Independent and free. Sources opened on October 14, 2026. Never a law firm.
State help with disabled person parking placards and plates. City rides are still local.
These are starting points in California. Confirm the details with the organization. We do not decide who qualifies.
Buying a vehicle, and the California sales-tax rule for modifications, are in Getting a vehicle.
State agency
California Department of Motor Vehicles
The DMV explains who may qualify for a disabled person parking placard or plates, and how to apply online or by mail with form REG 195. A medical provider has to complete part of the form. The DMV page has the rules. We do not interpret them for you.
Local transit
Access Services
Access is the ADA paratransit service for Los Angeles County. Eligibility is based on whether you can use accessible buses and trains, not on a diagnosis alone, and it is decided at an in-person transit evaluation. Access Customer Service is 1-800-827-0829 (TDD 1-800-827-1359), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Local transit
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
SFMTA says you may be eligible if you cannot use Muni's accessible buses, trains, or streetcars some or all of the time without another person's help. You can download an application, pick one up at 68 12th St. on weekdays, or call the Mobility Management Center at 415-351-7000.
Local transit
East Bay Paratransit
East Bay Paratransit serves people who cannot independently use AC Transit or BART because of a disability or health condition. You complete an application and an in-person interview. After the application, call (510) 287-5000 and select option 5. If the process takes longer than 21 days, the agency says the applicant is presumptively eligible until a decision.
Local transit
Sacramento Regional Transit
SacRT decides ADA paratransit eligibility from your functional ability to use its fixed-route buses and light rail, not from a label alone. You may be asked to an in-person interview. SacRT says eligibility is determined within 21 days after the interview and any functional assessment, and you are told by letter.
Local transit
Orange County Transportation Authority
OCTA's rider guide says OC ACCESS is shared-ride ADA paratransit for people who cannot independently use fixed-route service all or some of the time. Eligibility is based on functional ability, not a diagnosis. To schedule the in-person assessment, the guide says to call OC ACCESS Eligibility at (714) 560-5956, extension 2. The guide says you are notified in writing within 21 days after the assessment.
Local transit
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
The 2026 MTS Access rider guide says you must be certified before you ride. Call (844) 299-6326 (TTY 711) or email access@sdmts.com to start, then call that number to schedule the in-person assessment. MTS says it decides within 21 days of the completed assessment. To ask whether a trip is in the service area, the guide lists (888) 517-9627.