Disability Parking Permits: How can you get one in your state?

Key points

• The Australian Disability Parking Permit is recognised nationally in Australia
• Eligibility is consistent in every state but each state has a different application process 
• Once you get your Australian Disability Parking Permit you can park in parking spaces that show the international symbol of access

What is a Disability parking permit?

The Australian Disability Parking Permit is part of the Australian Disability Parking Scheme (ADPS) and is recognised across Australia.

The permit allows users to park in designated accessible parking spaces providing extra space for vehicles and easy access to buildings or other locations. 

ADPS has established nationally consistent eligibility criteria and national minimum parking concessions to help reduce the barriers for permit holders when travelling interstate. State and Territory Governments are responsible for the management of the ADPS.

There are also national minimum standards for disability parking concessions which give States and Territories the ability to provide additional concessions to meet the needs of local permit holders. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for either a temporary or permanent Australian Disability Parking Permit you must meet one of the following criteria: 

• You are unable to walk and always require the use of a wheelchair, or

• Your ability to walk is severely restricted by a permanent medical condition or disability, or

• Your ability to walk is severely restricted by a temporary medical condition or disability

Organisations may also be eligible for an Australian Disability Parking Permit if they meet the State requirements. 

Applying

Where you lodge your application will vary depending on the state that you live in. A medical doctor may be required to complete or endorse sections of the form.  You may also be required to pay a fee unless you qualify for a free permit. You may also need to provide proof of identity documentation with your form, check the requirements of the form before lodging. 

South Australia: Complete the required application form and return it to a Service SA customer service centre with the fee. You can contact Service SA on 13 10 84 (8:00 am to 6:00 pm) or use their online form.

Victoria: Application forms are available from your local council. Permits will only be issued to residents living in the council’s area, however permits can be used anywhere in Victoria.

Tasmania: Return the completed application forms to Passenger Transport via email to [email protected] or through the post to GPO Box 1242, Hobart TAS 7001. 

Western Australia: To apply for a permit download the application form or contact the ACROD Parking Program on 9242 5544 or email [email protected] to arrange for an application form to be posted to you. Once the form is completed you can lodge it by post to ACROD Parking Program PO Box 184, Northbridge, WA 6865, email to [email protected] or fax to (08) 9242 5044.

Northern Territory: Complete the relevant forms and send to City Of Darwin, GPO Box 84, Darwin NT 0801. Payment for the permit can be made in person at the Civic Centre, where EFTPOS facilities are available, or by post with the completed form enclosed. 

Queensland: You can apply online using the disability parking permit (individual) online service. Otherwise, you are able to apply in person at a transport and motoring customer service centre or via post to the Department of Transport and Main Roads Disability Parking Permit Scheme, PO Box 525, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006. You can find the form here. 

New South Wales (NSW): Download, print, or get a copy of the mobility Parking Scheme application form in person from Service New South Wales. You can submit your completed application online or go to any Service NSW service centre in-person to complete the application. You will need to bring with you your proof of your identity documents and the application fee unless you qualify for a free permit.

Australian Capital Territory: Complete an Application for an Australian disability parking permit. Completed applications may be lodged at any Access Canberra Service Centre, sent via email to [email protected] or via post to PO Box 582, Dickson ACT 2602.

Using your permit

Once you get your Australian Disability Parking Permit you can park in parking spaces that show the international symbol of access and may be able to receive concessions in most public parking spaces. Concessions may only apply where the sign or meter shows specific time limits. Concessions may vary depending on what state you reside in. 

Generally, the permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the person with the permit or being driven by them. It cannot be used if the permit holder is not travelling in the vehicle.

It must also be clearly visible so that the permit number and expiry date are visible from the outside of the vehicle.

Remember to always check your local rules for parking and obey all other road and parking conditions and signage.

An Australian Disability Parking Permit is recognised nationally so can be used when travelling to other Australian states and territories. 

However, parking conditions and concessions can vary between states and territories, make sure you check your destination’s regulations around disability parking before you leave.

More information

For more information or enquiries contact the relevant issuing authority in your state. 

Have you had to apply for a permit? Leave a comment below.

Related links: 

• Accessible Travel
• Transport Information