How to obtain a disability parking permit in NYC

Chaotic. Massive. Busy. Loud. Fast. Inaccessible. These are just a few words that could be used to describe New York City on any given day, which is why it can be tough to get around. But for people with disabilities, that is especially true. 

Reserved parking for people with disabilities can help ensure safe and equal access to goods and services across the city — and fortunately, there are specific parking permits and transportation options for disabled New York residents which can make getting around the city a little easier. Read on to learn more about New York’s parking permits for people with disabilities and find out how you can qualify for more resources. 

What kind of parking permits are offered to disabled residents in New York?

• NYC Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD): Issued to individuals with permanent disabilities that significantly limit mobility. Non-drivers, including children, may also qualify. This permit allows on-street parking throughout New York City, including in certain “No Parking” zones and other restricted areas.
• Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (Temp. NYC PPD): Issued for up to three months to current permit holders while their application is under review by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). 

• NY State Parking Permit (Blue Hangtag): Issued for up to five years to individuals with qualifying mobility disabilities, certified by a New York State-licensed physician. In New York City, this permit is valid only for designated accessible parking spaces (marked with the International Symbol of Access) in off-street or private parking facilities.
• NY State Parking Permit – Temporary (Red Hangtag): Issued for up to six months to residents with temporary mobility impairments verified by a certified doctor. Allow parking in designated spots, offering the same access as the permanent blue hangtags. 

What is an ISA license plate and how can I get one?

An ISA — International Symbol of Access — license plate allows for individuals with a permanent disability to park at designated accessible parking spaces at shopping centers, office or apartment buildings and college campuses throughout the country and Canada. It does not, however, automatically exempt drivers from parking fees in New York City.

Here’s what you need to bring to the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) in person:

• Application form or statement from a healthcare provider to proof disability 
• If you are registering this car for the first time, you also need to bring all documents for vehicle registration and complete a vehicle registration form (MV-82)
• Proof of identity
• Check, money order or credit card for $28.75 fee for a new plate

What disabilities qualify me for a disability parking permit or license plate?

To qualify for a disability parking permit and/or license plates in New York, an individual must have a permanent condition that significantly limits mobility. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Use of portable oxygen
• Legal blindness
• Limited or no use of one or both legs
• Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping
• Severe neuromuscular conditions
• Serious cardiac conditions (Class III or IV)
• Severe mobility limitations due to arthritis, neurological, or orthopedic conditions
• Advanced lung disease affecting breathing capacity
• Other comparable physical or mental impairments that make mobility very difficult

Temporary permits (typically valid for up to six months) may also be issued for short-term conditions that require mobility aids like crutches or a walker.

Eligibility must be certified by a licensed medical professional, such as a general doctor (MD), a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), a foot doctor (DPM), or, for vision-related cases, an eye doctor (OD).

Can I get a disability parking permit for being pregnant?

Yes, you may qualify for a temporary permit. 

If your pregnancy condition or post surgery recovery restricts your mobility, and is certified by a doctor, you can submit the application form and access the designated parking space for up to six months. 

How do I apply for a PPPD if I live in New York City?

To apply for a NYC PPPD for a private vehicle, here’s what you need to prepare before mailing them to the Department of Transportation (DOT), not the DMV:

• A copy of proof of identity
• A copy of all current and valid vehicle registrations (maximum of three) 
• All supporting medical documentations
• NYC PPPD application form

New York City Department of Transportation Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-3045
Call (718) 433-3100 for more information

The permit is a rectangular placard, and should be placed on the driver’s side of the dashboard. It can be used in up to three cars. 

After the DOT receives your application, the New York City Health Department will vet your application and supporting medical information before issuing or denying your permit. The entire process may take up to 90 business days. 

Check here for more information on permit renewals and changes. 

Also Read: IDNYC Card: What It Is, How to Apply and Its Benefits

Do I need to be a licensed driver or own a car to apply for a PPPD?

No. Permits are issued for vehicles primarily used to transport people with qualifying disabilities.

Where can I park with my NYC PPPD in the city?

