Parking Permits for People with Disabilities

New York City issues two types of permits for people with disabilities:

  1. New York City Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD)
  2. New York State Parking Permit for Persons with Severe Disabilities (New York State Permit)

There are different eligibility requirements and different uses for these permits. In New York City, the State permit can only be used in off-street parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, while the NYC PPPD is valid for on-street parking throughout New York City. The NYC PPPD application also requires supporting medical documentation.

All permit applications must be mailed to NYC DOT.

Our customer service representatives are available at 718-433-3100, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Update on Expired NYC PPPDs

The extension for expired NYC PPPDs ends this fall.

As of November 1, 2023 you must use a valid NYC PPPD. Vehicles using an expired NYC PPPD on or after this date may be ticketed or towed.

People with an expired permit should apply for an NYC PPPD immediately, to allow time for their application to be reviewed before the fall deadline.

If you receive a summons before November 1 for using an NYC PPPD permit that expired in 2020, 2021, or 2022, send your summons and permit number to:

NYC Department of Finance
Advocacy Unit
66 John Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10038

On This Page

General Information about Parking Permits for People with Disabilities

Download our brochure about parking permits for people with disabilities in New York City:

For more New York City services for people with disabilities, visit the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities website.

NYC PPPD

The NYC PPPD can be used in up to three vehicles. The permit must be displayed in full view on the driver’s side dashboard of the vehicle that is transporting the permit holder. No copies are allowed. Both city residents and non-city residents are eligible for an NYC PPPD.

To be eligible to receive an NYC PPPD, the following requirements must be met:

  • 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

Using the NYC PPPD

The NYC PPPD is a rectangular placard. Display it in full view on the driver’s side dashboard.

Unlike the State permit, your NYC PPPD entitles drivers to park only in New York City.

The following list indicates what is covered by your NYC PPPD.

The permit entitles the operator of a vehicle to park:

  • At any metered parking space, Passenger or Commercial, without charge
  • At any “No Parking” space regardless of hours including those for Street Cleaning regulations
  • At any space designated for use by Authorized Vehicles, including Diplomats (DPL), New York Press (NYP) or any governmental agency, except spaces designated for Ambulances and Ambulettes
  • In any "No Standing except Trucks Loading/Unloading" Zone, or "Truck Loading" Zone (EXCEPTION: Garment District parking area on crosstown streets 35th to 41st Streets, between Sixth and Eighth Avenues). These signs should be read carefully; permit holders may park only during the days and times that trucks may park

NYC PPPDs do not allow parking:

  • In a No Stopping Zone
  • In a "No Standing Anytime" Zone, or "No Standing with Restricted Hours" Zone (e.g., No Standing 4pm - 7pm)
  • In spaces designated for Ambulances and Ambulettes
  • In a Hotel Loading Zone
  • In a taxi stand
  • In For-Hire Vehicle stands
  • In Carshare parking spaces
  • In a bus stop
  • In a Fire Zone
  • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrants
  • In a driveway or crosswalk or on a sidewalk
  • Or for double parking

Applying for the NYC PPPD

When applying, you must provide a valid copy of your Driver's License, a Non-Driver's Identification Card or the New York City Municipal Identification Card as identification. You must also include copies of all vehicle registrations (maximum of three) which will be listed on the permit. They must be current and valid. NYC DOT will not accept any plate number(s) in judgment with the NYC Department of Finance. You must include supporting medical documentation, as described in the application.

Write your name on the application exactly as it appears on your State-issued Driver's License, Non-Driver’s ID, or New York City Municipal Identification Card.

NYC DOT will review your application for completeness and forward it to DOHMH’s Medical Certification Unit. Incomplete applications will be returned with a letter requesting the missing information. DOHMH will review your application and supporting medical documentation. If DOHMH approves your application, NYC DOT will issue you a permit. If DOHMH denies your application, NYC DOT will send you a denial letter with an explanation of the appeal process. The entire application process could take up to 90 days.

Mail the completed application, a copy of your identification, a copy of the vehicle registration, and supporting medical documentation to:

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

Renewing the NYC PPPD

Your NYC PPPD is valid until the expiration date printed on the permit. Approximately ten weeks before the scheduled expiration date, you will receive your renewal form in the mail. Be sure your permit information is up to date. You will not receive a renewal notice if you have moved without notifying NYC DOT.

