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04 June 2024

How to get a disability parking permit in Australia.

Key points.

  • Disability parking permits facilitate daily activities for people with disability by providing access to convenient and safe parking.
  • Each Australian state and territory has eligibility criteria and application processes for disability parking permits, guided by the national standards of the Australian Disability Parking Scheme.
  • Our state-by-state guide provides detailed information on how to apply for a disability parking permit, including necessary documentation and submission methods.

 

Whether you’re shopping for groceries, attending a medical appointment, or going on a road trip, convenience and safety are important factors when we plan our outings.

A disability parking permit can be a helpful tool that enables people with certain disability to participate in daily activities more easily. Typically the permit allows the permit holder to park in disability-friendly parking spots and to leave the car for a longer period without penalty.

The Leap in! Crew put together this guide to help you determine if you might be eligible for a permit and if so, help you navigate the application process.

For more detailed information please refer to the relevant state or territory government websites. We have added links in our guide to help you find the right resources for your region.

 

Australian Disability Parking Scheme.

Although each Australian state and territory is responsible for managing its own parking permit program, there are nation-wide standards that are set out by the Australian Disability Parking Scheme (ADPS) to reduce barriers for people with disability.

Across Australia eligibility requirements typically include:

  • The person must have a physical disability that affects mobility or be legally blind.
  • The person must be unable to use public transport.
  • The person must have a permanent condition or expect that it will last for more than six months.

In addition, every region has its own set of eligibility criteria, application process, and rules for using the permit.

Check out the state-by-state guide for more information on how to apply for a disability parking permit in each region.

 

A note on permits for organisations.

Businesses and organisations that transport eligible people with disability can also apply for a disability parking permit. The permit can only be used while an eligible person is in the vehicle. Organisations must use different application forms and in some cases different fees apply. 

 

State-by-state guide.

 

Queensland.

 

Application process.

There are different forms for people with physical disability and people who are blind, and different processes depending on whether you apply online, in person, or via post.

Complete Section one of your application. 

Gather your supporting documentation.

  • Applicants who are legally blind can provide a copy (front and back) of one of the following cards:
    • Vision Impairment Travel Pass issued by TransLink
    • Centrelink Blind Concession Card
    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Blind Concession Card
  • Otherwise, have a doctor or specialist complete the relevant sections of the application to certify your need for the disability parking permit.
  • If you are applying online you will need to print out the application and scan the completed form to submit through the online portal.

Submit your application.

 

Helpful information and links.

 

New South Wales (NSW).

The NSW Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permits include a photo of the permit holder to ensure the permit is only used by the authorised person.

 

Application process.

Complete your section of the application.

  • You can complete your application online. If you prefer to use a paper application you can print out the form or pick one up from a NSW service centre.

Find out if you need to have a photo taken for your permit.

  • If the NSW Government system has a photo on file for you then you may be able to use that photo. If not, you need to have a photo taken at a service centre when you submit your permit application.
  • You can apply for a photo exemption if you are not able to travel to a service centre in person. You will need a letter from your doctor or specialist to verify this.

Have your doctor complete the relevant sections on the application.

  • Your doctor will need to complete the medical assessment section of the application.
  • If you have a NSW drivers licence and want to continue to use it, ask your doctor if you need a medical assessment for fitness to drive.
  • If you would like to apply for photo exemption, ask your doctor to write a letter to support this request.

Submit your application.

  • Online at the Service NSW website.
  • In person at your nearest service centre.
  • If you need to have a photo taken or you’re not already in the NSW Government system, you will need to attend the service centre in person.

 

Helpful information and links.

 

Victoria.

There are different accessible parking permits available to people with disability in Victoria. The most appropriate permit for your needs will be automatically selected during the application process.

 

Application process.

Complete a self-assessment online to find out if you’re eligible for a permit.

Begin the online application. 

  • You will receive an application reference to take to your doctor or specialist.

