In order to park in a disabled parking space
in California
, drivers must display either a permanent or temporary disabled parking placard assigned to a medically eligible individual. 
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To park in a disabled space in California, you’ll need one of the following:
A temporary disabled parking placard (expires in six months or less)
A permanent disabled parking placard or license plate (valid for two years)
A travel disabled parking placard (valid for 30 to 90 days)
All passes must display the International Symbol of Access (ISA), which you probably recognize as the blue-and-white stick figure with a wheelchair. However, you don’t need to use a wheelchair to obtain a disabled parking placard. Below is a list of conditions that, temporary or permanent, could qualify you for a disabled parking placard in California.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
California assigns disabled parking placards to individuals with impaired vision or mobility. You meet the legal definition of disability in California if:
You have lost the use of one or more of your lower extremities or both hands.
You have a diagnosed disease that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility.
You are unable to move without the aid of an assistive device.
You have specific documented visual problems, including lower-vision or partial-sightedness.
Let’s say you’re out surfing at one of California’s many gorgeous beaches, and you wipe out, grossly fracturing both your legs. Since that injury constitutes a temporary disability affecting your mobility, you’d be eligible for a six-month disabled parking placard, allowing you to access designated parking spots until your rehabilitation is complete.
Some disabilities aren’t quite so obvious, even if they’re permanent. If your asthma makes treks across the In-N-Out parking lot exhaustive, or your vision remains impaired even with the strongest of corrective lenses, you can apply for a permanent disabled parking placard or license plate.
How to apply
In order to apply for a disabled parking placard, you’ll need to fill out the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates
. Though not an onerous form, there are a few specific steps that must be taken to fill it out. You’ll first need to provide your identifying information: name, address, and driver’s license or ID card number. You then get to select the type of permit you’re applying for:
Permanent DP parking placard
Temporary DP parking placard
Travel parking DP placard
Disabled person license plates
California only allows you to apply for a travel parking DP placard if you already have a DP parking placard, disabled veteran license plates, or DP license plates. DP license plates can only be assigned to vehicles registered in the name of a medically eligible individual.
Next, your medical provider must complete a certificate of disability. This portion may be completed by any state-licensed physician, surgeon, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor, physician assistant, or certified nurse-midwife. Your medical provider must check the box for all medical conditions that apply to you, and then print a full and legible description of that illness or disability to meet the requirements of California state law for certification.
You do not need a medical provider’s certificate of disability if you have lost one of your lower extremities or both of your hands and appear in person at a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. You also don’t need a certificate of disability if you already hold a permanent disability placard or license plate—you’ll just have to enter your license plate number in your application.
The application may be submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles online, by mail, or in person at one of their numerous offices. Your application must come with proof of identification and payment for any applicable fees.
To obtain a DP license plate, you must also provide the current registration card for your vehicle, pay the normal registration fees due on the vehicle, and surrender the license plates currently on the vehicle.
Permanent disability placards and license plates and travel disability placards require no fee, but if you’re applying for a temporary permit, you’ll need to include a $6 payment with your application. Fees may be paid using your bank account information (routing and account numbers) or by credit card.
Key Takeaway To apply for a disabled parking placard in California, in most cases, your medical provider must certify that your disability or illness meets specific criteria.
Renewing a disabled parking placard
You may renew a temporary disability placard up to six times in a row with the certification of your medical provider. The DMV will automatically renew your permanent DP placard. If you move, you must file your change of address with the DMV to ensure your placard will be mailed to your current address.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
If you were permanently disabled by an injury or disease that occurred while on active service with the U.S. Armed Forces, you may qualify for Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates
, which exempt you from paying vehicle registration and license fees. To qualify for DV license plates, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
You have a disability rated at 100% by the service that discharged you or the Department of Veteran Affairs due to a diagnosed disease or disorder that substantially impairs or interferes with your mobility.
You are unable to move without an assistive device.
You have lost one or multiple limbs.
You are permanently blind as defined by the California Welfare and Institutions Code.
If you meet the above criteria, you may apply for DV license plates by completing a Disabled Veteran Certification on the Miscellaneous Certifications (REG 256A) form
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