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This post explains the new deadline and step by step process for renewing a disabled parking placard in California. It also covers who is affected, why the DMV changed the system, and the main rules about eligibility, parking privileges, and misuse.

The new deadline for renewing disabled parking placards

If you have had a disabled parking placard for six years or more, you must renew by June 30 to keep using it.

  • Renewal deadline: June 30, 2025
  • The change is part of a process that starts with certain long-time holders, not everyone at once.

Key point: the DMV will not issue a new placard until it receives the required signature.

Who is affected by the new renewal process

This update affects permanent disabled person parking placards—especially holders who received the original placard earlier.

Quick breakdown by placard type

Placard type Renewal update applies? Notes
Permanent disabled person placard Yes New signature requirement began for certain groups and continues in scheduled cycles
Temporary placard No Follow temporary validity rules instead
Disabled Veteran license plates No Different program

Why California changed the renewal rules

Imagine you have a disabled placard, but someone else might be using a similar permit in a different way—without needing it. The state wanted to reduce that problem.

California’s DMV changed the renewal process to help crack down on fraud and improve checks.

What the state audit found

A state audit found that the DMV did not sufficiently ensure that placard or plate applications were legitimate. The audit highlighted issues such as:

  • applications reviewed did not include enough specific information about the disability
  • the system did not regularly update records for deceased people

What law prompted the change

In 2017, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 611 to correct shortcomings found after the audit.

How often placard holders must re-verify

Permanent placards have long used automatic renewal. Now, for certain permanent placard holders, re-verification is required:

  • Placards are renewed every two years automatically in general
  • But the new rule adds a signature check every six years for those who have had the placard for six or more years

How the signature requirement improves efficiency and limits misuse

The DMV’s goal is twofold:

  1. Record efficiency
    Instead of only renewing paperwork, the state gets a fresh confirmation at key intervals.
  2. Limiting misuse
    By requiring a signature from the placard holder, the DMV reduces chances of continued use when a person no longer qualifies.

Simple diagram of the change

flowchart TD
A[Placard exists] --> B[Renewal cycle]
B --> C[Regular renewal for many holders]
C --> D[Every 6 years]
D --> E[Placard holder signature]
E --> F[DMV mails new placard only after signature]

Eligibility in plain words

A person may qualify for a disabled person parking placard or DP license plates if they have impaired mobility due to conditions like:

  • loss of use of one or both lower extremities, or both hands
  • a diagnosed disease that substantially impairs mobility
  • inability to move without an assistive device
  • documented visual problems such as lower-vision or partial-sightedness

Card vs license plates in California

DP parking placards and DP license plates give the same parking privileges. The difference is how they are attached to the vehicle.

Option What it is Biggest benefit
DP placard A placard you hang in the vehicle Can be moved between vehicles (often used by caregivers)
DP license plates Special disabled person plates permanently affixed Best if the disabled driver uses one vehicle most of the time

Types of disabled parking placards

Permanent, temporary, and travel

Type Who it fits Valid for Can it be renewed?
Permanent parking placard Permanent disabilities 2 years; expires June 30 of odd-numbered years Renew using DMV process
Temporary parking placard Temporary disabilities Up to 180 days (6 months) or until the doctor date, whichever is shorter Cannot be renewed more than six times in a row
Travel parking placard (California residents) Have permanent DP placard/DP license plates or DV plates 30 days from DMV issue date N/A (short-term travel permit)
Travel parking placard (nonresidents) Traveling to California with permanent disability Up to 90 days or until doctor date, whichever is shorter N/A (short-term travel permit)

Spanish eligibility overview

?Qui?n es elegible para una tarjeta de estacionamiento para personas con discapacidad o placas de matr?cula para veh?culos con discapacidad?
En California, usted puede calificar si tiene movilidad limitada por razones como: p?rdida del uso de una o m?s extremidades inferiores o de ambas manos, una enfermedad diagnosticada que dificulta mucho el movimiento, necesidad de un dispositivo de asistencia para moverse, o problemas visuales documentados.

