People who have disabilities have many challenges in life but renewing their permanent handicap placards isn't one of them. The DMV mails new placards and identification cards to the address on file, so the only thing necessary is to make sure the DMV office has the correct address on file.
With any disability comes certain challenges and for drivers who happen to have a disability, this statement has never been more true. As any disabled driver knows you need either a permanent placard or a license plate on your car so you can utilize disabled parking spots without issues. This guide will show you what you need to know about a handicap placard, including the renewal process. Please read on to find out more.
According to the California DMV, you might qualify for a permanent handicap placard if you lost the use of one or more of your lower extremities, have documented vision problems or you need to use a device to help with your mobility.
For first-time applicants, you can apply online, in office or by mail for a permanent placard and any fees you pay are for the temporary placard. The permanent placard shouldn't incur any fees.
Luckily, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically mail you a new placard and identification card to the address on file, so it's important that information is kept up to date. If you move, then you need to fill out a change of address form, DMV 14, and mail it. You can print out the form from the website or call the automated system to have the it mail you a copy.
There's also no need for your medical paperwork to be re-certified by your doctor or any other medical professional. The medical certification behind a handicap placard is permanent.
If your placard gets damaged, then it needs to be returned to the DMV as soon as possible once you request form REG 156 for replacement plates and documents. There is also a fee for the temporary placard you'll need until your new permanent placard arrives by mail. You can also make an appointment with the DMV for the temporary placard if you want to receive it faster. If you have any questions about the process for temporary or permanent placards, feel free to call the California Department of Motor Vehicles customer service here.
GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV) in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Renew My Permanent Handicap Placard from the California Dmv? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.