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Skip the wait at the doctor’s office and schedule your DMV disability parking permit evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home.
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Connect with the right doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video.
Get Approved And Receive Your Certification Form (MVR-37A)
Once your evaluation is complete and approved, you’ll receive a medical certification form (MVR-37A) signed by our licensed doctors.
Disability Parking in North Carolina:
Everything You Need to Know
North Carolina Disability Parking Laws
- Qualifying conditions include inability to walk 200 feet without stopping, inability to walk without assistive devices, severe lung or cardiac conditions, severe limitation in walking due to arthritic/neurological/orthopedic condition, or total blindness or severe vision defect.
- A licensed healthcare practitioner must certify your condition on Form MVR-37A.
- Disability placards are valid for 5 years and require medical recertification at renewal.
- Temporary disability placards are valid for 1 to 6 months.
- Total and permanent disability placards are valid for 5 years and do not require medical recertification at renewal.
- Disability license plates are renewed annually but do not require medical recertification except guardians/parents must recertify every 5 years.
- Illegally parking in handicapped spaces results in fines of $100 to $250.
- Placards are portable and must hang from rearview mirror or be placed on driver's side dashboard.
- Placard registration card must remain with placard while in use.
- Each applicant may receive up to 2 placards.
- Medical recertification is not required for persons 80 years of age or older, or if deemed permanently disabled.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply for, replace, or renew a North Carolina disability parking placard or license plates, here's what you need:
New Temporary & Permanent Handicap Placard
- Form MVR-37A, completed and signed by applicant and medical provider
- If applying in person: identification such as driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card
New Disability License Plates
- Form MVR-37 (Application for Handicap Driver Registration Plate), completed and signed by medical provider
- Vehicle must be registered to person with disability
- Apply at NCDMV license plate agency
Veteran Exemption
Disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for Disabled Veteran License Plates. Submit:
- Documentation of 100% disability rating from VA
- Proof of residency
- Completed Form MVR-33A (Application for Military Plate)
Online Doctor's Certification
If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:
- A completed Form MVR-37A signed by your medical provider, which you submit by mail or in person at any NCDMV license plate agency
Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement
- Complete new Form MVR-37A
- Damaged placards replaced at no charge
Permanent Placards
- Valid for 5 years.
- Renewal requires medical recertification on Form MVR-37A.
- May renew up to 90 days prior to expiration.
Temporary Disability Placards
- Valid for 1 to 6 months.
- Cannot be renewed. Must apply for new placard with new medical certification if needed beyond expiration.
Total and Permanent Disability Placards
- Valid for 5 years.
- Do not require medical recertification at renewal.
- May renew up to 90 days prior to expiration.
Turnaround Time
Applications can be processed same-day at NCDMV license plate agencies. Mail-in applications take 3-4 weeks to receive placard.
North Carolina Disability Parking Laws
- Qualifying conditions include inability to walk 200 feet without stopping, inability to walk without assistive devices, severe lung or cardiac conditions, severe limitation in walking due to arthritic/neurological/orthopedic condition, or total blindness or severe vision defect.
- A licensed healthcare practitioner must certify your condition on Form MVR-37A.
- Disability placards are valid for 5 years and require medical recertification at renewal.
- Temporary disability placards are valid for 1 to 6 months.
- Total and permanent disability placards are valid for 5 years and do not require medical recertification at renewal.
- Disability license plates are renewed annually but do not require medical recertification except guardians/parents must recertify every 5 years.
- Illegally parking in handicapped spaces results in fines of $100 to $250.
- Placards are portable and must hang from rearview mirror or be placed on driver’s side dashboard.
- Placard registration card must remain with placard while in use.
- Each applicant may receive up to 2 placards.
- Medical recertification is not required for persons 80 years of age or older, or if deemed permanently disabled.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply for, replace, or renew a North Carolina disability parking placard or license plates, here’s what you need:
New Temporary & Permanent Handicap Placard
- Form MVR-37A, completed and signed by applicant and medical provider
- If applying in person: identification such as driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card
New Disability License Plates
- Form MVR-37 (Application for Handicap Driver Registration Plate), completed and signed by medical provider
- Vehicle must be registered to person with disability
- Apply at NCDMV license plate agency
Veteran Exemption
Disabled veterans with a 100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for Disabled Veteran License Plates. Submit:
- Documentation of 100% disability rating from VA
- Proof of residency
- Completed Form MVR-33A (Application for Military Plate)
Online Doctor’s Certification
If applying through a telehealth service like ParkingMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You’ll receive:
- A completed Form MVR-37A signed by your medical provider, which you submit by mail or in person at any NCDMV license plate agency
Lost or Stolen Placard Replacement
- Complete new Form MVR-37A
- Damaged placards replaced at no charge
Permanent Placards
- Valid for 5 years.
- Renewal requires medical recertification on Form MVR-37A.
- May renew up to 90 days prior to expiration.
Temporary Disability Placards
- Valid for 1 to 6 months.
- Cannot be renewed. Must apply for new placard with new medical certification if needed beyond expiration.
Total and Permanent Disability Placards
- Valid for 5 years.
- Do not require medical recertification at renewal.
- May renew up to 90 days prior to expiration.
Turnaround Time
Applications can be processed same-day at NCDMV license plate agencies. Mail-in applications take 3-4 weeks to receive placard.
Benefits of Choosing ParkingMD
Driver’s License Exemption for In-Person Submission
Extended Time Limits
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No Meter Payment in Some Cities
FAQs
How do I apply for a disability parking permit in North Carolina?
To apply through an online service like ParkingMD, start by completing a quick evaluation with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. If you're approved, your signed medical certification (Form MVR-37A) will be delivered to you within 24-48 hours. Submit the completed form to: NC Division of Motor Vehicles, 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3148, or visit any NCDMV license plate agency for same-day service.
Can out-of-state visitors use their disability placards in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina recognizes valid disability placards and license plates issued by other U.S. states. Visitors can use their existing placard to access accessible parking spaces while in North Carolina. Just make sure it's clearly displayed and up-to-date.
What are the parking rules for disability placards in North Carolina?
Your North Carolina disability placard must hang from the rearview mirror or be placed on the driver's side dashboard when parked. The placard registration card must remain with the placard while in use. Placards are portable and can be used in any vehicle when the person with the disability is driving or a passenger. Illegally parking in handicapped spaces results in fines of $100 to $250. Any vehicle may park for unlimited time in designated handicapped spaces when properly displaying valid plates or placards.
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