Get Your Disabled Parking Permit Online In California

golden gate bridge california

Every disabled driver can benefit from a disabled parking permit. A California disabled parking permit gives you access to specific reserved parking spaces at your destination, giving you some extra peace of mind when you head out on the road. The good news is that applying for your disabled parking permit in the Golden State is a simple process. Read on for more information on how to get your disabled parking permit online in California.

How do I get a disabled parking permit in California?

To get a disabled parking permit in California, you need to have a qualifying medical condition. There are many conditions that qualify for a disabled parking permit in California, including:

  • Loss of limb
  • Severe vision impairment
  • Restrictions due to a specific lung disease or respiratory condition
  • Decreased mobility, including the requirement of a cane, walker, or other mobility aid
  • Being a disabled Veteran, suffering from:
    • Permanent blindness
    • Loss of use of one or more limbs
    • Inability to move without an assisting device
disabled parking signage
Image by Jakub Pabis on Unsplash: Can I get a disabled placard at AAA in California? Read on to find out where you can submit your application.

Depending on the medical condition you have, you may be granted any one of the following types of parking permit:

  • Permanent placards – Expire in two years
  • Temporary placards – Expire in six months, or the date specified by your physician
  • Disabled person license plates – Only available for people with a vehicle registered in their name
  • Disabled veteran license plates – Only available to those who meet specific requirements related to their service
  • Travel placards – Available to disabled people who are leaving or entering California for a specified length of time

CA Disability Placard Application

If you have a qualifying condition, the application process for a California disabled parking permit is not difficult. The first thing to do is to simply organise a consultation with a licensed state physician (Dr Handicap can help with this step!), which takes roughly 10 minutes.

During this appointment, the physician will discuss your medical history and your current condition with you to ensure you qualify for a disabled parking permit. They will then certify that you meet the legal requirements for a parking permit on your application form. This form must be completed in its entirety with your personal details before it is submitted for processing at your local DMV (along with any relevant fees).

Get Your Disabled Parking Permit Online In California

Dr Handicap can help you to connect with a licensed state physician for a consultation via telemedicine, which can be done entirely online, from the comfort of your own home. However, the application form (certified by your physician) must be submitted either in person at your local California Department of Motor Vehicles or by mail.

While some states allow application for a disabled parking permit online, in California this is not the case. But once you have submitted your completed application by either of the two means above, you’ll receive your CA disabled parking permit in no time.

using laptop
Image by fancycrave1 on Pixabay: How do you complete the disability placard application California has in place?

You don’t need to renew a permanent handicap placard, as this happens automatically. If you have a temporary placard, you should renew it before its expiry to ensure your placard remains legal.

Failure to correctly display your disabled parking permit or placard when parked in a disabled parking space is an offence, even if you suffer from a visible disability. In fact, those who see a vehicle parked unlawfully in disabled parking zones are encouraged to alert law enforcement, which can result in a fine or sometimes even imprisonment for those responsible.

In general, California is a very disabled parking-friendly state. Not only can you park in assigned disabled parking spots, but there are numerous other benefits too. You have access to free metered parking, as well as limitless parking hours in green-curb spaces and areas designated for merchants or residents. This makes navigating urban areas so much easier and less stressful for disabled drivers.

All in all, the application process for a California disabled parking permit is not complicated. Once you complete the various steps and meet the requirements, you’re on your way! Contact Dr Handicap today to get your disabled parking permit online in California.

Featured image by crispy-fotografie on Pixabay

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