Getting caught up in all the information and paperwork that is involved with filing for a handicap parking permit, it can often be a confusing process with lots of information together and calls to make to get the information in order. However, one thing that can easily slip the mind is knowing where in North Carolina to register and pick up your parking permit. Fortunately, the process is not nearly as complicated as it once was and having a brief understanding and all the necessary information you can be on your way to easier living in no time.

Where do you start?

Before even looking for an office or registry to get your permit, you first must file a MVR-37A form that can be found online or at your local DMV. This form is a way for the registry to understand the applicant, their license status, desired duration of permit, and some information at the eligibility. Most of the information is fairly basic and can be filled out with ease, but there is a certain amount of information that needs to be verified by a doctors certification that ensures you have the disability that you are filing for. Thankfully due to modern innovations and technology you can consult with a doctor online if your disability prevents you from travelling to go see your doctor or if is simply an inconvenience.

Where do I go?

Once you have filed your paperwork and gotten a doctor to consent to you filing the application, you are ready to locate and contact your local DMV office to get your parking permit. To find an office near you all you must do is go online and search the North Carolina DMV website and find the office that is closest to you that will aid you in the process of applying. Once you find an office that is a good distance from you it is a good idea to call them and make sure they can accommodate your services and what time would be best to go in. One thing to remember before going is to make sure that you have your filled out MVR-37A paperwork and any other information to verify your identity so that they can complete the permit and you can be on your way to easier parking in no time.

Which status do I choose?

If you have been living with a condition that has either gotten worse or gone away, there are certain measures you must take to ensure the legality and convenience your vehicle is entitled to. If you have been to a doctor and they feel as if you have a condition that has worsened then you may be entitled to a permanent plate or placard that will allow you to park in handicapped spots all over the country that you will be allowed to utilize indefinitely. If you have been issued a temporary permit however, you will have to either return or discard the permit once its expiration date has expired unless you go back to the registry or doctor’s office to have it renewed for more time. Driving with an invalid permit or license plate is not only illegal but is also a hinderance to others who also need to utilize the handicapped parking spaces. Another convenience of getting registered for North Carolina is that you can use your status to park in any other American state to utilize other spaces.

How do I display my status?

When you are filing out your paperwork, they will give you various options on how you want to display your status based on your completed documentation. Your choice will primarily be based on the extent of your permit and condition or the method that you want to display your permit. There are four different methods to choose from all with various traits to give insight to the condition of the owner that are as follows:

Disability placards

Permanent disability placards issued in North Carolina are given to those who have been diagnosed with a medical disability for more than six years that allows them to park in handicapped spaces for as long as they continue to renew their placard for. While these placards may say permanent on them, you must get them renewed every five years or with your vehicle at the DMV for it to retain its validity.

Disability license plates

Working essentially the same as the permanent disability placard, the permanent plates serve to send the same message but in a slightly different format. Instead of having to put up the disability placard anytime you want to park in a designated handicap space, the users’ license plate would indicate to any law enforcement or the establishment you are parked outside that the car is registered to be able to park in handicapped spaces. Unlike the renewal of the permanent placard, you will only have to renew your registration when you plan on renewing your vehicles registration.

Temporary placards

Like the permanent disability placard in its basic use and function, the temporary disability placard is issued to users who may have a disability that is only temporary or are suffering complications from an outside factor. These temporary placards are only valid for 6 months after they are distributed due to the temporary nature of the disability that they were distributed for and would require a doctor’s approval to extend the duration of the placard’s validity.

Conclusion

With so many variable and decisions to make when looking to register for a handicapped parking indicator, it can feel overwhelming and unsettling trying to figure out how to precede going forward in making the right decision. Being able to have options and the internet to give understanding and rationale to your decision it is easier than ever before to understand the rules and regulations of North Carolina and be on your way to picking up the registration you need to take just a little bit of stress out of your life.