- The Medical Certification section of the form must be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife who has knowledge of the disease and/or disability.
- In lieu of the medical certificate, DMV is required to accept a certification from the USVA certifying the veteran meets the definition of a disabled veteran.
Complete the application process by bringing all of the above to a DMV office near you, or mail the completed application to the address on the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the privileges of DV License Plates? plus minusOnce you have valid DV License Plates, you may park:
- In parking spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol).
- Next to a blue curb authorized for persons with disabilities parking.
- Next to a green curb (green curbs indicate limited time parking) for as long as you wish.
- In an on-street metered parking space at no charge.
- In an area that indicates it requires a resident or merchant permit.
In addition to parking privileges, service stations must refuel a disabled person’s vehicle at self-service rates unless the service facility has only one employee on duty.
What are the limitations of DV License Plates? plus minusYou may not park:
- In spaces marked with a crosshatched pattern next to a parking space with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). These spaces are for wheelchair and wheelchair lift access.
- Next to red curbs, which indicate no stopping, standing, or parking.
- Next to yellow curbs, which are for commercial vehicles to load and unload passengers or freight.
- Next to white curbs, which are for loading and unloading passengers or depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.
It’s important to remember that you are the only person who can use your DV License Plates.
It’s illegal to do the following (you may be subject to citation and fines):
- Forge a licensed medical professional’s signature.
- Possess or display counterfeit DV License Plates.
- Provide false information to obtain DV License Plates.
Abusing your DV License Plates can result in the cancellation and revocation of the plates and loss of the privileges they provide. It is also punishable by an applicable penalty. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§4461, 4463, 5007, 21458, 22511.3, 22511.5, 22511.56, 22511.57 and California Business and Professions Code §13660.
How do I replace my DV License Plates if they're lost, stolen, or damaged? plus minusYou may obtain replacement plates if your original plates are lost, stolen, or damaged. To get replacement plates:
- Complete and sign an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156).
- Pay a replacement plate fee. (Disabled Veterans are not exempt from replacement fees.)
- Damaged plates must be surrendered to DMV.
- You can either bring your completed application to a DMV office near you, or mail the completed application and fee to the address on the form.
If you choose to have special interest license plates on your vehicle instead of DV License Plates, you must have a Disabled Persons (DP) placard to receive parking privileges.
What if I also received a Purple Heart? plus minusYou may request the disabled veteran fee exemption on Purple Heart License Plates in lieu of the DV License Plates. Purple Heart license plates require proof of eligibility in addition to the requirements for DV License Plates. If you choose to have Purple Heart License Plates in lieu of the DV License Plates, you must have a DP parking placard to receive DP parking privileges.
Do DV License Plates need to be surrendered if the disabled veteran dies? plus minusYes, DV License Plates must be surrendered to the DMV within 60 days of the death of the disabled veteran.
Need something else?
Disabled Persons (DP) Placards
In some cases, disabled veterans might also need to display a DP placard to receive parking privileges.
Make an Appointment
Some applications can be submitted at a DMV office near you. Make an appointment so you don’t have to wait in line.
Update Your Address
Update the address you have on file with DMV to make sure we send your DV License Plates or placard to the right place.
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