1. What is the primary purpose of a Disabled Person (DP) parking placard?

• To let a driver skip vehicle registration fees
• ✓ To provide accessible parking privileges to a person with a qualifying mobility disability
• To exempt a driver from carrying auto insurance

A DP placard grants access to reserved accessible parking spaces and related privileges based on a certified disability, not registration or insurance exemptions.

2. Which of these would NOT typically qualify someone for a DP placard?

• Loss of use of a lower limb that substantially impairs mobility
• ✓ A minor sprained ankle expected to heal in two weeks with no lasting effect on mobility
• A lung disease that severely limits the ability to walk

DP placards are meant for disabilities that meaningfully limit mobility; a brief, fully-recoverable injury generally does not meet that threshold.

3. A person who relies on a wheelchair, cane, crutch, or brace to get around would generally:

• ✓ Qualify for a DP placard once a licensed medical provider certifies the need
• Only qualify if they are also a military veteran
• Not qualify, since assistive devices are not considered a disability

Needing a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, cane, crutch, or brace is one of the recognized qualifying conditions once a licensed provider signs off on it.

4. Once issued, how long does a permanent DP placard remain valid before any renewal action is needed?

• 1 year
• ✓ 2 years
• 5 years

Permanent DP placards run on a two-year cycle before the next renewal is due.

5. Permanent DP placards in California expire on:

• December 31 of even-numbered years
• ✓ June 30 of odd-numbered years
• The placard holder's birthday every year

California ties permanent placard expiration to June 30 of odd-numbered years rather than an individual anniversary date.

6. A temporary DP placard is issued for a condition expected to improve. How long can it stay valid?

• Up to 90 days only, with no renewal allowed
• ✓ Up to 180 days, or the date the medical provider specifies if sooner, and it can be renewed multiple times
• Up to 1 year no matter what the provider states

A temporary placard lasts up to 180 days or the shorter timeframe noted by the certifying provider, and it can be renewed, though not indefinitely.

7. How does a DP license plate differ from a DP placard in everyday use?

• ✓ The plate stays permanently on one vehicle, while the placard can move between different vehicles
• The plate is valid only on weekends
• The plate must be renewed every 30 days

A DP plate is affixed to a single vehicle, while a placard belongs to the person and can be moved to whatever vehicle they are riding in.

8. If a driver's vehicle already has a different special-interest license plate instead of a DP plate, how do they get accessible parking privileges?

• Nothing is needed, all plates grant the same privileges automatically
• ✓ They must separately apply for a DP placard to display when parking
• They must request a one-time waiver from local police

Parking privileges are tied to a DP plate or placard specifically, so a driver with a different plate style still needs a DP placard to park in accessible spaces.

9. DP license plates display which symbol?

• A red cross
• ✓ The International Symbol of Access (the wheelchair symbol)
• A blue star

DP plates carry the International Symbol of Access, the same wheelchair symbol used on DP placards and accessible parking signage.

10. Which DMV form is used to apply for a DP placard or DP plates?

• ✓ REG 195
• DL 44
• DS 326

REG 195, Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates, is the form used for both new applications and most renewals.

11. Who is allowed to certify a DP placard application on an applicant's behalf?

• Only a board-certified surgeon
• ✓ A licensed medical provider, such as a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner
• Any notary public

California accepts certification from a range of licensed medical providers, not just surgeons, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

12. Besides the completed REG 195 form, what else must an applicant typically submit?

• ✓ A copy of proof of identity, such as a driver's license or ID card
• A copy of the vehicle's title
• Proof of auto insurance

Applicants need to include identity documentation confirming their legal name and birthdate along with the signed application.

13. Which application methods does the DMV offer for a DP placard?

• ✓ Online, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office
• By phone call only
• By text message only

Applicants can submit their completed REG 195 online, mail it in, or bring it to a DMV field office.

14. Roughly how long after submitting a complete application should an applicant expect to receive a new placard?

• The same day
• ✓ About 2 to 4 weeks
• About 6 months

Processing and mailing a new placard typically takes a few weeks rather than being instant or taking months.

15. How does a permanent DP placard typically get renewed?

• The holder must be re-examined by a doctor every renewal
• ✓ It renews automatically by mail at no charge in most renewal cycles
• It cannot be renewed and must be reapplied for from scratch

Most renewal cycles for a permanent placard happen automatically by mail without any fee or new paperwork from the holder.

16. For a driver who has held a permanent placard for six or more years, what does the DMV require roughly every third renewal cycle?

• A brand-new medical certification from a physician
• ✓ A signed REG 195 confirming continued need, without requiring a new medical exam
• A full in-person driving test

Long-time holders occasionally need to sign and return the REG 195 form to confirm they still need the placard, but this step does not require a fresh medical exam.

17. Can a temporary DP placard be renewed indefinitely?

• Yes, with no limit at all
• ✓ No, it can only be renewed up to six consecutive times
• No, temporary placards can never be renewed

Temporary placards are capped at six consecutive renewals, after which the DMV expects the condition to be reassessed.

18. Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are generally available to veterans who:

• Have any driving violation on their record
• ✓ Have a qualifying service-connected disability rating
• Are over the age of 65

DV plates are tied to a veteran's service-connected disability status, not to age or driving history.

19. A key financial benefit of DV plates compared to a standard DP placard is that DV plates:

• ✓ Can exempt the holder from vehicle registration and license fees
• Guarantee free gasoline
• Waive all traffic citations automatically

DV plates carry a registration and license fee exemption for qualifying veterans, a benefit a standard DP placard does not include.

20. Do DV plates provide the same accessible parking privileges as a DP placard?

• No, DV plates provide no parking privileges
• ✓ Yes, DV plates carry the same accessible parking privileges
• Only on federal holidays

DV plates function like a DP plate for parking purposes, giving the same accessible parking privileges in addition to the fee exemption.