Ask your doctor to complete the relevant sections of the application.

  • If on your application you have selected either Driver or Both driver and passenger, speak with your doctor about reporting your fitness to drive to VicRoads.

The completed application is submitted online.

 

Helpful information and links.

 

Tasmania.

The Transport Access Scheme (TAS) is for people with permanent disability which significantly affects their mobility. The TAS governs taxi subsidies, concessions for vehicle registration and driver’s licence, and disability parking permits.

 

Application process.

Complete the Transport Access Scheme application.

Ask your doctor to complete the Medical Assessment section of the application.

  • If you have a driver’s licence and you want to keep it, ask the doctor to complete the Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment section.

Submit your application

 

Helpful information and links.

 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The disability parking permit is also called a mobility parking permit.

 

Application process.

Complete the Application for an Australian disability parking permit.

Ask your doctor or specialist to complete the relevant sections on the application.

  • If you have a Centrelink disability pension card endorsed as ‘Blind’ you do not need a doctor or specialist to help you complete the application. You must provide a copy of the card with your application.

Gather your documents.

  • You will need to provide your ACT driver licence number or several documents to prove your identity. Learn more here.
  • You may need to provide your Centrelink disability pension card with your application.

Submit your application.

  • By email: lara@act.gov.au
  • By mail: PO Box 582, Dickson ACT 2602
  • In person at an Access Canberra Service Centre.

 

Helpful information and links.

 

Northern Territory (NT).

In the Northern Territory the disability parking permit scheme is administered by regional councils. In our guide we have outlined the information for people in Darwin. If you live in another area of the Northern Territory you can find information on your local council website.

Information for residents of Alice Springs.

Information for residents of Katherine.

 

Application process.

Download the application form.

Ask your medical doctor to complete the Doctor’s Report sections on the application.

Submit your application.

  • By email: darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au
  • By mail: GPO Box 84, Darwin, NT, 0801
  • In person to Civic Centre, 17 Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin NT 0800

 

Helpful information and links.

 

South Australia.

Disability parking permits can be issued to people with permanent disability for a period of 1–5 years. People with a temporary condition will be issued with a temporary disability parking permit that is valid for up to 12 months.

 

Application process.

Complete the application form and have it signed by a medical practitioner.

Ask your doctor or specialist to complete and sign the relevant sections.

  • If you have a driver’s licence or learner’s permit and you would like to be able to continue to drive a vehicle your doctor must complete the Fitness to Drive section.

Submit your application.

 

Helpful information and links.

 

Western Australia. 

The ACROD Parking Program provides Western Australian residents who have a severe mobility restriction or who are legally blind with parking permits.

Eligibility:

To be eligible you must meet the following conditions

  • You are unable to walk due to permanent disability or medical condition.
  • You need to use a wheelchair, mobility or medical aid.
  • You are legally blind.

If you have a condition that is not permanent but will significantly affect your mobility of vision for more than 6 months you may be able to get a temporary parking permit.

Application process.

People with a mobility issue and people who are legally blind have a slightly different application process.

Download and print the application form.

  • There are two different application forms. There is one form for people with mobility issues and one form for people who are legally blind.

Complete Section 1 of the application.

Gather your supporting information.

  • If you are legally blind you will need to attach a copy of one of the following documents:
    • Disability Support Pension – Blind card (front and back)
    • Aged Pension – Blind card (front and back)
    • Department of Veteran Affairs’ Blind Concession Card
    • Guide Dogs WA Dog Handler Card
    • Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dog ID Card
    • ACROD Low vision certificate form completed and signed by a specialist or a medical practitioner.
  • If you have a mobility issue you will need to have your doctor or specialist complete Section 2 of your application form.

Submit your application.

  • By email: acrod@nds.org.au
  • By mail: ACROD Parking Program, PO Box 184, Northbridge WA 6865
  • Applicants with a mobility issue can apply online.

 

Helpful information and links.

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