California program
Closer parking when walking is difficult (temporary disability placard)
A temporary accessible-parking permit when a clinician certifies a qualifying limitation.
What it is
A temporary accessible-parking permit when a clinician certifies a qualifying limitation.
Treatment can make walking difficult. A clinician needs to document a limitation that meets the parking rules. Cancer or a central line alone does not establish that qualification.
Who can get it
- A diagnosed disease that substantially impairs mobility can qualify. The clinician must document the relevant limitation.
- REG 195 lists the clinicians who can sign for each limitation. Physicians or surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives work within their permitted scope. Optometrists certify vision limitations. Chiropractors have specified lower-extremity or both-hands categories; podiatrists certify foot or ankle conditions. Check the form and DMV for the permitted category.
- A temporary placard costs $6 and ends on the certified date or after 180 days, whichever comes first. It can be renewed no more than six times consecutively. Each renewal needs a new application and medical certification. Use it for your child’s transport, not your own separate parking.
What you get
- A temporary placard costs $6 and lasts up to 180 days.
- Access to designated accessible parking when the permit’s conditions are met.
What you get
- The temporary placard costs $6 and lasts up to 180 days.
- The placard supports accessible parking under the applicable permit rules.
If you decide to apply
- Ask the clinician whether your child’s limitation qualifies and whether they can complete form REG 195.
- Check the DMV instructions for where to send the completed form and fee if you decide to apply.
California DMV and the child’s clinician · Official page ↗
What happens next
- The issuing office confirms processing time, validity dates and any further documentation.
- A refusal should identify the missing certification or unmet condition.
Good to know
Cancer treatment or a central line alone is not a confirmed basis for a placard.
What else to know
- A cancer diagnosis does not by itself prove a qualifying limitation.
- REG 195 is the application and medical-certification form.
Official sources
“Does our child have a limitation that could qualify for a temporary parking placard? What restrictions would apply? Is applying worthwhile, and could you help with the medical certification?”
Why I’m asking: I want to know whether closer parking could help when walking is difficult.
More background and detailed requirements
Additional program information and published rules
Who does what
The three parts, side by side. The agency decides; nobody on this page does.
You
Ask the clinician about REG195, then file it with the state or local issuing office.
Your social worker
The hospital social worker helps locate the right office and gather supporting records.
The care team
Records and letters when the application asks for them.
- Who decides
- The agency or plan named in the first step
- Ask your social worker
- “Does my child’s walking limitation meet the temporary-permit criteria, and can you complete the certification?”
How to apply
First step: Ask the clinician about REG195, then file it with the state or local issuing office.
- Ask the clinician about REG195, then file it with the state or local issuing office.
Where it starts: Ask the clinician about REG195, then file it with the state or local issuing office.
What to gather
- The relevant plan or benefit notice
- Documents showing the need and relevant income
How long: Ask the deciding office for its current processing time.
What a yes looks like
Written confirmation of the benefit, its scope and any cost.
What a no looks like, and the next move
Ask for the reason in writing and the review route.
Watch out
- Temporary permit: $6, up to 180 days. Ask the clinician to document a qualifying walking limitation on REG195; cancer treatment or a central line alone is not a confirmed basis.
The numbers and the rules
The arcane layer, kept on purpose. Checked September 10, 2026.
What it is worth
Closer accessible parking when a clinician certifies the required walking limitation.
Covers: Closer accessible parking when a clinician certifies the required walking limitation.
What it costs the family: Ask the agency or plan to confirm any charge before committing.
The eligibility facts, as published
- Review
- The agency or plan must confirm the conditions described here.
The trap: The agency or plan checks the conditions; this guide does not decide the application.
Where I read this
- California DMV Disabled Parking — www.dmv.ca.gov, read September 10, 2026
- California DMV REG195 — www.dmv.ca.gov, read September 10, 2026
- California DMV Registration Fees — www.dmv.ca.gov, read September 10, 2026