Learn how to apply for a new accessible parking permit

Eligibility

Your healthcare practitioner must certify that you have one or more of the following qualified health conditions in order to obtain a new accessible parking permit or renew your subject to change permit:

cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, lower limb prosthetic device, or other similar assistive device, or requires the use of a wheelchair or the assistance of another person
has lung disease to the point where his or her forced expiratory volume in one second is less than one litre
portable oxygen is a medical necessity
according to Nomenclature and Criteria for Diagnosis of Diseases of the Heart and Great Vessels, ninth edition, published by Little, Brown & Co. in 1994, suffers from cardiovascular illness to the point where the individual’s functional ability is classed as Class III or Class IV.
mobility is severely limited by one or more conditions or functional impairments mobility is severely limited by one or more conditions or functional impairments
visual acuity is 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses, or whose maximum field of vision using both eyes has a diameter of 20 degrees or less

Permits of various types

You may be qualified for one of five types of accessible parking permits:

You can receive a permanent permit if you have a permanent disability. It’s good for five years and can be renewed without the need for re-certification by a healthcare professional.

You can receive a subject to change permit if you have a disability that is subject to change. It is good for a period of five years. You must be re-certified by a healthcare practitioner to renew this permit.

You can acquire a temporary permit if you have a temporary disability (up to 12 months). This permit will not be renewed.

If you’re going outside of Ontario, you can purchase a traveller’s permit to park your car at the point of departure (Ontario Airport, Train Station, etc.) while using your regular permit for the rest of your journey. This permission is valid for a period of one year.

If you are a company or organization, you can obtain a company permit for any vehicle that your company or organization uses primarily for the non-profit transportation of individuals with disabilities. It has a five-year validity period and can be renewed.

Making use of the permit

If you have an accessible parking permit, you must always display it on the dashboard or sun visor of the vehicle you are traveling in such that the permit number and expiration date are visible.

An accessible parking place can only be used by the individual indicated on the permit.

If the permit is used without the permit holder in the vehicle, a fine of up to $5,000 may be imposed, and the permit may be seized.

When should you return a permit?

Cost and time of delivery

Cost

The cost of renewing an accessible parking permit is nothing.

Delivery time

up to 3 weeks if ordered online or by mail
7 weeks at a ServiceOntario center

Fill out an application for a handicapped parking permit.

A individual or a company can receive accessible parking permits (APPs).

To be eligible, you must have the following:

To be eligible for an accessible parking permit, you must have a health condition that meets the relevant health requirements and have permission from a healthcare practitioner.

A person, not a vehicle, receives an individual accessible parking permit. The permit must be visibly displayed on the sun visor or dashboard of the car in order to park in an accessible parking place, and the permit holder must be either a passenger in or the driver of the vehicle that is using the accessible parking space.

You can obtain a permit either as a passenger or as both a passenger and a driver. If you have a temporary, temporary-to-permanent, or permanent disability, you may be eligible for an accessible parking permit.

The application form for an accessible parking permit is divided into two parts:

Part A – to be filled out with customer data
Part B – a healthcare professional must complete this section.

Check the list of qualifying health conditions to discover if you qualify.
Visit any ServiceOntario location to obtain an application form, or download the accessible parking permit application form.
In person or by mail, submit the completed form along with identification documents proving your legal name, date of birth, and signature to a ServiceOntario center.

You can now renew your permanent accessible parking permit online if you currently have one.

Healthcare professionals who are regulated

When you apply, your condition can only be validated by a:

Registered nurse practitioner physician chiropractor (extended class)
occupational therapist
physiotherapist
chiropractor
chiropodist
podiatrist

On your application, the healthcare practitioner will identify whether you have a permanent ailment, a temporary condition, or a condition that is subject to change.

Send your application by mail

Send photocopies of your identity documents with proof of legal name, date of birth, and signature if applying by mail. Sending your original identification documents is not a good idea.

Send the completed PDF form, along with a copy of your identity documents, to the following address:

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Accessible Parking Permit Services Office, ServiceOntario P.O. Box 9800 Kingston ON K7L 5N8K7L 5N8K7L 5N8K
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Permit in the interim

You may be eligible for an interim accessible parking permit from your local ServiceOntario center while you wait for your permit to arrive in the mail.

Customers who have not yet received an accessible parking permit and have an expiring or expired interim permit may call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 for further information.

Make an application for a motorcycle decal.

You must apply for a decal for your motorcycle license plate if you want to park it in an accessible parking area.

Eligibility

If you do the following, you can obtain a motorcycle decal:

hold a valid, unexpired accessible parking permit that is either permanent or subject to change.
possess a current motorcycle driver’s license (class M or M2)
a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle that you own or lease

When parking in an accessible parking place, you must have your accessible parking permit with you, even if the decal is shown on your motorbike plate.

