How to Apply for a California Disabled Placard or License Plate: Requirements and Steps
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Disabilities can make life challenging. California enacts laws and privileges to make life easier for disabled individuals. One way it does this is by providing temporary or permanent parking privileges. To access these benefits, you must apply for and receive a California disabled placard or plate.
You can easily obtain a disabled parking placard or plate. This guide explains eligibility requirements and the application process for the California license plates or placards you need.
Understanding California Disabled Person License Plates or Placards
A California disabled placard or license plate works like parking permits, allowing you to park in any disabled parking space. These designated spaces are typically closer to destinations and accessible walkways or entrances.
Disabled person license plates are usually only for individuals with permanent disabilities or disabled veterans. They are for vehicles registered in your name and attach to the rear of your car like a standard license plate.
Disabled person placards are more flexible. Permanent placards require proof of a permanent disability and must be renewed every two years. Before the third renewal, placard holders will receive a renewal notice with a signature requirement. You must provide your signature before the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can mail a new placard.
In California, you can also apply for temporary placards, which are typically valid for 180 days/six months. You must have a qualifying disability or diagnosed disease. With a letter from a licensed physician, the DMV may grant a temporary placard for more than six months, but on a case-by-case basis.
Eligibility Requirements for Disabled Person Placards or License Plates
Whether applying for a disabled plate or placard, the same eligibility requirements apply. According to the California DMV, an individual may qualify for a disabled person placard or plate if they have:
- A disease that impairs or interferes with mobility
- Lost the use of both hands or one or more of their lower extremities
- An inability to move without an assistive device
- Documented visual problems, such as lower vision or partial-sightedness
The California DMV disabled placard or plate is a government-issued document. Therefore, to qualify, you must provide documentation of a diagnosis from your physician or a licensed medical professional, such as an optometrist.
The qualifications for a California veterans disabled license plate are more involved. While the above qualifications still apply, a disabled veteran must have a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a disability stemming from a wartime injury or disease.
Step-by-Step Guide To Applying for Disabled Person License Plates or Placards
When you’re ready to apply for a placard identification card or license plate, visit your local California DMV, where a representative can help you and process your application. However, the process is straightforward, with only five steps for either the placard or plate:
- Complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
- Have a qualified medical professional complete and sign the Certificate of Disability section of the application.
- Provide your current vehicle registration card or documents to register the vehicle in your name (only for license plates).
- Pay the registration fees or other applicable fees.
- Surrender the existing license plates (only for license plates).
Qualified medical professionals include physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or certified nurse midwives with knowledge of the disease or disability. If you lose the use of your lower extremities or face significant limitations, a licensed chiropractor can also fill out the form. Optometrists also qualify to verify visual impairments or limitations.
You don’t need a Medical Provider’s Certification of Disability if you lost both hands or a lower extremity and appear in person at a DMV office to submit your California disabled placard or license plate application. You can also avoid the medical verification if you already have a disabled person placard or plate.
Fees Associated With California Disabled Person Placards
Typically, people with qualifying permanent disabilities don’t have to pay additional fees for a disabled placard in California. The same is true for license plates. Unfortunately, a small fee of $6 exists for a temporary disabled placard in California.
Renewal and Replacement Procedures
The process for renewing and replacing a California disabled placard or plate is simple. The renewal or replacement process for a disabled parking placard in California depends on the type of placard.
- Permanent placards typically renew automatically every two years. However, you must provide a signature every six years.
- Temporary placards don’t automatically renew and are usually only valid for six months unless a medical professional requests longer. If you need longer than initially requested, you must renew with a new application.
- Disability license plates typically renew with your vehicle registration. That said, you may need to request plates if they become illegible.
Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged placards or plates requires a trip to the DMV and a new application. You’ll likely have to pay fees for the replacement.
Benefits of Having a California Disabled Person License Plate or Placard
The primary benefit of a California disabled placard or plate is access to disabled spaces. These special spaces improve accessibility and convenience. Additionally, placards and plates mean free metered parking and green curb parking.
Avoiding Common Mistakes During the Application Process
Most of the frustration when applying for a specialty placard or plate stems from incomplete applications or incorrect information. Therefore, to avoid these common mistakes, do the following:
- Ensure all application sections are complete and correct
- Secure a thorough medical statement and completed form from your doctor
- Know the eligibility requirements
- Ask for help
Find the Best Insurance Coverage for Your Needs
Now that you know everything you need to get a California disabled placard or plate, it’s time to protect your vehicle. Car insurance in California is essential to protecting your means of transportation. Use EverQuote to compare multiple insurance quotes simultaneously to find the one that’s right for you.