Accessible parking permits

In March 2021, Council transitioned to the new Accessible Parking Permit (APP) scheme.

New permit registrations, permit renewals and permit replacements will be processed by the VicRoads APP online administration system before coming to Council for approval.

Current Disability Parking Permit (DPP) holders will receive a letter a month before their permit is to expire with instructions on how to apply under the new scheme.

About applying for an Accessible Parking Permit (APP)

You can apply for or renew your disable parking permits via the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme. It is managed by VicRoads, but Council will issue your permit.

How long will the permits be valid?

Some permits will be now valid for longer, meaning you don’t need to reapply as often. If you have a condition or disability that permanently affects your mobility, you won’t have to visit a medical practitioner to renew your permit.

There are now temporary permits for 6, 12 or 24 months
Permit length has been increased from 3 to 5 years for individuals
There is now a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for some people’s future permit renewals.

Who does the assessment?

General practitioners and occupational therapists can assess applicants, and Council continues to send permits out to applicants.

I already have a permit. Do I need to do anything?

All existing permits will remain valid until their expiry date. You don't need to do anything until it’s time to renew their existing permit.

You can read more about the APP Scheme on the VicRoads website: accessibleparking.vic.gov.au

Types of permits

There are two permit types:

The blue permit has been renamed the Australian Disability Parking Permit. It allows people who have been assessed as needing additional space (such as wheelchair users) to park in a disability parking bay.
The double time (green permit) remains, allowing people with limited mobility additional time to park for double the time in a regular parking space.

Image - Accessible (Disabled) Parking Permits

Temporary permits

A short-term permit may be issued to someone who has an impairment expected to last longer than six months. It can be for 6, 12 or 24 months. The same permit application process applies for a temporary permit.

Eligibility

The decision to issue a permit and permit type is based on a GP or occupational therapist's functional assessment.

Where an Accessible Parking Permit can be used

Parking location	Australian Disability Parking Permit	Victorian Double Time Accessible Parking Permit
Disabled parking bay	May park for no longer than the time specified	Cannot park in the space
Regular parking bay	May park for double the time specified	May park for double the time specified
Other municipalities	Check parking requirements with the relevant Council	Check parking requirements with the relevant Council

Apply for or renew a permit

Individuals

Step 1.Visit the APP website

Start your application online

Step 2.Receive an application reference number

It will be sent by SMS to the mobile number you provide in your application.

Step 3.Visit your GP or occupational therapist

Take your reference number with you to your appointment.

This step is not relevant if you are applying on behalf of an organisation.

Step 4.Your doctor will complete the application

Your GP or therapist will complete the online assessment and submit your application.

Step 5.Council reviews the application

Council will review the application after your doctor submits it.

Step 6.Receive your application

If your application is successful, you'll receive your permit in the mail, or you can pick it up from the Council offices.

*A paper-based version of the application is available if you don’t have access to a mobile phone or the internet. Please contact our customer service team if you need a paper form.

Organisations

To renew or apply for a new permit when you are an organisation:

Step 1.Start your application online at accessibleparking.vic.gov.au

Step 2.You’ll receive an application reference number via SMS and email.

Step 3.Council will review the application.

Step 4.If your application is successful, you’ll pick up your permit at Council Service Centres

Replacing an existing permit

If you need to replace an existing permit, the process is very similar to applying for a new permit:

Visit accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
Select the option to replace a permit
You will receive an application reference number via SMS
Once we have reviewed your application, your replacement permit will be ready for collection form the Council offices.

If you have lost your permit or it has been stolen, you must provide a statutory declaration when collecting your replacement permit. If your permit has been damaged, you must return the damaged permit when collecting your replacement permit.

More information

If you have questions about how to apply for a permit, the changes to the parking scheme, or you would like to dispute your eligibility, please visit the Help Centre on the Accessible Parking website.

Need help?

Find more information to common questions, application process and dispute resolution. See the VicRoads accessible parking FAQs, or you can read more about the APP Scheme on the VicRoads website.

If you need help with your application, or have questions on changes in the new APP Scheme, contact us