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Disability Parking in San Francisco

• San Francisco, California Disability Parking Laws

  • Any person with a permanent or temporary disability that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility is eligible for a handicap placard in San Francisco, California.
  • Licensed medical practitioner must complete medical certification section on Form REG 195.
  • Organizations providing transportation to disabled persons may obtain placards for vehicles used solely for that purpose.
  • Disabled veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Disabled Veterans License Plates with registration fee exemption.
  • Permanent placards are valid for 2 years and expire June 30 of odd-numbered years for permanent disabilities.
  • Temporary placards are valid up to 180 days for temporary disabilities.
  • Travel placards valid up to 90 days for nonresidents visiting California.
  • DP License Plates available for permanently disabled vehicle owners and must stay with specific vehicle.
  • Maximum one permanent placard per person at any time with maximum four substitute permanent placards during 2-year renewal period.
  • Permanent placards issued free of charge while temporary placards cost $6, though DMV may issue them free to permanent placard holders.
  • License plates require normal vehicle registration fees, except Disabled Veterans License Plates which are exempt from all fees.
  • Using someone else's placard is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 4461, punishable by fines up to $1,000 and up to 6 months jail time.
  • Must remain in "reasonable proximity" to disabled person when using their placard and cannot drop off disabled person to park elsewhere.
  • Placards can be moved between vehicles unlike license plates which stay permanently affixed.

• Documents You’ll Need

  To apply for a new disability parking permit in San Francisco, California:

  • Form REG 195 (Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates), completed and signed by qualified medical professional
  • Copy of state-issued driver's license or identification card, or birth certificate
  • Valid and unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card also acceptable
  • Medical provider must include medical license number and signature

  Exemptions from Medical Certification

  • Applicant has lost a lower extremity or both hands (must appear in-person at DMV office)
  • Applicant currently has permanent California DP Placard or DP/DV License Plates (enter plate number on application)

  Online Doctor’s Certification

  If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You’ll receive:

  • A signed medical certification (Form REG 195) delivered to you via email within 24-48 hours, ready for DMV submission

  Lost or Stolen Permit Replacement

  If permit is lost or stolen, you'll need a complete Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) and pay substitute fee for temporary placards only (permanent and travel placards replaced free)

  • Organizations providing transportation for disabled persons must submit (REG 195) with the organization's name listed as the applicant, Statement of Facts (REG 256) & vehicle's current registration card.
  • Disabled Veteran can also apply using (REG 256A) form, Medical certification or USDVA certification letter confirming service-connected disability qualifications

• Renewal & Replacement

  Permanent Placards

  • Valid for 2 years and expire June 30 of odd-numbered years.
  • Automatic renewal system: placard holders receive renewal notices every 6 years starting from initial issuance.
  • No re-certification by medical professional required for permanent placard renewals.

  Temporary Placards

  • Valid up to 180 days (6 months) or until date specified by medical professional, whichever is sooner.
  • No automatic renewal - must apply for new temporary placard if continued need exists.
  • Require new medical certification for each application.

  Travel Placards

  • Valid up to 90 days or until date specified by medical professional, whichever is less.
  • Available for nonresidents visiting California

  Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Permits

  • Complete REG 156 form and surrender damaged placard if applicable.
  • No replacement fee for permanent and travel placards while temporary placards require a substitution fee.

  Turnaround Time:

  Online and mail applications are processed in 2-4 weeks while in-person applications are processed immediately with complete documentation.