Temporary Vehicle Changes (TVC) for NYC PPPDs

If you need to use another vehicle temporarily that is not listed on your permit, fill out the Temporary Vehicle Change (TVC) webform. TVCs cannot be applied to expired permits.

Permanent Vehicle Changes (PVC) for NYC PPPDs

To permanently add or remove a license plate(s) from your NYC PPPD, fill out the Permanent Vehicle Change (PVC) form. Complete the form and submit it with a copy of the lease agreement (for leased vehicles), registration(s) and license plate(s) to be listed on the permit.

No more than three plates may be listed on an NYC PPPD. PVCs cannot be applied to expired permits.

If a license plate that is currently listed on your permit has been moved to another vehicle, you must submit a new PVC form along with a copy of the new registration for that plate. Your information will be updated in our system.

Once you receive your new permit with the PVC change, you MUST mail your old permit to NYC DOT within ten days. Failure to do so will result in your inability to obtain another NYC PPPD.

Mail the completed application, a copy of the lease agreement or registration, and a copy of license plate(s) to:

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

PVCs for NYC PPPDs with Business of Taxi License Plates

If you have a business or taxi license plate on your permit, you may not add additional plates. However, you may substitute another business or taxi license plate for the one on your existing permit.

New York State Permit

You are eligible to be issued a New York State disability parking permit if you are a New York City resident and have a permanent or temporary qualifying mobility impairment that severely impacts your ability to walk, as certified by a New York State-licensed physician or podiatrist. You do not have to be a driver or registered owner of a vehicle to get a permit. Children with disabilities and people who are legally blind are eligible for permits.

According to the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 404A, to be eligible for the State permit you must:

  • 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; or
  • be legally blind.

Your physician must state whether the condition is permanent or temporary in nature and describe how severely and regularly the condition affects your ability to walk.

Using the New York State Permit

The State permit is a blue plastic hangtag displaying the universal International Symbol of Access for people with disabilities (temporary permits are red plastic hangtags). Hang it from the inside rearview mirror of your vehicle.

The permit is valid everywhere in New York State where there are designated parking spaces for people with disabilities. In New York City, these spaces are all off-street, such as in parking lots for malls, office buildings or college campuses. It is also valid in all other states and Canadian provinces. The permit may be used only when the permit-holder is traveling in the vehicle. The State permit never lets you disobey state or local parking regulations. Copying the permit is not allowed.

The State permit may be valid up to five years and always expires the last day of the month.

Applying for the New York State Permit

To apply, you must submit the DMV application form to NYC DOT.

When applying, you must provide a valid copy of your Driver's License or Non-Driver's Identification Card or the New York City Municipal Identification Card as identification.

If you do not have access to a computer, you may receive the paper application form by calling 311.

Mail the completed application and a copy of your identification to:

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

Never Received, Lost or Stolen Permits

Please be careful with your permit. These permits are valuable and are sometimes stolen. Permits lost or stolen more than twice will be reissued at NYC DOT's discretion.

If your permit is lost or stolen, you must:

  • Report the loss or theft of the permit at the precinct nearest to the location where the incident occurred
  • Obtain a police incident slip/report indicating the lost/stolen permit along with the complaint number
  • Fill out and mail in lost/stolen report form

Mail the original police incident slip/report and the completed form to:

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

If you never received a permit that you applied for:

Mail the completed form to:

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

Update Personal Information on Your Permit Profile

To update your personal information for your NYC PPPD or New York State Permit profiles, please download and complete the Change of Address (COA) Form.

You may also request a form by calling 311. Outside of New York City call (212) 639-9675. For TTY call (212) 504-4115.

Mail the completed form with two proof of residence documents to:

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

Visitors and Tourists Parking Permits

New York State honors accessible parking permits from other US states, as well as other countries. However, you cannot utilize these permits to park on any street in New York City. These permits may only be used in designated disability spaces within off-street parking lots in New York City.

To park on New York City streets, non-residents may apply for a NYC PPPD.

For information about City services for people with disabilities, visit the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities website.