If you have a disability that significantly impacts your mobility, you may qualify for disability parking permit. To get a disabled parking permit in New York City, there are a few steps that you need to follow and certain eligibility requirements to meet. Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain the right parking permit to meet your needs.

Types of Disabled Parking Permits

In the state of New York, there are two types of disability parking passes: the New York State Parking Permit for Persons with Severe Disabilities (New York State Permit) and the New York City (NYC) Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD). 

The NYC PPPD is specifically for NYC residents and provides additional parking privileges for on-street parking within New York City.

The New York State Permit is a statewide permit that allows parking in designated disabled parking spaces. When in NYC, the state permit allows you to access off-street parking spaces designated for people with disability.

Eligibility Criteria

Before filling out the application for either of these parking permits, be sure to check the eligibility criteria and make sure you qualify.   

NYC PPPD Eligibility

• Both city residences and non-city residents are eligible.
• You must require the use of a private vehicle for transportation.
• You must have a severe, permanent disability that impairs mobility as certified by your personal physician and a New York City physician designated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Medical Certification Unit

New York State Permit Eligibility

• A New York City resident
• Have a permanent or temporary qualifying impairment that severely impacts your ability to walk, as certified by a New York State-licensed physician or podiatrist.
• Children with disabilities and people who are legally blind are eligible.
• Other qualifying impairments include:
  • 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.

Application Process

The documentation required for the parking permits does differ so double check you have the correct documentation for the application you are completing.

For the New York City Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD):

Download the Application Form or pick it up from a local DMV office or local issuing agent (e.g., town, village, or city clerk). Once the application has been filled out, you’ll need to gather the following documentation:

• Supporting medical documentation of your disability from a medical doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy. Note: It must be dated within one calendar year of your application.

• A copy of a state-issued driver’s license, non-driver identification card, or an NYC Municipal ID (IDNYC).

• A copy of the current, valid passenger vehicle registration for each license plate you plan to list on the permit. You may list up to three license plates per permit

Once the application has been completed and all necessary documentation has been collected, submit the completed form and supporting documents to your local issuing agent, such as your local city, town, or village clerk’s office. If you live in NYC, this is usually done through the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT).

Permanent Vehicle Change (PVC)
NYC DOT Parking Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-3045

For the New York State Parking Permit for Persons with Severe Disabilities (NY State Permit):

Download the Application Form. Once the application has been filled out, you’ll need to gather the following documentation:

• Copy of your New York State Driver’s License or Non-Driver Identification Card.
• Verification of your disability from a doctor (Included in the application)

Once the application has been completed and all necessary documentation has been collected, mail the completed form and supporting documents to:

NYS Hangtag Permit
NYC DOT Parking Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-3045

Approval and Issuance

Once you have submitted your application, tt can take several weeks to review documentation process the application. If approved, the permit will be mailed to you. If additional information is needed, you will be contacted by the issuing agency.

Once your permit has been received place your permit in the designated location in your vehicle(s).

NYC PPPD: These permits can be used in up to three vehicles, provided you listed them in your application. Permits must be displayed on the driver’s side dashboard of the vehicle transporting the permit holder. 
NY State Permits: Blue plastic hangtags with the universal International Symbol of Access for people with disabilities displayed on each side. Temporary permits are red instead of blue. You can hang either one from the inside rearview mirror in your vehicle.