Handle driver's licenses, license plates, and disabled person placards in California

After a loved one's passing, you may need to deal with items such as driver's licenses, license plates, and disabled person placards that have specific rules governing how they are discarded. Because some of these items can be used toward identity theft, it is important you follow these rules.

Driver’s License

To deactivate the deceased driver’s license, submit the following by mail (address listed at the bottom of this section) to the DMV:

• The decedent’s California Driver’s License/ID card (even if the card has expired)

• An original or certified copy of the death certificate

• A written statement listing the:

  • Decedent’s full name

  • Driver’s License/ID number

  • The name and relationship of the person reporting the death

  • Signature and phone number of the person reporting the death

These items should be sent to: 

DMV-Issuance Unit

PO Box 942890, MS G204

Sacramento, CA 94290-0001

Disabled Person Placard

To deactivate the placard, mark both sides of the placard with an “X” (though make sure the placard number is still legible). Submit the decedent’s placard within 60 days of the death to the address given below. Additionally, submit Section G of Statement of Facts (REG 256), which asks you to list the decedent’s name, placard number, and date of death as well as the name, relationship, signature, and phone number of the individual reporting the death.  

These items should be sent by mail to:

DMV

PO Box 942869, MS C271

Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Special License Plates

If your loved one owned special license plates, these must also be surrendered to the DMV.

Environmental License Plates must be forfeited to the DMV unless the applicant is listed as the heir on court documents or a REG 5 form. If the administrator or executor releases vehicle ownership to the applicant, they must declare the relationship of the transferee to the deceased on a Statement of Facts form (REG 256).

Disabled Person License Plates must be forfeited to the DMV within 60 days of the owner’s death, or upon the expiration of the vehicle registration (whichever event occurs first). 

Disabled Veteran License Plates must be forfeited to the DMV within 60 days of the owner’s death, or by December 31 of the current year (whichever event occurs first).

For Former Prisoner of War, Legion of Valor, Pearl Harbor Survivor, and Purple Heart License Plates, the surviving spouse of the deceased may retain the license plate and their associated privileges (which may include exemption from registration, license plate reassignment, addition, deletion, and replacement fees). The surviving spouse must complete a Statement of Facts Form (REG 256) asserting their relationship as the spouse and their wish to retain the plates.

For Former Prisoner of War and Purple Heart License Plates, another family member may retain one license plate as a family heirloom upon the death of the owner and surviving spouse. The other license plate must be submitted to the DMV within 60 days of the spouse or owner’s death, or upon the expiration of the vehicle registration (whichever event occurs first).