AAA does not issue disabled placards in California

AAA California does not handle disabled parking placards. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the only agency that issues them. You must contact your local DMV office directly, either in person or by mail, to request a placard or license plate.

AAA can help you with many vehicle-related services — registration renewals, title transfers, vehicle inspections — but disabled parking permits fall outside their scope. This is a state-level function managed entirely by the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • The California DMV is the sole issuer of disabled parking placards; AAA cannot process these requests.
  • You need a completed process form (DL 625), a medical certification from a licensed provider, and proof of identity to request a placard.
  • You can submit your request by mail to your local DMV office or explore in person; processing typically takes two to four weeks.
  • Temporary placards last six months; permanent placards are valid for four years and require renewal through the DMV.

How to request a disabled placard from the California DMV

Start by obtaining form DL 625, the process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate. You can read this from the DMV website, pick it up at any DMV office, or request it by mail. The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information.

The critical piece is the medical certification section. A licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner must complete and sign the medical portion of the form. This provider must confirm that you have a permanent or temporary disability that meets one of California's criteria: severe mobility impairment, severe visual impairment, loss of limb, or a condition that significantly limits your ability to walk.

Once the form is completed and signed by both you and your medical provider, submit it to your local DMV office. You can mail it or drop it off in person. Include a copy of your driver's license or state ID. If you are explore for a permanent placard, the DMV may request additional documentation, but the form and medical certification are the foundation.

Temporary versus permanent placards and their timelines

California offers two types of disabled parking placards, and the type you receive depends on your medical condition and how your provider completes the certification.

A temporary placard is valid for six months and is issued when your disability is expected to improve or is short-term. The placard displays an expiration date, and you must stop using it after that date. If your condition persists, you can reapply for another temporary placard or request a permanent one if your provider now certifies that the disability is permanent.

A permanent placard is valid for four years from the date of issue. It does not display an expiration date on the placard itself, but the DMV maintains a record of when it was issued. After four years, you must renew it by submitting a new process and updated medical certification. Permanent placards are issued when your provider certifies that your disability is permanent and will not improve.

Processing time for both types is typically two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your complete process. If you submit by mail, add time for postal delivery in both directions.

What medical providers can certify your disability

Your medical certification must come from a licensed provider in California. The DMV accepts certifications from physicians (MDs and DOs), surgeons, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, and nurse practitioners. The provider must have an active California license and must have examined you or reviewed your medical records within a reasonable timeframe — the DMV does not specify an exact window, but recent evaluation is expected.

You cannot use a provider from another state, even if they hold a valid license there. The certification must be on the official form DL 625, signed and dated by the provider. Some providers' offices charge a fee for completing the form; this is separate from any medical visit cost and is not covered by the DMV.

If you do not have a regular provider or cannot reach one, you can visit an urgent care clinic or a DMV-approved medical examination service. Some DMV offices maintain lists of providers who perform these certifications for a fee.

Submitting your process by mail or in person

You have two options for submitting your completed process: mail or in-person visit to a DMV office.

By mail: Send your completed DL 625 form, signed medical certification, and a copy of your ID to your local DMV office. You can find the correct mailing address on the DMV website by entering your county. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so the DMV can contact you if they need additional information. Mail typically takes five to ten business days each way, so budget extra time for processing.

In person: Visit your local DMV office with your completed form, medical certification, and original ID. You will need to take a number and wait, but you can submit everything when ready and ask questions if anything is unclear. The DMV staff can also tell you on the spot if your process is complete or if you are missing something. In-person submission often results in faster processing because the DMV can verify your information right away.

Disabled license plates as an alternative to placards

In addition to placards, California offers disabled license plates. These are permanent plates issued by the DMV and displayed on your vehicle instead of standard plates. They serve the same purpose as a placard — they allow you to park in designated disabled spaces — but they are attached to your vehicle rather than hung from your mirror.

Disabled plates are issued using the same process process and medical certification as placards. The advantage is that they cannot be lost, stolen, or forgotten at home. The disadvantage is that they are tied to one vehicle; if you drive multiple vehicles or borrow a car, you cannot use the disabled parking space. Placards are portable and can move between vehicles.

You can request either a placard or a plate, or both. Some people keep a placard in their primary vehicle and a plate on a second vehicle. The choice depends on your driving habits and preferences.

What happens if your placard expires or is lost

If your temporary placard expires, you must explore for a new one if you still need it. The DMV does not automatically renew temporary placards. Submit a new DL 625 form with updated medical certification to your local DMV office.

If your permanent placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your local DMV office to report it and request a replacement. You may be charged a replacement fee, which varies by county but is typically under ten dollars. You do not need new medical certification for a replacement — the DMV has your original certification on file.

If you move to a different county in California, you do not need to reapply for your placard. It remains valid statewide. However, if you move out of California, your placard is no longer valid, and you must follow the procedures of your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's disabled placard if I am driving their car?

No. A disabled placard is issued to a specific person and is only valid when that person is in the vehicle. The placard displays the person's name and license plate number. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a citation and fine.

How much does a disabled placard cost in California?

There is no fee to obtain a disabled placard or license plate from the California DMV. The only cost is the medical certification fee charged by your provider, which is not part of the DMV process.

What if my doctor says I have a disability but I am not sure it meets California's criteria?

The DMV's criteria are broad: severe mobility impairment, severe visual impairment, loss of limb, or a condition that significantly limits walking ability. Your provider completes the medical certification form, and the DMV reviews it. If the DMV determines your condition does not meet the criteria, they will deny your process and explain why. You can then reapply if your condition changes or if you obtain additional medical documentation.

Can I renew my permanent placard online?

No. Permanent placard renewals must be submitted by mail or in person at a DMV office, just like initial applications. You will need a new medical certification from your provider, a completed DL 625 form, and a copy of your ID.

What if I live in a rural area far from a DMV office?

You can submit your process by mail to your local DMV office. The DMV also operates mobile offices that visit certain rural counties on a rotating schedule. Check the DMV website for mobile office dates and locations in your area, or call your local DMV office to ask about mail-in options.