Disabled parking permits
The Accessible Parking Permit Scheme
The whole of Victoria is transitioning to the new Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme and online administration system.
From 22 March 2021, we will be transitioning to this new APP Scheme.
You will need to apply through the new application process:
- when you need a new permit, or
- when you need to renew or replace a permit.
The new scheme will make the application process easier, simpler and the same across the state. The new permit also will better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS).
The new APP Scheme will include:
- the introduction of temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months
- increased permit length, from 3 years to 5 years for individuals
- the introduction of a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for some people’s future permit renewals
- a new single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce the misuse of permits
- the inclusion of occupational therapists as assessors, in addition to GPs, and
- Double Time (green permits) and permits for organisations that will continue under the new scheme
All current disability parking permits will remain valid until their expiry date. You do not need to do anything until it's time to renew your permit.
Permit types
There will now be the following 2 permit types:
- an Australian Disablity Parking Permit
- a Victorian Double Time Accessible Parking Permit
How to apply for, or renew, a permit
- If you are an individual and you need a new permit
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS*
- Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
- Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application
- We will review your application
- If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic.
*Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days from the time of your GP or OT visit to arrive in the mail, so plan your renewal accordingly.
- If you are an organisation and you need a new permit
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email
- We will review your application
- If your application is successful, you’ll pick up your permit at our Coburg Customer Service Centre, 90 Bell Street Coburg. You will need to bring your proof of your ABN and vehicle registration when you pick up your permit.
For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic.
*Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days before they can be picked up, so plan your renewal accordingly.
- If you need to renew a permit
- Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS (mobile number required)
- Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
- Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application
- Your local council will review the application
- If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic.
*Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days from the time of your GP or OT visit to arrive in the mail, so plan your renewal accordingly.
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- If you need to replace your lost, stolen or damaged permit
If your permit is lost, damaged or stolen, a statutory declaration must be signed and submitted to us once you have completed the online application process and received a message saying a new permit ready for collection.
- Start your replacement application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
- You’ll receive a replacement application reference number via SMS and email
- We will review the application
- If your application is successful, you can pick up your permit from our Coburg Customer Service Centre, 90 Bell Street Coburg. When you pick up your permit, you will need to bring your signed statutory decleration.
For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic.
*Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days before they can be picked up, so plan your renewal accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to apply for a new permit?
You will need to apply for a new permit when your permit expires.
- Can I keep using my existing permit?
Existing permits can be used until their expiry date.
- Permit expiry and renewal
A letter will be sent to you (pre-March 2021) before your permit expires. To update your contact details please contact us on 9240 1111 or info@moreland.vic.gov.au. When you contact us, please make sure you have your permit number ready.
You may recieve an infringement if you display an expired permit. To avoid an infringement, it is important that you display a current permit.
- Can I pick up the permit from Council?
Yes. When applying, you can choose to pick up your permit from Coburg Civic Centre, 90 Bell St Coburg. You will need to bring along photo ID to collect the permit.
The quickest way to receive the permit will be to have it sent direct to your home address.
- Interstate or international permits
Victorian disability parking permits are recognised in all Australian states and territories.
If you have an overseas disability parking permit you can arrange a temporary permit for Victoria through VicRoads.
- How long does it take to get a permit?
Once your application is approved, your permit will arrive in the mail in approximately 7-15 business days.
These times may vary depending on Australia Post demand.
- What if I don’t have internet access or physically can’t complete the online application?
Your carer, family, a friend or GP/OT can help you if you need help applying online.
If you don’t have anyone who can help you please call us on 9240 1111 or email us info@moreland.vic.gov.au to discuss your options.
- Can I or my GP use old application forms to apply for a permit?
No. As part of disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners. These questions allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria. Some questions on old forms are no longer valid and do not align with the new scheme’s requirements.
Dispute resolution
- I didn’t get a permit because I didn’t meet the eligibility criteria
If you believe your GP or OT has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition, you may get a second opinion from a different GP or OT.
This is done by starting a new application, with the functional assessment done by a different medical practitioner.
