Start with the form. You’ll need the MVC Application for Placard or Plates—form c-32. Yes, that’s the official name. You can download it online (bless the internet) or grab one at any MVC agency. Pro tip: Print two copies. You’ll inevitably spill coffee on one.
This form asks for your name, address, and a medical certification section that must be filled out by a doctor, chiropractor, podiatrist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. That’s right—your practitioner isn’t just for flu shots anymore. They need to check a box confirming your condition meets one of the criteria, like “cannot walk 200 feet without stopping” or “uses a portable oxygen tank.”
Don’t you love how the state defines disability by foot-distance? It’s oddly specific, like they assumed we’d all be racing for the last parking spot. It works, though.
Doctor Visit: The Pain in the Neck (Literally)
Now you have to actually see your doctor. Yeah, I know—booking an appointment feels like Olympic planning. But call them first and say, “I need a handicap placard form signed.” Some offices will let you drop off the form for a quick signature, no exam needed. Your mileage may vary, depending on how nice your doctor’s receptionist feels that day.
While you’re there, ask your doctor if they’ve filled out Part 2 of the form correctly. This is the part where they certify how long the condition will last. If they write “permanent,” you’re golden. If they write “temporary,” you’ll get a red placard instead of a blue one. Red = temporary. Blue = permanent. Remember that; it’ll save you a confused glance later.
Oh, and here’s a little irony: my aunt’s doctor signed her form while she was in the waiting room, without even seeing her knee. The system works… sometimes.
Handicapped Parking: This is the Law for Drivers and Proprietors, Obey
