California's DMV is changing the disabled parking permit renewal process:

In this April 18, 2017, file photo, a handicapped placard hangs in a vehicle parked by the Capitol in Sacramento, CA. California officials plan to crack down on thousands of “dead” drivers who still hold disabled parking placards. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

by: Iman Palm

Posted: Jun 6, 2023 / 04:56 PM PDT

Updated: Jun 6, 2023 / 05:06 PM PDT

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The process to renew disabled parking placards in California will require a little more work in an effort to curb widespread misuse.

Beginning on June 30, California drivers who have had disabled parking placards for six or more years will need to renew it to keep placards valid.

This is the first year the rule is in effect under Senate Bill 611, which requires placard holders to sign a form with the California DMV every six years to ensure they are still alive and need the placard, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The bill turned law, which passed in 2017, was introduced to curb the mistreatment of disabled parking placards. SB 611 passed six months after a 2017 state audit revealed that the DMV wasn’t checking to ensure people who were issued the placards still used them.

The audit also found that the department hadn’t canceled the parking permits after people died and found that some were misused by family members, the Times reported.

The California DMV breaks down how people can renew their disabled parking placards on its website and officials encourage residents to complete this form ahead of June 30.

To renew the permits, drivers can