- I received a double time permit when I wanted an Australian Disability Parking Permit
The permit type you get is determined by criteria assessment and not your personal preference or request.
Your permit type will be based on what your mobility issue is.
It is important to remember that there is a hierarchy of needs within disability parking. People who need extra space to get out of a vehicle or whose medical condition restricts walking to less than 100m are given priority.
If you believe your GP or OT has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition you can get a second opinion from a different GP or OT.
This is done by starting a new application with the functional assessment done by a different medical practitioner.
- How do I dispute my disability parking permit outcome?
If you wish to dispute the eligibility criteria of the scheme or scheme operation you can request an explanation from VicRoads. You can contact VicRoads at acesssibleparking@roads.vic.gov.au or by phoning 1300 965 677.
Scheme changes
- Why was the scheme changed?
The Disability Parking Permit (DPP) Scheme in Victoria was last updated in 1995 and does not align with the national Australian Disability Parking Scheme.
The scheme was previously managed by each of the 79 different Victorian councils. Each council managed and communicated the scheme differently and had their own administration processes. That led to confusion within the community as well as the potential for unfair outcomes for applicants and opportunity for the misuse of permits.
The updated scheme continues to be managed by the 79 Victorian councils, but the process for applying for and renewing permits is more streamlined.
The new APP Online Service gives community members an easier application process and misuse of permits will be reduced, freeing up disability parking bays for the people who really need them.
- Have the eligibility criteria changed?
The eligibility criteria has not changed. However, the wording and the process by which a medical practitioner assesses a patient’s mobility or medical condition has changed.
Transitioning to the new scheme
- I was previously told I don’t need to see a GP – why do I need to see one now?
The APP Scheme has updated the questions GPs and OTs will use to assess eligibility against the scheme. Every applicant for a permit will need to be assessed at least once by a GP or OT using the new application process and criteria questions.
GPs and OTs will be able to categorise someone as having a permanent disability. This will mean they will no longer need a functional assessment to renew their permit.
- I was previously eligible for a permit, but was not after applying for a renewal. Why?
As part of disability parking scheme update, new questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria.
This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts walking distances may have on an applicant’s health.
Questions are now more aligned with assessing against the scheme criteria.
- I used to have a blue permit. Now it’s green. Why is this?
Who gets a Reserved Bay permit (Blue) and who gets a Double Time permit (Green) is determined by outcomes of a mobility assessment.
As part of the disability parking scheme update, new assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria.
Based on this, the outcome of your application may result in you getting a Green Double Time permit, rather than an Australian Disability Parking Permit (formerly known as the ‘blue permit’).
- I am a parent of a disabled child, why can’t my partner and I have a permit for each car?
Permits are assigned to individuals, not vehicles. An individual can only have one permit.
We understand that this will create inconvenience and difficulties for some people who share responsibility for caring for someone with mobility issues.
However, permit misuse can happen if an individual has multiple permits, so it important that an individual only has one permit.
- Why can’t I get a permit on-the-spot anymore?
Permit administration, printing and distribution is now managed through one central process, so you do not need to visit us to process a form. Once your medical practitioner has finished your functional assessment it should take 10-15 days for your application outcome to arrive in the mail.
- Why does my GP or OT not know the outcome of my assessment?
Your GP or OT will answer a some questions that assess your eligibility for a permit against the criteria. The answers to these questions determine your eligibility.
Before you find out the results of the assessment, we will check your application against any other permits or previously cancelled permits. You will not be told if your application has been successful until after we do this.
- Why can’t my GP or OT decide if I get a green or blue permit?
Permit type has always been decided by functional assessment against set criteria questions and not personal preference or request. GPs and OTs will answer criteria eligibility questions, and their responses will determine permit eligibility and permit type.
If you have any more questions about this new process, please contact us.
Please note: the new VicRoads App is launching soon. We will update this page when it is available. In the meantime if you require a disability parking permit, please follow the current process outlined here. Do not apply via the VicRoads website.