You can park for free on city streets, including in “No Parking” zones on public streets and at parking meters without depositing money. Some restrictions may still apply, so make sure you check nearby signs. 

To use any off-street disability-designated parking spaces — such as at shopping malls, offices, residential buildings and college campuses — you will need a New York State blue or red hangtag.

What is the difference between a NYC PPPD and a New York State PPPD? 

The New York State PPPD is a blue plastic hangtag (or red if a temporary permit), typically hung from the inside rearview mirror of your car, that displays the International Symbol of Access for people with disabilities. It’s valid for all designated handicap parking lots in the U.S. and in all Canadian provinces, while the city permit is only valid inside the city. 

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

Beyond jurisdiction, the key difference between a New York State and a New York City PPPD is where they can be used: the New York State permit is required for accessible off-street parking and in private lots in New York City. Free parking at metered, on-street spots in NYC, however, require a specialized NYC PPPD (rectangular placard).

How can I apply for a New York State PPPD?

In addition to filling out the application form , New York City residents will also need to provide a copy of your Driver’s License or government issued ID Card. You must mail state permit applications to the NYC DOT, not the DMV.

New York City Department of Transportation Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-3045
Call (718) 433-3100 for more information

If I have a New York State PPPD (blue or red hangtag), does that mean I can park for free across the state?

No. While a New York State PPPD allows you to park in reserved areas, but you are not exempt from paying parking fees. You may qualify for a metered parking waiver if your disability hinders your ability to put payment into a parking meter.

Note: NYC PPPD allows people to park for free on the street. There is no need for a waiver. 

I don’t have a car — what other assistive transportation options are available to me in NYC? 

Access-A-Ride (AAR): The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s AAR program is designed for customers who cannot easily take public transportation. Plan ahead, the whole application process can take two to four months to complete.

You can begin the eligibility process by submitting an inquiry online or by phone (l-877-337-2017). If you have questions about this process, you can call the Eligibility Unit. Once your inquiry is received, you will be sent a paper application in the mail, which will include: 

• A printed paper application, which you should complete and bring with you to the assessment
• An appointment letter, noting the date, time, and location for your in-person assessment
• Instructions for scheduling free round-trip transportation

Note: When booking your transportation, please mention if you will be traveling with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). No fare is charged for you or the PCA.

The in-person assessment appointments may take one to three months to schedule, and a decision is usually made within 21 days after your assessment.

Some applicants may also qualify for an AAR OMNY card, which provides four free public transit rides per day on MTA subways, local, limited, and Select Bus Service (SBS) buses, the Staten Island Railway, and the Roosevelt Island Tram.

It’s essentially a planned bus service, and like all other public transit, it’s $3 a trip, and can be paid with exact change or an AAR OMNY Card. Rides can be scheduled one to two days in advance. Call 877-377-2017 or book digitally. Click here for what information you need when calling. You can also plan, manage, and track the trip online or on the MTA app. On the day of the ride, customers are expected to wait at the curb for the bus.  

What is a Reduced Fare OMNY Card? 

The MTA also provides reduced subway and bus fare for seniors 65 years of age or older and people with disabilities. Read here for more details. 

How can I get a ride in a wheelchair-accessible Taxi? 

Beyond these options, you can also hail an accessible taxi on the street — or with your phone. Wheelchair-accessible cabs look similar to other yellow taxi vans, except they typically have a visible International Wheelchair Symbol on the hood of their vehicle. 

According to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, you can call 646-599-9999 or use any of the apps below to request an accessible taxi. 

• Curb: download app or call to book at (347) 428-6911
• Arro: download app to schedule 
• Myle: download app to schedule

What if I need non-emergency medical transport (NEMT)? 

The NYC Medicaid enrollees can use NEMT at no cost for approved medical trips, such as doctor’s appointments or hospital visits. Rides must be scheduled in advance — at least three business days — through Medical Answering Services (MAS).

For New York City residents, you can schedule your ride appointment by calling 844-666-6270 during normal business hours on a weekday. You can also order a ride online. If you choose to drive yourself to doctor appointments or treatments, you can fill out this form to receive Medicaid reimbursement for mileage and expenses.