Application Process
How do I apply for a disability permit?
Parking permit applications are now managed via an online process on the Accessible Parking website www.accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
There are three steps in applying for a permit:
- Start your application online
- Take your reference number to your doctor or occupational therapist to compete the application.
- If your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail.
If your application is not successful, you’ll receive a letter explaining why your application was declined.
Can I pick up the permit from the council?
Yes. When completing your application, you can choose to pick up your permit from our Service Centres.
How long does it take to get a permit?
From the time the council approves the outcome it will take approx. 7 to 15 business days to arrive in the mail. However, these times may vary depending on demand of Australia Post.
What If I don’t have internet access or physically can’t complete the online application?
A paper-based version of the application is available for people with no access to mobile phone numbers or the internet; however, the online process provides a faster outcome. A paper application is available please contact us on 03 5153 9500.
Can I or my GP use old applications forms to apply for a permit?
No. As part of a disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners, to allow GPs and occupational therapists to assess mobility issues against the criteria. Some questions on the old forms are no longer valid and do not align with the new scheme’s requirements.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 occupational therapist has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition, you may seek a second opinion from a different GP or occupational therapist.
This is done by starting a new application with the functional assessment undertaken by a different medical practitioner.
I received a double time permit when I wanted an Australian Disability Parking Permit
Permit type is determined by criteria assessment and not someone’s personal preference or request. An applicant’s mobility issue is the sole determent of permit type.
It is important to remember that there is a hierarchy of needs within disability parking. People who require 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 occupational therapist has incorrectly assessed your mobility issue or medical condition, you may seek a second opinion from a different GP or occupational therapist.
This is done by starting a new application with the functional assessment undertaken 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 of the basis of the eligibility of the criteria and scheme operation from VicRoads. You can contact VicRoads at info@accessibleparking.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 965 677.
Scheme Changes
Why was the scheme changed?
The Disability Parking Permit (DPP) Scheme in Victoria was last updated in 1998 and does not align with the Australian Disability Parking Scheme. The scheme was administered by each of the 79 Victorian councils, and each council interpreted it differently and had individual administration processes. This led to confusion within the community, as well as the potential for inequitable outcomes for applicants and opportunities for misuse of permits.
The updated scheme continues to be administered by the 79 Victorian councils, but the process for applying for and renewing permits is now more streamlined. The new APP Online Services provides community members with an easier application process, and misuse of permits will be reduced—freeing up disability parking bays for the people who really need them.
What are the main differences with the new scheme?
The Accessible Parking Permit (APP) project aims to streamline the permit application and renewal processes, clarify eligibility requirements, and introduce systems and tools to improve the management of permits across Victoria.
Changes include:
- Permit holders who have been medically assessed as having a permanent disability will no longer be required to return to their medical practitioner for reassessment as part of the permit renewal process
- The permit duration will increase from three years to five years for individuals (non-temporary permits)
- The permit application and renewal process will be streamlined, with applications submitted through a new state-wide digital system
- Permits will be standardised as a highly secure permit, replacing the 79 different variations currently in use
- The name of the scheme will change from the ‘Disabled Persons Parking Scheme’ to the ‘Accessible Parking Permit Scheme’
The following features will be retained:
- Green Permits/Category 2 Permits will continue to allow a permit holder to park for twice the permissible time in an ordinary parking bay
- People with significant intellectual disabilities will remain eligible for a permit
Has the eligibility criteria changed?
The overarching 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 been updated.
Do I need to apply for a new permit?
You will need to apply for a new permit when your current permit expires.
Can I keep using my existing permit?
Existing permits can be used until their expiry date.
Transitioning to the APP scheme and online service
I was previously told I don’t need to see a GP. Why do I need to see one now?
Permit applications were previously managed by 79 councils, which led to a range of variations in application processes and outcomes, including differences in processes for people with permanent disabilities.
The APP Scheme has updated the questions GPs and OTs use to assess eligibility against the scheme. Every applicant must now be assessed at least once by a GP or OT using the new application process and criteria.
GPs and OTs can now categorise someone as having a permanent disability, meaning they will no longer require a functional reassessment to renew their permit.
I was previously eligible for a permit but was not approved after applying for a renewal. Why?
As part of the disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This includes both the space required to enter and exit vehicles and the impact walking distances may have on an applicant’s health.
Previously, questions were open to broader interpretation. They are now more closely aligned with the scheme criteria.
I used to have a blue permit. Now I have a green one. Why is this?
The allocation of Reserved Bay (Blue) and Double Time (Green) permits is determined by the outcome of a mobility assessment. Permit applications were previously managed by 79 councils, which led to variation in application processes, assessments, and outcomes, including differences in how green permits were allocated.
As part of the scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This includes both space requirements to enter and exit vehicles and the impact walking distances may have on an applicant’s health.
Previously, questions were open to broader interpretation. They are now more closely aligned with the scheme criteria. This is why you may now have 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 each have a permit for each car?
The conditions of use for an accessible parking permit only allow an individual to hold one permit. Permits are issued to individuals, not vehicles. This was also a condition of the previous scheme.
It is recognised that this may create inconvenience for some people who share caring responsibilities for someone with mobility issues. However, this must be balanced against the potential for permit misuse, where individuals could hold multiple permits.
Why can’t I get a permit on the spot anymore?
Permit administration, printing, and distribution are now managed through a centralised process, meaning you no longer need to visit your local council to submit a paper form.
Once your medical practitioner has completed your functional assessment, it should take 10–15 days for your application outcome to be received by mail.
Why doesn’t my GP or OT know the outcome of my assessment?
Your GP or OT completes a set of questions that assess eligibility against the criteria. The answers determine your eligibility.
Before an outcome is finalised, your local council checks your application against any known duplicate or previously cancelled permits. The outcome is only determined after this step, and you are notified by mail.
Why can’t my GP or OT decide if I get a green or blue permit?
Permit type has always been determined by a functional assessment against set criteria, not by personal preference or request. GPs and OTs are required to complete eligibility questions, and the responses determine both eligibility and permit type.