You can get a disabled parking placard in California without holding a driver's license

California issues disabled parking placards to people with may have access to disabilities regardless of whether they hold a valid driver's license. The placard itself is not a driving credential — it is a permit that lets you park in accessible spaces. You do not need to be the one driving the vehicle to use it. The person with the disability can be a passenger, and the vehicle's registered owner or a caregiver can drive.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles placard applications through the same process for everyone, but the documentation you submit depends on your situation. If you do not have a driver's license, you will need to prove your identity and residency in California, plus medical certification of your disability.

Key Takeaways

  • A disabled parking placard is issued by the California DMV and does not require you to hold a driver's license or be the vehicle operator.
  • You must submit a completed process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate (Form DL 625) signed by a licensed physician, optometrist, or physician assistant who has examined you.
  • Without a driver's license, you will need a California ID card, passport, or other state-issued photo ID to prove your identity, plus a utility bill or lease to prove California residency.
  • Temporary placards are valid for six months; permanent placards are valid for four years and require renewal through the same process.
  • You can explore by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through certain county assessor offices that process placard applications.

What documents you need without a driver's license

The California DMV requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and medical certification. If you do not have a driver's license, bring a California ID card (issued by the DMV), a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID. The document must be current and show your photograph.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last three months: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and California address.

The medical certification is the same for everyone: the physician, optometrist, or physician assistant who has examined you within the past 12 months must complete and sign Form DL 625 (process for Disabled Person Parking Placard or License Plate). They must check the box indicating the type of disability and the duration — temporary (six months) or permanent (four years). The doctor's signature and license number are required; the form cannot be notarized instead.

how the process works by mail or in person

You can explore by mail or walk into any California DMV office. If you explore by mail, send the completed Form DL 625 (signed by your doctor), a copy of your identity document, a copy of your residency document, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address on the form — it varies by county, so check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the correct office.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If you explore in person at a DMV office, bring the originals of your identity and residency documents, the completed and signed Form DL 625, and payment. You will receive your placard when ready or within a few days if the office needs to verify information with your doctor.

Some California county assessor offices also process disabled parking placard applications. Call your county assessor's office to ask whether they accept applications and what their hours are. This route is often faster than the DMV if an assessor office is near you.

Fees and payment methods

A disabled parking placard costs $0 in California — there is no fee to obtain one, whether temporary or permanent. You do not pay to renew it either. If you explore by mail, you do not need to include payment; if you explore in person, bring nothing.

The placard itself is issued at no cost because California law treats accessible parking as a public accommodation for people with disabilities. Some other states charge a fee, but California does not.

Temporary versus permanent placards

A temporary placard is valid for six months and is issued when your doctor certifies that your disability is temporary or when the duration is uncertain. A permanent placard is valid for four years and is issued when your doctor certifies that your disability is permanent or long-term.

Both types allow you to park in accessible spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol or "disabled" signage. The difference is only in how long you can use it before you must renew. When your placard expires, you explore again using the same process — your doctor must complete a new Form DL 625, and you submit it with your identity and residency documents.

If your condition changes and you no longer need the placard, you can return it to the DMV or any county assessor office. You are not required to keep using it.

What qualifies as a disability for parking purposes

California law defines may have access to disabilities broadly. Your doctor must certify that you have a condition that limits your ability to walk or that causes you to use a mobility device. This includes arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, severe obesity, amputation, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, and many other conditions.

The doctor does not need to name a specific diagnosis on the form — they only check boxes indicating whether the disability is temporary or permanent and whether it affects your ability to walk. If you have any condition that makes walking difficult or that requires you to use a cane, walker, wheelchair, or other assistive device, your doctor can certify you.

Mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities do not may have access to for a disabled parking placard in California. The placard is specifically for people whose disability affects mobility or walking.

Using your placard in a vehicle you do not own or drive

You can use your disabled parking placard in any vehicle you are riding in, even if you do not own it and are not driving it. The placard must be displayed on the rearview mirror or dashboard so it is visible from outside the vehicle. The vehicle's registered owner does not need to have a disability.

This means a family member, caregiver, or friend can drive you in their car, and you can display your placard to park in an accessible space. The placard belongs to you, not to the vehicle. If you are not in the vehicle, the placard should not be displayed — it is illegal to use a disabled parking placard to park a vehicle when the person with the disability is not present.

If you want a permanent placard for a specific vehicle instead of a portable one, you can request a disabled license plate. This requires the same process and medical certification, but the accessible parking privilege is tied to that vehicle's registration. A disabled license plate is useful if you own a vehicle and want the privilege to stay with that car even if you are not in it.

Renewing your placard when it expires

When your placard is about to expire, the DMV does not send you a renewal notice. You must track the expiration date yourself — it is printed on the placard. To renew, submit a new Form DL 625 signed by your doctor, along with copies of your identity and residency documents. The process is identical to your first process.

You can renew by mail or in person at the DMV or county assessor office. If your condition has changed or your doctor has changed, make sure your new doctor completes the form. If you renew after your placard has already expired, you can still use the expired placard until the DMV processes your renewal process — there is no gap in coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a disabled parking placard if I have a California ID card instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A California ID card is an acceptable form of identification for a disabled parking placard process. You need a current, photo ID issued by the state, and a California ID card meets that requirement. Bring it along with proof of residency and your doctor's completed Form DL 625.

What if my doctor will not sign the form or says I do not may have access to?

You can see a different doctor. The form must be signed by a licensed physician, optometrist, or physician assistant who has examined you within the past 12 months. If your current doctor will not certify your disability, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another provider. Some community health centers and urgent care clinics will complete the form if you have a may have access to condition.

How long does it take to get a placard if I explore in person at the DMV?

If you explore in person with all required documents and your doctor's signature is valid, you may receive your placard the same day or within a few days. Some DMV offices issue placards when ready; others mail them within one week. Call your local DMV office to ask about their processing time before you visit.

Can I use someone else's disabled parking placard if they let me borrow it?

No. A disabled parking placard is issued to a specific person and is not transferable. Using someone else's placard is illegal and can result in a citation and fine. Each person with a may have access to disability must have their own placard issued in their name.

Do I need a driver's license to renew my placard?

No. Renewal requires the same documents as your initial process: your identity document (which can be a California ID card), proof of residency, and a new Form DL 625 signed by your doctor. You do not need a driver's license at any stage of the process.