Lost Your License to Park Like a Boss? How to Get a New Handicap Placard in Michigan
Let's face it, navigating the world with a disability can feel like an Olympic sport sometimes. Between conquering curbs and that awkward moment when the automatic door sensor refuses to acknowledge your presence, there are battles aplenty. But listen up, fellow warriors – there's one struggle you can eliminate: the hunt for a decent parking spot.
Here's the thing, if you've misplaced your trusty handicap placard (hey, it happens!), don't fret. Getting a new one in Michigan is easier than finding a decent pair of socks with both the left and right foot together (seriously, what's the deal with laundry gremlins?).
Gearing Up for Placard Retrieval
First things first, you'll need some essentials for your quest:
- Your detective skills: Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and retrace your steps. Did you leave it hanging from your rearview mirror like a participation trophy for parking prowess? Maybe it decided to vacation under the car seat with all the other rogue french fries.
- A licensed medical professional: They'll be your trusty sidekick, completing a fancy form that basically says, "Yes, this human deserves to park closer because awesomeness has its limitations."
- Form BFS-108: This is your official passport to prime parking spots. You can snag it online or at your local Secretary of State office (think of it as the Ministry of Mobility).
Conquering the Paperwork Monster (Form BFS-108)
This form is pretty straightforward, but hey, adulting can be tricky. Here's a breakdown:
- Part 1: You Got This! Fill out your basic info – name, address, the usual jazz.
- Part 2: Calling in the Cavalry (The Medical Pro) Get your doctor, chiropractor, or other licensed professional to certify your need for a placard. They'll be your knight in shining scrubs.
- Part 3: Free Parking Fanatics Only (Optional) If you qualify for free parking at meters, your medical professional will need to check this box. Basically, this is your golden ticket to avoiding those pesky parking fees.
Pro Tip: Don't wait until your placard is about to expire to start the renewal process. You can apply up to 6 months beforehand.
Presenting Your Trophy (Obtaining Your New Placard)
Once you've assembled your paperwork and gotten the doctor's stamp of approval, you have a couple of options:
- Head to Your Local Secretary of State Office: Channel your inner rockstar and strut in there with your completed form. They'll process it and you'll be back to parking like a VIP in no time.
- Do the Mail-in Hustle: If showing off your paperwork in public isn't your thing, you can mail everything in. Just be sure to make a copy for your records.
There you have it! With a little effort, you'll be back to enjoying the sweet, sweet satisfaction of a handicap parking spot. Remember, this placard is your badge of honor, a symbol of your resilience and your right to park close enough to not need a marathon warm-up walk just to get to the store.
Frequently Asked Parking Placard Questions:
How to Replace a Lost Placard?
The process is similar to getting a new one. Fill out form TR-159, grab some ID, and head to the Secretary of State office or mail it in. There's a small fee, but it's a small price to pay for parking peace of mind.
How Much Does a Placard Cost?
Replacement placards are $10. Score!
How Long is a Placard Valid?
Permanent placards last for four years and expire on your birthday. Temporary placards have a shorter lifespan, so be sure to check the expiration date.
How to Renew My Placard?
You can renew your permanent placard online, by mail, or in person up to 6 months before it expires. Easy peasy!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
