So You Forgot About Your Blue Badge, Buddy? Don't Worry, We've All Been There (Probably Not Literally)
Let's face it, sometimes keeping track of expiration dates is about as easy as remembering your childhood best friend's hamster's birthday (RIP Squishy). But fear not, fellow Texan with a blue handicap placard , because renewing that little piece of parking paradise is easier than parallel parking with a blindfold on (okay, maybe not that easy, but definitely easier than you think).
Buckle Up, Buttercup: Renewing Your Texas Handicap Placard
Here's the dealio on getting your placard spiffed up and ready for prime parking spots once again:
Step 1: Accept Your Fate (Just Kidding, Mostly)
We've all been there. You're rushing out the door, latte in hand, and completely forget that your placard is about as valid as your middle school AIM screen name these days. Don't panic! A little forgetfulness won't get your car towed (although it might earn you some playful ribbing from your friends and family).
Step 2: The Paper Chase (...But Not Really)
Head over to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website (don't worry, it's not a scary place) and download the Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate (Form VTR-214). Print that baby out, grab a pen that writes in a color other than beige (because beige is boring), and get ready to fill out some info.
Step 3: You Got This (Even Without a Doctor)
Here's the beauty of renewing a permanent (blue) placard: You don't need your doctor to fill out anything this time around. Just fill out all the fun stuff on page one of the application (your name, address, that kind of jazz).
Step 4: Proof Positive (But Not Like a Conspiracy Theory)
Now comes the part where you gotta prove you're not just some parking bandit with a hankering for handicapped spots. Here's what you can do:
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Dig Up Your Old Application: If you're a filing ninja and kept your original application, fantastic! Make a copy of that bad boy and submit it with your new application.
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The Placard Formerly Known as Blue: Don't have your old application? No sweat! Just submit your expiring placard along with your new application.
Step 5: To the County Tax Office You Go!
With your completed application and proof (whichever you chose), head to your local county tax office. Bonus points if you can wear your most charming smile (it might help with wait times).
Step 6: Patience, Grasshopper
The lovely folks at the tax office will take your application and, depending on their workload, you might walk out with a shiny new placard right then and there. If not, they'll let you know when your parking privileges are officially reinstated.
And There You Have It!
With a little effort (and maybe a caffeine top-up), you'll be back to enjoying those coveted handicap parking spots in no time. Now go forth and conquer those parking lots, my friend!
