California that have been personally submitted to a local CA DMV office. The steps to apply for a disability parking permit in person are generally similar to those that apply to mail-in requests. Namely, applicants requesting a disabled person car tag will need to properly complete a REG 195 form, including medical certification.

This certification will not be necessary if the disabled motorist currently has a permanent placard or has lost a lower extremity or both hands. The DMV may not process in-person requests unless applicants provide payment for the fees (if applicable).

Once you obtain your CA disability car placard, it is illegal to lend it to another person. Per state laws, you are also not allowed to utilize someone else’s placard or provide false details on your application form. Failure to stay in accordance with the state laws may lead to cancellation or revocation of your placard.

How to Renew Disability Placards in California

If you are wondering how to renew a disability parking permit in California, note that this procedure will depend on the type of tag you currently have. A handicap parking tag renewal procedure is not necessary for permanent permits. The state DMV automatically renews and mails the new tag to the address listed on your record once the tag expires.

Permanent CA disability placards normally expire every two years on June 30 of every odd-numbered year. If you possess a temporary handicap parking permit, on the other hand, you may eventually need to apply for a renewal. This type of tag is valid for up to six months and may not be renewed more than six times in a row.

Before initiating a renewal process, contact the department and inquire about the necessary documents. You may need to submit an application form indicating that you requested a renewal along with any applicable fees to the DMV in a timely manner.

Note: Permanent placards do not require you to have a licensed medical professional recertify your disease or disability.

How to Replace Disability Placards in California

Initiating a California disability car tag replacement may be necessary for applicants who are currently dealing with a lost, stolen or damaged original tag. Disabled motorists wondering how to replace a handicap placard have the option to either submit the relevant documents by mail or go to a nearby DMV branch and present their application in person.

How to Replace Disability Placards in California by Mail

The process to apply for a CA disability placard replacement by mail will first require you to provide the DMV with a completed and signed Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156). When completing this form, be prepared to list the exact reason for applying. Your request for replacing a lost or stolen disabled person placard may not be processed unless you pay the set fees.

Note that the DMV requires duplicate fees for temporary tags only. If the reason for your disability placard replacement is a damaged placard, you will need to surrender the original along with your application to the address listed on the form. The Department of Motor Vehicles will mail your duplicate placard within approximately four weeks upon receipt of your request.

How to Replace Disability Placards in California in Person

If you are wondering how to replace a handicap placard in California in person, you may need to follow the same directions that apply to mail-in requests for a duplicate. Before visiting a local office to replace your disability parking permit, contact the DMV by phone or go online to schedule an appointment. Your in-person application for a replacement may also require you to submit a completed application form, any necessary fees and the original permit (if applicable).

California Disability Placard Fees

Providing the applicable California handicap placard fees is a required step in your application process. If you are wondering, “How much is a disability placard?” note that the prices will depend on the type of placard you qualify and apply for.

To obtain a new temporary CA disability placard, for instance, you will have to pay $6. Permanent and travel parking tags for disabled drivers are issued at no cost.

The procedure of replacing a lost or stolen handicap placard may also require you to submit payment for specific fees. However, contact the department to find out the exact costs.

If applying for handicap license plates through the state Department of Motor Vehicles, you can obtain them free of charge as well. However, specific vehicle registration fees may apply in such case. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Last updated on Thursday, March 7 2019.