Who is eligible for a disability parking permit in Australia?

Under the Australian Disability Parking Scheme, you may be eligible if you are unable to walk due to permanent or temporary disability, require the use of a wheelchair or walking frame, are legally blind, have a condition that requires close proximity to a destination (such as severe cardiac or respiratory disease), or have a cognitive, neurological, or sensory condition that causes significant difficulty navigating parking environments. Eligibility is assessed by a medical professional and issued by your state or territory transport authority.

How do I apply for a disability parking permit?

Step 1: See your GP or specialist to discuss eligibility. Step 2: Your doctor completes the medical section of the application form (each state has its own form). Step 3: You complete the personal details section. Step 4: Submit the form to your state transport authority — online, by post, or in person. Processing times vary from same-day to 4 weeks depending on the state.

How much does a disability parking permit cost?

Costs vary by state. NSW is free. VIC is free. QLD is free. SA charges a small fee. WA is free (ACROD permit). TAS is free. ACT is free. NT is free. Most states have moved to free permits. The GP consultation to complete the medical form is a separate cost — this is a standard GP consultation fee and may or may not be bulk billed.

How long does a disability parking permit last?

Permits can be issued as permanent (typically 5 years, renewable) or temporary (3-12 months for conditions expected to improve, such as post-surgery recovery). Your doctor specifies whether your condition is permanent or temporary on the application form. You will need to renew before expiry — most states send a reminder.

Disability Parking Permit — How to Apply in Every State

Who is eligible?

Under the Australian Disability Parking Scheme (ADPS), you may be eligible if you have:

♿Mobility impairment — unable to walk or difficulty walking due to a permanent or temporary condition (e.g. arthritis, amputation, spinal cord injury, severe joint disease) 🦽Wheelchair or walking aid use — require a wheelchair, motorised scooter, walking frame, or crutches 👁️Legal blindness — as driver or passenger (expanded in 2025) ❤️Severe cardiac or respiratory disease — where walking even short distances causes significant distress 🧠Cognitive, neurological, or sensory conditions — such as autism, acquired brain injury, or intellectual disability that causes significant difficulty navigating parking environments (expanded criteria in SA and ACT) 🩹Temporary conditions — post-surgery recovery, fractures, temporary mobility impairment (temporary permit, usually 3-12 months)

Eligibility is assessed by your GP, specialist, or other approved health professional (varies by state — some accept physiotherapists or occupational therapists).

How to apply — step by step

1. See your GP. Discuss your mobility and whether you meet the criteria. Book a standard or long appointment depending on complexity.

2. Your GP completes the medical section. Each state has its own form. Your GP describes your condition, mobility limitations, whether the condition is permanent or temporary, and any aids used. Some states allow physiotherapists or occupational therapists to complete this section.

3. You complete the personal details section. Name, address, photo (some states), and whether you need a driver or passenger permit.

4. Submit to your state transport authority. Online, by post, or in person depending on the state. See the table below for direct links.

5. Receive your permit. Processing times vary from same-day (in person) to 2-4 weeks (by post). The permit hangs from your rear-view mirror or sits on the dashboard when parked in a disability space.

Apply in your state

State	Permit name	Cost	Apply
NSW	Mobility Parking Scheme permit	Free	Service NSW →
VIC	Disability Parking Permit	Free	VicRoads →
QLD	Disability Parking Permit	Free	QLD Gov →
SA	Disability Parking Permit	Small fee	SA DIT →
WA	ACROD Parking Permit	Free	NDS (ACROD) →
TAS	Disability Parking Permit	Free	Transport TAS →
ACT	Mobility Parking Scheme Permit	Free	Access Canberra →
NT	Disability Parking Permit	Free	NT Gov →

The permit itself is free in most states. However, the GP consultation to complete the medical form is a separate cost — this is a standard GP visit and may or may not be bulk billed. Ask your practice when booking.

Permanent vs temporary permits

Permanent

For ongoing or lifelong conditions. Typically valid for 5 years (varies by state). Renewable before expiry — your GP may need to complete a renewal medical form.

Temporary

For conditions expected to improve. Valid for 3-12 months (your GP specifies the duration). Common for post-surgery recovery, fractures, pregnancy complications. Can be extended if recovery takes longer.

With a valid disability parking permit, you can park in spaces marked with the international wheelchair symbol. National minimum concessions include:

— Park in designated disability parking spaces

— Extended time in timed parking zones (typically double the signed time, or up to 2 hours in a 30-minute zone — varies by state)

— Some states offer free parking at meters or in paid areas (check local council rules)

The permit is nationally recognised — it works across all states and territories. However, specific concessions (free parking, time limits) vary by local council. Always check local signage.

No. The permit is issued to an individual, not a vehicle. It can only be used when the permit holder is the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. Using someone else's permit (or using your own when the permit holder is not in the car) is an offence with significant fines — typically $500-$5,000 depending on the state.

The permit can be used in any vehicle — it is not linked to a specific car registration.

Australian disability parking permits are not automatically recognised overseas. However, many countries (UK, EU, NZ, Canada, USA) have reciprocal arrangements or accept permits with the international wheelchair symbol. Check with the country you are visiting before travelling. Some car rental companies can arrange temporary permits for overseas visitors with disabilities.

Download the form first. Bring the correct form for your state (see table above) already filled in with your personal details. This saves time during the appointment.

Describe your limitations. Your GP needs to document how your condition affects your ability to walk to and from a parked car. Be specific: "I cannot walk more than 20 metres without stopping" or "I require a wheelchair for any distance outside my home."

Bring supporting evidence. If you have specialist letters, OT assessments, or NDIS reports that describe your mobility, bring them. This helps your GP complete the form accurately.

Ask about a longer appointment. If your GP needs to review your condition in detail, a standard 15-minute appointment may not be enough.