I read thru a lot of this post, but may have missed this - why don't you just get placards? Because of my back and head injuries (I was hit by a drunk driver), I am permanently disabled, but I didn't want handicapped license plates on my truck. I just ordered the placards and you only put them on your rear-view mirror when you park. On days that I'm feeling ok, I don't even use them, leave the handicap spaces for someone who perhaps needs them more than me. I drive an Excursion and I have personalized plates and I love them! I ordered handicap plates for my husband's truck - one look is all it takes!!! With the placards, if you are permanently disabled, the doctor signs a form issued by the DMV and they send you new cards every couple of years, whenever they expire. Temporary disabled, same form, but when they expire you just have to get the doctor to sign a new note (again, issued by the DMV). They will not take any other note, only their form. It's simple, just checks the appropriate box, signs his name, stamps his office stamp and you're done!