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Parking permits for people with a disability

Information on eligibility, conditions and how to apply for parking permits for people with disability. 

Disability parking sign

About disability parking permits

 

The Victorian Government has introduced an Accessible Parking Permit Scheme External link and online administration system, Accessible Parking Permits External link to better align with the Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme External link.  You can apply for a new parking permit or renew your permit online via this system:  
 

Victorian Government - Accessible Parking Permits External link

From 1 July 2021, all new applications must be submitted via this online application system.  

If you currently hold a Disability Parking Permit (DPP), this remains valid until its expiry date. You are not required to do anything until it’s time to renew your existing permit. There is no fee for this permit. 
 


Accessible Parking Permits are available through the Victorian Government scheme for:  

City Access Parking Permits are available for existing Disability or Accessibility Parking Permit holders who need extra parking time to regularly attend work, study or specialist medical appointments within the City of Melbourne. 

See below for information on eligibility, how to apply and how to use a permit for individual, organisational and City Access Permit applicants.
 


Accessible Parking Permits

There are three new permit types under the Accessible Parking Permit Scheme, with varying parking concessions based on the applicant’s need for assistance. They are

  • Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit for individuals
  • Double Time (DT) Permit for individuals
  • Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permits for organisations.

The different permit types, eligibility requirements and Condition of Issue and Use are explained in detail at Transport Victoria - Accessible Parking Permits External link

The decision to issue a permit, as well as the permit type, is based on a doctor’s assessment. 

Any unsuccessful applications will be reassessed if the applicant has sought a second opinion from another medical practitioner.

A driver or passenger may be eligible for a temporary permit if they have a significant ambulatory disability that is not permanent, but is not likely to improve within six months.

  1. Start your application online at Accessible Parking Permits External link.
  2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS.
  3. Take your reference number to your General Practitioner (GP) or Occupational Therapist (OT).
  4. Your GP or OT will complete an online assessment and submit your application.
  5. Your local council will review the application.
  6. If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
     

Apply online - Accessible Parking Permits External link

Permits are not automatically renewed. A new application (including a medical check performed by a GP or OT) must be completed before a new permit will be issued.

Key conditions of issue and use

  • The permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the permit holder.
  • The permit must be securely displayed so all details remain clearly visible through the passenger side of the front windscreen throughout the duration of parking.
  • Parking conditions and payment requirements can differ from one local council to another and a permit holder should always check the applicable parking signs.
  • Parking is not permitted in restricted locations (indicated by red signs) such as clearways, loading zones, no stopping, taxi only areas, bus zones and residential permit zones.
  • When selecting parking, permit holders must ensure a sign for a restricted parking area will not apply for any part of their intended stay. Any time allowed by a permit stops when a red sign starts.
  • Failure to adhere to the permit’s conditions of issue and use, regardless of entitlement to the permit, may result in the permit holder incurring a parking infringement notice.

A permit does not allow you to:

  • park in restricted locations such as Clearways, No Stopping or No Parking Areas, Taxi Only Areas, Bus Zones, and Authorised Resident Areas
  • park for free in areas where parking fees apply.

Parking allowances

ADP Permit example
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Australian Disability Parking Permit example

An ADP permit holder may park a vehicle in a parking bay reserved for people with disability for the specified time limit only. This means an ADP permit holder must not park continuously in a parking area for people with disability for longer than the period indicated on the sign.

Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders
Image
Parking sign indicating reserved parking for Australian Disability Parking permits

An ADP permit holder may also park a vehicle in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for double the period indicated on the sign.

Example of a permissive parking sign
Image
Permissive parking sign

When electing to park for double the time shown on a permissive parking sign in the City of Melbourne, ADP permit holders are: 

  • required to pay the initial parking fee in meter areas, unless stated on the parking meter 
  • exempt from paying the initial parking fee in areas requiring a ticket to be purchased. 

For parking payment requirements in other municipalities, the City of Melbourne recommends permit holders check parking fees and requirements with the relevant council.

Double Time (DT) permit example
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Victorian accessible double time parking permit example

A DT permit holder may park a vehicle in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for double the period indicated on the sign. 

When electing to park for double the time shown on a permissive parking sign in the City of Melbourne, DT permit holders are required to pay the initial parking fee. For example in a 1P (one hour) meter or ticket parking area, DT permit holders may park continuously for two hours, provided payment is made for the first hour.

A DT permit does not allow the permit holder to park in an area reserved only for people with disability. These parking areas are designated for category one permit holders only. 

For parking payment requirements in other municipalities, the City of Melbourne recommends permit holders check parking fees and requirements with the relevant council.

Organisations based within the City of Melbourne that transport people with a disability may apply for an Australian Disability Permit (ADP) Organisation Permit for people with disability.

To be eligible, the organisation must be recognised by City of Melbourne as providing a transport service for people with significant mobility, or cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairments. 

The full eligibility requirements and permit conditions of issue and use are outlined in detail on the Transport Victoria - Accessible Parking Permits website External link.

  1. Start your application online at Accessible Parking Permits External link.
  2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email.
  3. Your application will be assessed to determine if you quality for a permit.
  4. If your application is successful, we will finalise your application and you’ll pick up your permit at the council.

You will need to provide your mobile phone number to apply or renew a permit.

Permits are not automatically renewed. A new application must be completed before a new permit will be issued.

Apply online -  Accessible Parking Permits External link

The permit must only be displayed when transporting people with significant mobility or cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment.

An ADP organisation permit holder may park a vehicle in a parking bay reserved for people with disability for the specified time limit only. This means an ADP permit holder must not park continuously in a parking area for people with disabilities for longer than the period indicated on the sign.

Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders
Image
Parking sign indicating reserved parking for Australian Disability Parking permits

An ADP organisation permit holder may also park a vehicle in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for double the period indicated on the sign.

Example of a permissive parking sign
Image
Permissive parking sign

For parking payment requirements in other municipalities, the City of Melbourne recommends permit holders check parking fees and requirements with the relevant council. 

Requests to replace your existing Australian Disability Parking or Double Time permits must be made via the Accessible Parking Permits website External link

You will need to provide your mobile phone number when requesting your replacement permit.

When collecting the replacement permit, you'll need to provide photo identification such as a driver’s licence, passport or Proof of Age Card.


City Access Permit

A City Access Permit provides extra parking time for holders of a valid Australian Disability Parking permit for People with Disabilities to regularly attend work, study or specialist medical appointments in the City of Melbourne.

To be eligible for a City Access Permit, applicants must hold a valid Disability Parking Permit issued in their name.

Applicants must also provide a letter on company letterhead confirming their regular attendance at work, study or specialist medical appointments in the City of Melbourne. 

Applications for a City Access Permit must be made online. The application process takes approximately 15 minutes.

To apply and manage your application, you'll need to log in with your registered customer account. Learn more about how to register and log in

Apply online External link

Before you apply, you'll need to review the conditions of issue and use, and prepare your required documents.

You must provide the following

  • a copy of a valid Disability Parking Permit issued in your name.  
  • a signed and dated letter on company letterhead from one of the following:
    • your workplace located within the City of Melbourne confirming your employment
    • your educational institution located within the City of Melbourne confirming your enrolment
    • your medical specialist located within the City of Melbourne confirming your ongoing requirement for medical treatment within the City of Melbourne.

All supporting documents must be current and issued within the last three months of receipt. Supporting documents must be signed by an authorised person. 

Once the application is submitted, allow up to 15 business days for our team to assess your application.

We’ll notify you of the outcome via email. If your application is approved, we’ll post your permit.

The City Access Permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and is intended for people who regularly attend the city for work, study, or medical treatment during that period.

Provided it is valid and correctly displayed, the City Access Permit allows the permit holder to park in any regular parking bay or area (to which a green permissive parking sign applies) for the whole day. 

Example of a permissive parking sign
Image
Permissive parking sign

The City Access Permit must be displayed in conjunction with an Australian Disability Parking (ADP) or Double Time (DT) permit at all times. Both permits must be securely displayed so all details remain clearly visible through the passenger side of the front windscreen throughout the duration of parking.

  • The permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the permit holder.
  • The permit will show the registration number of the vehicle/s for which it is issued.
  • The permit does not allow the holder to park in an area reserved only for people with disabilities (these parking areas are designated for ADP permit holders to park for the amount of time specified on the sign only).
Examples of parking signs indicating that the parking bay is reserved for ADP permit holders
Image
Parking sign indicating reserved parking for Australian Disability Parking permits

Parking is not permitted in restricted locations (indicated by red signs) such as clearways, loading zones, no stopping, taxi only areas, bus zones and residential permit zones. 

When selecting parking, permit holders must ensure a sign for a restricted parking area will not apply for any part of their intended stay. Any time allowed by a permit stops when a red sign starts. 

Failure to adhere to the City Access Permit’s conditions of issue and use, regardless of entitlement to the permit, may result in the permit holder incurring a parking infringement notice.

If your permit issued before 31 March 2025 is lost, stolen, damaged or you’ve changed your vehicle registration, the permit holder may request a replacement permit in writing to us at cityaccess@melbourne.vic.gov.au

You’ll need to outline the reason/s for replacement and submit the required documents:

  • Lost and stolen permits: Provide a copy of a police report. We take permit misuse very seriously and after receiving a police report, we’ll cancel your old permit immediately.
  • Damaged or unusable permits: Return the damaged permit to us via post or by visiting Melbourne Town Hall. We’ll wait to receive this before issuing your replacement permit.
  • If you’ve recently purchased a new car or changed your vehicle registration: Return the old permit to us via post or by visiting Melbourne Town Hall. We’ll wait to receive your old permit before issuing your replacement permit. The permit being replaced will be cancelled.

If a permit issued after 31 March 2025 is lost, stolen, damaged or there is a change of vehicle registration, the permit holder may request a replacement permit in writing via City of Melbourne Services External link.

How to request a replacement permit

  1. Under 'My permits' select the permit you want to replace, then select 'Amend permit'.
  2. Select the reason for replacement and attach the relevant supporting documents listed below.
  3. If you can’t provide the required documentation, a new permit may be issued (with a new expiry date) at the cost of an annual permit. Apply for a new permit through your City of Melbourne Services account External link

Required documents

Lost and stolen permits

  • Provide a copy of a police report. We take permit misuse very seriously and after receiving a police report, we’ll cancel your old permit immediately.
  • You can provide the police report with your application online or send via post:
    City of Melbourne Permits Team  
    PO Box 488  
    Melbourne VIC 3001 

Damaged or unusable permits or change of vehicle registration number

In cases where a permit is damaged/rendered unusable or change of vehicle registration, you must return the permit to be replaced via post and submit a replacement request through City of Melbourne Services External link.

Post it to:
City of Melbourne Permits Team 
PO Box 488 
Melbourne VIC 3001

If the permit to be replaced is not received, you will need to submit a new application. 

our acknowledgement

  • Torres Strait Islander Flag
  • Aboriginal People Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. 

 

We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.