Accessible parking permits

Accessible Parking Permit Scheme

The Victorian Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme provides parking permits for drivers or passengers. Permits are issued, based on the requirements of the permit holder following a functional assessment. Organisations that transport people with disabilities are also eligible for Accessible Parking Permits.

Victoria has now transitioned to the statewide APP Scheme and online administration system.

You will need to apply through the online application process:

• when you need a new permit, or
• when you need to renew or replace a permit.

The scheme will make the application process easier, simpler and the same across the state. The permit scheme is better aligned with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme (ADPS).

I want to apply for a permit

• How to apply if you are an individual
  1. Start your application online on the VicRoads accessible parking permit website
  2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS*
  3. Take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist
  4. Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application
  5. We will review your application
  6. If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.

  *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.

• How to apply if you are an organisation

  All organisational permits are now linked to the organisations vehicle registration. You will need to provide proof of the vehicle being registratered to the organisation.

  1. Start your application online on the VicRoads accessible parking permit website
  2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email
  3. We will review your application, and we might contact you for further information. 
  4. If your application is successful, you will need to bring the vehicle registration along with you to collect the permits. You’ll pick up your permit at our Coburg Customer Service Centre, 90 Bell Street Coburg

  If the vehicle is not registered to the organisation, permits will not be provided and will be cancelled. In these cases, you will need to use your client's accessible parking permit. 

  *Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days from the time of your approval to arrive in the mail at council, so plan accordingly.

For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic (PDF).

I want to renew an existing permit

• How to renew an existing permit
  1. Start your application online on the VicRoads accessible parking permit website
  2. You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS (mobile number required)
  3. You may need to take your reference number to your GP or occupational therapist (Your GP or occupational therapist will complete an online assessment and submit your application)
  4. Your local council will review the application
  5. If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.

  *Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days from the council review date, to arrive in the mail.

  For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic (PDF).

I want to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged permit

If your permit is lost, stolen or damaged you need to apply for a replacement permit. Permit holders are required to provide a statutory declaration, police report or the damaged permit at time of collection in order to receive the replacement permit.

• How to apply for a replacement permit
  1. Start your application online on the VicRoads accessible parking permit website.
  2. You’ll receive a replacement application reference number via SMS and email.
  3. We will review the application.
  4. If your application is successful, you will receive an SMS when the permit is ready for pick up from council.
  5. Please bring along your statutory declaration/damaged permit/police report when you pick up your replacement permit at our Coburg Customer Service Centre, 90 Bell Street Coburg

  *Application outcomes will take approximately 10 to 15 days from the council review date, to arrive at Council for collection.

  For more information on this process, please refer to the Victorian Government's infographic (PDF).

Permit types

There are 2 permit types:

• an Australian Disability Parking Permit
• a Victorian Double Time Accessible Parking Permit

You can see an example of what these two types of Accessible parking permits look like below.

How to use your permit

• Australian Disability Parking permit

  To use your Australian Disability Parking permit you must:

  • Display in a prominent position on your dashboard (permit number and expiry date visible from outside the vehicle)
  • Only display it (use it) when the vehicle is transporting the individual who holds the permit
  • Park the vehicle in an allocated disabled parking bay. If it has timed restrictions (e.g. 1 hour) this must be adhered to.
  • Park in a normal bay for double the time e.g. signed for 1 hour you can stay for 2 hours.

  You do not have to pay for parking tickets within the Merri-bek City Council area (different rules may apply in other council areas).

  What an Australian Disability Parking Permit does not allow

  An Australian Disability Parking Permit does not allow you to:

  • park in restricted locations such as Clearways, Loading Zones, No Stopping or No Parking Areas, Taxi Only Areas, Bus Zones, and Authorised Resident Areas

  You can see an example of what the Australian Disabled Parking Permit looks like in the Permit types section on this page.

• Victorian Double Time permit

  To use your Victorian Double Time permit you must:

  • Display the permit in a prominent position on your dashboard (permit number and expiry date visible from outside the vehicle)
  • Only display it (use it) when the vehicle is transporting the individual who holds the permit
  • Park in a normal bay for double the time e.g. signed for 1 hour you can stay for 2 hours

  In a paid parking area, pay for the first portion of your stay (e.g. pay for 1 hour and stay for 2 hours) within the Merri-bek City Council area. Different rules may apply in other council areas.

  What a Victorian Double Time Permit does not allow

  A Victorian Double Time Permit does not allow you to:

  • park in a designated disabled car parking space
  • park in restricted locations such as Clearways, Loading Zones, No Stopping or No Parking Areas, Taxi Only Areas, Bus Zones, and Authorised Resident Areas

  You can see an example of what the Victorian Double Time permit looks like in the Permit types section on this page.

Frequently asked questions

• How long are permits valid for?

  If you have a permanent disability and hold an Australian Disability/Double Time Parking Permits that was issued after March 2021, it is valid for 5 years and reassessments for renewals are not required for future renewals. 

  If you have a temporary disability, permits are valid for 6, 12, or 24 months and a reassessment is required if you still require a permit.

• Key conditions of issue and use

  The key conditions of issue and use of these accessible permits are:

  • The permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the permit holder.

  • The permit must be displayed so all details remain clearly visible through the passenger side of the front windscreen throughout the duration of parking.

  • Permit holders should always check the applicable parking signs as parking conditions and payment requirements can differ from one local council to another.

  • 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.

  Full conditions are available on the Transport Victoria website. 

• What happens when my current permit expires?

  You will receive a text message before your permit expires asking you to renew your permit.

  To update your contact details please contact us by emailing info@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or calling us on 9240 1111. When you contact us, please make sure you have your permit number ready.

  If you display an expired permit you may receive an infringement. To avoid an infringement, it is important that you display a current permit.

• Interstate and international permits

  Australian 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 on the Tra website.

• How long does it take to get a permit

  Once your application is approved, your permit will arrive in the mail in approximately 7 to 15 business days.

  These times may vary depending on Australia Post's demand.

• Can I pick up my permit from the 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.

  All replacement applications are to be picked up from Coburg Civic Centre, 90 Bell St Coburg. You will need to bring along photo ID to collect the permit.

• Organisation permit holders replacing a vehicle

  Organisations who have a permit allocated to one vehicle and are replacing this vehicle will need to apply for a new permit for the new vehicle. You can apply for a new permit on the VicRoads accessible parking permit website.

  As permits are now allocated to specific vehicle's you are now unable to move permits from one vehicle to another. 

  Please email info@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to notify us of the change of status of the vehicle so we can cancel the permit allocated to the old vehicle.

• What if I don't have internet access or physically can't complete the online application

  Your carer, a family member, a friend or your 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@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to discuss your options.

• 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 is important that an individual only has one permit.

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 on the VicRoads accessible parking permits website. You will need the functional assessment to be completed 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 assessment criteria 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 on the VicRoads accessible parking permits website. You will need the functional assessment to be completed by a different medical practitioner.

• How do I dispute my disability parking permit outcome?

  If you are still not statisfied with your permit outcome after seeking a second opinion. You can appeal to Transport Victoria under exceptional circumstances. 

  If you wish to dispute the eligibility criteria of the scheme or scheme operation you can request an explanation from Transport Victoria.

  You can contact Transport Victoria at accessibleparking@transport.vic.gov.au or by phoning 1300 965 677.