California Disabled Person’s Placards or Plates

Disabled parking spaces are meant to make it easier for those with disabilities, specifically those with mobility problems and other medical conditions, to access an establishment or building. A wheelchair symbol is used to indicated that a slot is reserved for motorists with impairments. Only vehicles with the disabled person (DP) placards or plates are allowed to use these spaces. 

In order to apply for one, you need to present a medical certificate from a licensed physician stating that you have lost use of your arm/s or leg/s or have a condition that affects your mobility. Other professionals like a licensed optometrist may issue the certificate if the motorist is visually impaired. Medical certificates from a licensed chiropractor is also accepted for cases involving drivers who have lost the use of their upper or lower extremities.

Aside from a document certifying that you are disabled, another requirement you need to submit when requesting for a DP placard or plates is a completed application form (REG 195). Meanwhile, if you are applying for a plate and not a placard, you also need to surrender your current plates and present the current vehicle registration card which bears your name. Lastly, you need to pay the indicated fees.

There are several types of DP placards in California. The type that you will receive will depend on the kind of disability you have. Below are the kinds of DP parking placards issued in CA:

• Permanent Placards are issued to those with permanent or long-term disabilities. These have a validity of two years.
• Temporary Placards are given to people with temporary impairments. These have a validity of at most six months.
• Travel placards for non-CA residents are issued to people with permanent disabilities who intend to visit California. These have a validity of not more than three months.
• Travel placards for CA residents are issued to those who possess permanent DP placard or plates. The validity of these placards is a month.

Please visit the CA DMV website to get more information about applying for a Disabled Person Parking Placard or Plate.

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