If you have a permanent or temporary disability 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 permit 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-tripping 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 disability. 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 DMV.
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).
DV license plate: Disabled Veteran Certification on the Miscellaneous Certification (REG 256A).
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 disability 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 registration.
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), 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 license, 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 $6. 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 course helps you conquer your independence. Learn everything online, no matter where you are, at your own pace.
Updated 3/28/24