General Information
Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD)
New York City issues two types of permits for citizens with disabilities - a New York State permit and a New York City permit. This page describes the different eligiblity and different uses for these permits. If you are a New York City resident with a disability that impairs mobility, you can apply electronically for a City or State Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (PPPD).
For other City services for people with disabilities, visit the Web site of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.
The New York State Permit
The Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD) unit is the issuing agent for NY State permits for residents of the five boroughs of New York City.
The New York State hang tag permit (issued by NYC DOT) is valid everywhere in New York State where there are designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, as well as throughout the US and Canada. Out of state permits have the same privileges in New York City as the State permit.
You are eligible to obtain a New York State permit from PPPD 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 NY State licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy) or podiatrist (who may certify only for a below-the-ankle qualifying condition).
There are several ways to obtain an application. You can obtain an application (pdf) here or request an application by writing to:
Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD)
New York City Department of Transportation
28-11 Queens Plaza North, 8th Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-4008
You may call 311 and an application will be mailed to you. If you have access to a fax machine, you may obtain fax back copies through this same automated phone system.
You can also apply electronically using E-Permits.
What does the Permit look like?
It is a blue plastic hangtag displaying the universal International Symbol of Access for people with disabilities. (Temporary permits are red plastic handtags.) Note for out of state residents: the blue hangtag that is issued by all states 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.
Where do I put the Permit?
Hang it from the inside rearview mirror of your vehicle.
Where can I park with it?
The permit allows the driver to park in spaces marked by the International Symbol of Access as long as the permit holder is traveling in the car. In NY 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 recognized throughout the United States and Canada as valid for parking in all spaces marked for persons with disabilities.
Where is this Permit not valid?
This permit is not valid for parking anywhere on New York City streets (see New York City permit, below, for more information).
How long is my Permit valid?
The New York State permit is valid until the expiration date printed on the permit.
How do I renew my Permit?
Periodically, you will be asked (usually six weeks before its expiration date) if you wish to renew your permit.
Temporary permits are not renewable, but may be reapplied for one additional six month period.
People who live in New York City or who work or attend school in New York City are eligible for a New York City permit if certified by a New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) 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.
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.
There are several ways to obtain an application. You can obtain an application (pdf) here or call 311 and an application will be mailed to you. If you have access to a fax machine, you may obtain fax back copies through this same automated phone system. You may also request an application by writing to us at:
Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD)
New York City Department of Transportation
28-11 Queens Plaza North, 8th Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101- 4008
If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use our TTY # (212) 405-4115 to request an application.
Follow the instructions and mail the application back to us at the same address. Upon receiving your application, we will review it and forward it to HHC's Bellevue Hospital, who will then schedule an appointment for you with a physician. If the examiner certifies to us that your condition qualifies, we will then issue you the permit.
You can also apply electronically using E-Permits.
This permit is a rectangular placard.
Where do I put the Permit?
Display your permit in full view on the driver’s side dashboard.
Where can I park with it?
This permit allows the driver to park at most curbsides on City streets including:
In all No Parking zones except those marked as taxi stands; "No Parking" or "No Standing" spaces authorized for doctors, press, diplomats and government agencies; at parking meters without depositing a coin; in "No Standing, Trucks Loading and Unloading" zones except for specified restricted hours.
What are some of the places I cannot park my vehicle with the Permit?
In all "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 not permitted.
Unlike the state permit, your City permit entitles you to park only in New York City.
How long is my Permit valid?
Your 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 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.
General Information for Both Permits
What happens if I lose a Permit?
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;
- Notify the PPPD - we will then send you a lost/stolen form; or you can obtain a form here (pdf);
- Send us the completed police incident report and the lost/stolen form.
Please be careful with your permit. These permits are valuable and are sometimes stolen. Permits lost/stolen (pdf) more than twice will be reissued only at the discretion of the Department of Transportation.
How do I get a wrongful summons dismissed?
If you have a New York State permit, send a letter explaining where you were parked along with a copy of your summons and a copy of your permit to the address listed below. If you have a New York City permit, send the original summons or notice of summons and your City permit number to the address listed below.
The New York City Department of Finance
Parking Violations Operations
PPPD (SVI) Unit
66 John Street, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10038
More information on summons dismissal is available from the New York City Department of Finance Parking Violations Operations.
What if I never received a Permit?
Contact us at (718) 433-3100 or you may 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, click here (pdf).
What if I have more Questions?
More information is available on our automated phone system which you can reach by calling 311. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use our TTY# (212) 405-4115 to have your questions answered.