Parking privileges and where you cannot park

Privileges you may have

With a valid DP placard or DP license plates, you may park:

  • in spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair)
  • next to a blue curb authorized for disabled parking
  • next to a green curb (limited time parking) for as long as you wish
  • in an on-street metered space at no charge
  • in an area that requires a resident or merchant permit

You also have a specific service station rule:
- service stations must refuel your vehicle at self-service rates unless only one employee is on duty

Where you cannot park

You may not park:

  • in crosshatched wheelchair-access spaces (these are for wheelchair/lift access)
  • next to red curbs (no stopping/standing/parking)
  • next to yellow curbs (commercial loading/unloading)
  • next to white curbs (loading/unloading mail/passengers)

Consequences of incorrect use

It is illegal to share or misuse a DP placard or plates, including:

  • lending your placard to someone else
  • using someone else’s placard
  • forging a medical professional’s signature
  • possessing or displaying counterfeit placards/plates
  • providing false information to get a placard/plates
  • altering a placard or placard identification card

Misuse can lead to cancellation, revocation, and loss of parking privileges, plus penalties under California Vehicle Code and other laws.

Renewing a permanent placard online

If your placard renewal is due, the fastest option is usually online.

Online renewal steps

Step What you do
1 Use your Disabled Person Parking Placard ID Card to start the renewal
2 If you received a renewal notice, scan the QR code or use the Renewal Identification Number
3 Provide the required signature electronically
4 Submit and wait for mailing

What information you need

To renew online, you need:

  • your placard ID card information
  • and if you have it, the QR code or Renewal Identification Number from the notice

Address updates when renewing

If you moved, you can update your mailing address while renewing. If you’re not renewing at that moment, you can still use the DMV change of address tool for the placard.

Timeline after online renewal

Once the DMV receives your signature:

  • Your new placard will be mailed and you should receive it in 2 to 4 weeks
  • The new placards in this renewal cycle expire in June 2027
  • A new placard will not be issued until your signature is received

What if you did not receive the placard

If it is not here by the expected date

  • If you have not received your renewed placard by June 15, 2025, contact the DMV (online chat or phone).
  • If you don’t receive your new placard by June 1, also contact the DMV.

Why California requires signatures for permanent renewals

This signature requirement started because the state wanted more reliable confirmation for renewal.

The DMV explains that SB 611 requires renewal notices every six years or before the third renewal, and customers must provide a signature before DMV mails a new placard.

How often permanent placards are renewed

For the permanent DP placard program, the renewal structure includes:

  • Every two years in the general cycle
  • but signature verification every six years for those affected under the updated rules

Who gets automatic renewal

Some permanent placard holders may not need to take action in the current renewal cycle.

For example:
- If you received your original permanent parking placard after December 2020, you will not receive a notice for this renewal cycle and will be automatically sent a new placard before the June 30 expiration.

If you no longer have the renewal notice

You can still renew, depending on what method you use:

  • Renew online using information such as your name, date of birth, and placard number from your placard identification card.
  • If you must renew by mail or in person without the notice, you may need to complete Application for Permanent Disabled Person (DP) Placard Renewal (REG 195 A).

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is possible, but it typically requires:

  • sending the notice back with the required signature, using the provided return envelope (postage is required)
  • or completing the appropriate renewal application form if you don’t have your notice

What happens if you do not respond

If you do not provide your signature:

  • the DMV will not issue a new placard
  • your current placard will eventually expire (and you won’t have a replacement issued)

Replacing a lost stolen or damaged placard

If your permanent or temporary placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a substitute:

  1. complete and sign REG 156 (Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents)
  2. surrender the placard if it’s damaged
  3. pay the substitute fee only for temporary placards
  4. bring it to a DMV office or mail it in

Mailing and timing

  • Mail to the DMV Placard address listed on the DMV page
  • You typically receive your parking placard in 2 to 4 weeks after submitting

Window decals for obstructed rear plates

If a wheelchair lift or carrier blocks the view of your rear license plate, DMV offers free window decals.

Who can get a decal

You may qualify if one of these is true:

  • you have a DP placard
  • you transport people with a DP placard
  • you have DP or DV license plates

How to apply

  • complete a Statement of Facts (REG 256)
  • mail it to the DMV Special Processing Unit address listed on the DMV page

Summary checklist for a smooth renewal

Task Why it matters
Renew by June 30 if you’ve had the placard 6+ years Otherwise you may lose the ability to use it after expiration
Use online renewal if possible Fastest and simplest
Scan the QR code correctly or use your Renewal Identification Number Helps DMV match your record
Update your address if you moved Prevents the new placard from going to the wrong place
Sign the renewal when required DMV will not mail the new placard until it receives your signature

Quick facts at a glance

Item Answer
New renewal deadline June 30
Signature required For certain permanent placard holders at the 6-year mark
Online renewal Available for permanent placards
Delivery after signature 2 to 4 weeks
Renewal expiration after this cycle June 2027