Frequently Asked Questions

Parking Permits for People with Disabilities

DOT issues two kinds of Parking Permits for People with Disabilities. DOT issues a City permit, as well as a State permit on behalf of New York State. The City permit enables you to park in certain spots on City streets. The State permit enables you to park in spaces designated for the the disabled in off-street lots.

If your question isn't answered here, call 311 or TTY (212) 405-4115.

Who is eligible?

State Permit

You are eligible to obtain a New York State permit only if you are certified by your physician as having a disability which is permanent and which severely affects your ability to walk for long distances.

Further, you must (according to the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 404A):

• have limited or no use of one or both legs;
• have a neuro-muscular dysfunction which severely limits mobility;
• have another physical or mental disability which makes the use of public transportation difficult; or
• be legally blind.

Your physician must state whether the condition is permanent or temporary in nature and describe how severely and regularly the condition affects your ability to walk.

Your disability must be diagnosed and described by a New York State-licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy) or podiatrist (who may certify only for a below-the-ankle qualifying condition).

City Permit

People who live in New York City as well as non-City residents are eligible for a New York City permit if certified by a New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation physician or other Department of Health-designated physician as having a disability which: is permanent; severely affects their ability to walk; and requires the use of a private automobile for transportation. Non-City residents do not need to provide documentation from their school or work.

Please note that non-drivers, such as children with qualifying disabilities, are now eligible for consideration as long as they require the use of a private automobile for transportation.

How do I apply?

Learn how to apply for a Parking Permit for People with Disabilities

What does the Permit look like? Where do I put it?

The state permit is a blue plastic hangtag displaying the universal International Symbol of Access for people with disabilities. Hang it from the inside rearview mirror of your vehicle. (Temporary permits are red plastic hangtags.)

The city permit is a rectangular placard. Display it in full view on the driver’s side dashboard.

What if I need to switch vehicles?

When applying for or renewing a permit, you may submit copies of the registrations for up to ten vehicles in which the permit will be valid. If your permit lists 3 or fewer vehicles, and it becomes necessary to change one of the primarily used listed vehicles, call 311 to report the change.

Where can I park with it?

State Permit

The New York State permit allows the driver to park in spaces designated for people with disabilities as long as the permit holder is traveling in the car. In New York City, these spaces are all off-street such as in parking lots for shopping centers/malls, office/apartment buildings, and college campuses. The permit is also recognized throughout the United States and Canada as valid for parking in all spaces marked for persons with disabilities.

The permits issued by any state is valid in New York City for parking in disabled marked spaces in off-street lots accessible to the public. It is not valid for parking on-street in the City. Only a New York City permit is valid for parking anywhere on New York City streets.

City Permit

Unlike the state permit, your City permit entitles drivers to park only in New York City.

The City permit allows the driver to park at most curbsides on City streets including in all No Parking zones (except those marked as taxi stands); in "No Parking" or "No Standing" spaces authorized for doctors, press, diplomats and government agencies; at metered parking without paying; in "No Standing, Trucks Loading and Unloading" zones except for specified restricted hours.

The City permit cannot be used in any "No Stopping" zones; in any "No Standing" zones other than those listed above; in front of fire hydrants, at bus stops or in crosswalks. Double parking is never permitted.

How long is my Permit valid? How do I Renew it?

The State permit is valid until the expiration date printed on the permit.

The City permit is valid until the expiration date printed on the permit. Approximately six weeks before the scheduled expiration date, you will be asked if you wish to renew and to verify that your information of record is still correct. Your permit will be renewed upon request unless your condition requires a medical re-examination.

What happens if my Permit is lost or stolen?

If your permit is lost or stolen, you must:

• Report the loss or theft at the precinct nearest to the location where the incident occurred
• Fill out a police incident report
• Send DOT the completed police incident report and a completed lost/stolen report form

Please be careful with your permit. These permits are valuable and are sometimes stolen. Permits lost or stole more than twice will be reissued only at DOT's discretion.

How do I get a wrongful summons dismissed?

The Department of Finance has instructions on disputing parking violations.

What if I never received a Permit?

Call 311 for assistance, or you can print, fill out and mail this form (pdf).

What if I want to temporarily change the vehicle for my permit?

If you have a permit and want to temporarily change the vehicle, use this form (pdf).