Disabled parking placards have paperwork and limits

Start with the person who qualifies. A placard can move between vehicles that carry that person. Disabled person plates stay with the registered vehicle. A licensed medical professional must usually certify the need. DMV has narrow exceptions for an obvious qualifying loss or a certification already on file.

A permanent placard lasts two years. It expires on June 30 in an odd-numbered year. A temporary placard lasts no more than 180 days. It ends sooner if the medical professional gives an earlier date. It cannot be renewed more than six times in a row.

A travel placard for a California resident lasts 30 days. One for a qualified nonresident lasts up to 90 days or the earlier certified date. Use DMV’s renewal or replacement path for the document you have.

A placard or plate gives certain disabled-parking rights. It does not allow parking at every curb or in every space. Never park in a striped, crosshatched access aisle or at a red, yellow, or white curb. Follow all other posted limits. Display or use the placard only while carrying the person it was issued to. Lending or misuse can lead to a citation, cancellation, and other penalties.