Online applications are accepted

You’ll need the following information to apply online:

number of the current permit
the number on your driver’s license (class M or M2)
number of a license plate
VIN (vehicle identifying number) of the motorcycle (VIN)

Send your application by mail

If applying by mail, specify that you are applying for a motorbike accessible parking permit and provide the following information:

your legal name in full
the type of permit being sought (for example, motorcycle permit)
your existing accessible parking permit number (permanent or subject to change)
the number on your driver’s license (must be class M or M2)
the license plate number of any motorcycle registered in your name that will be covered by the permit
a copy of your ID that shows your legal name, birth date, and signature

Please send your request to:

Request a parking permit for company vehicles that are handicapped accessible

Companies and organizations that transport people with disabilities can apply for an accessible parking permit if they meet the eligibility requirements. To provide transportation services to people with disabilities, your organization can obtain a corporate accessible parking permit for any vehicle it owns or rents.

It is good for 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years if it is still needed.

To be eligible, you must:

Your company or organization must be registered and operating in Ontario
vehicles must be registered to your company or organization
owned or leased by your company or organization primarily for the purpose of providing non-profit transportation services to persons with disabilities.

Online or by mail, you can apply for a company vehicle accessible parking permit.

Send your application by mail

If applying by mail, please specify whether you are applying or renewing, and include the following information on your company letterhead:

a statement noting that the cars are mostly utilized for non-profit transportation of people with disabilities
evidence that the cars are largely used to carry disabled people (for example, copies of valid contracts)
define the type of your business and provide each car’s license plate and vehicle identification number
provide evidence of operation, such as:
charter company seal imprint certified copy of declaration of partnership First Nations band letter with number articles of incorporation master business licence letters patent under the Corporations Act

Please send your request to:

Fill out an application for a visitor parking permit

A visitor to Ontario may be issued a visitor permit for general usage by ServiceOntario centers. You must demonstrate that you are in possession of a valid permit in your home jurisdiction. This could involve the following:

other evidence that you are from another jurisdiction and have a disability, such as an accessible parking permit from your home jurisdiction, a number plate or other marker or device bearing the international symbol of accessibility for persons with disabilities, or other evidence that you are from another jurisdiction and have a disability.

Applicants for a visitor’s accessible parking permit in Ontario must provide the following acceptable proof:

one government-issued document from outside of the province/country containing the applicant’s name and address, as well as one of the following:
out-of-province/country hospital card healthcare practitioner’s certificate or letter medical insurance document application for an accessible parking permit completed by a recognized healthcare practitioner
another medical paper that is appropriate

The visitor permit is valid for a period of up to six months. A sponsor can apply for a permit ahead of time for a visitor’s visit to Ontario.

Outside of Ontario, you can travel with an accessible parking permit

If you have a valid accessible parking permit and plan to park your car in an accessible parking location during your trip, you can receive a traveller permit. For instance, parking at an airport or train station in Ontario.

At the moment of departure, the traveller permission must be displayed in the parked car. The original permit will accompany you on your journey.

Online applications are accepted

You’ll need your permit number to apply online.

Send your application by mail

If you are applying by mail, please include the following information:

the type of permit being sought (travellers permit)
valid permit number and the permit holder’s name and address

Please send your written request to the following address:

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Accessible Parking Permit Services Office, ServiceOntario P.O. Box 9800 Kingston ON K7L 5N8K7L 5N8K7L 5N8K
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Traveller permits are valid for a maximum of 12 months or until the accessible parking permit expires, whichever comes first (whichever comes first).

If you wish to utilize your accessible parking permit outside of Ontario, you must first contact the local authorities at the destination(s). Wherever you go, always observe the local rules and regulations.

Identification that is acceptable

You must submit verification of the following three elements of your identity in order to apply for an accessible parking permit:

signature
legal name
date of birth

Only send copies of your identifying documents if applying by mail. Original identification documents should not be sent.

Note: Seniors 80 and older, as well as veterans of any age, can present documents that are up to 10 years old to confirm their legal name, date of birth, and signature. Please call us at 1-800-387-3445 if you require any additional information.

Documents that prove all three aspects of one’s identification (legal name, date of birth and signature)

Canadian or foreign passport (not expired more than one year)
Photo on the Canadian Citizenship Card (issued prior to February 1, 2012)
Permanent Resident Card with Signature in Canada
Landing Records (Form IMM 1000)
Permanent Resident Status Confirmation (Form IMM 5292)
According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a report with a photograph is required (Form IMM 1442)
Authorization for Students/Study Permit (Form IMM 1442)
Work Permit/Employment Authorization (Form IMM 1442)
Visitor Information (Form IMM 1442)
Form IMM 1442, Temporary Resident’s Permit – formerly Minister’s Permit/Extension of Minister’s Permit
Secure Indian Status Card Certificate (issued on or after December 15, 2009, by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada)
The Government of Ontario issues a driver’s license, an enhanced driver’s license, or an Ontario Photo Card (not expired more than one year)
Driver’s license issued by the Canadian Department of National Defence (Form DND 404)

When presented collectively, documents that can offer verification of all three parts of identity (legal name, date of birth, and signature)

Proof of legal name and birthdate

A birth certificate issued by a Canadian jurisdiction or a proof of birth document issued by a US jurisdiction
Without a signature, a Canadian Permanent Resident Card is issued (issued after February 4, 2012)
The Government of Ontario has issued a certified copy of the Statement of Live Birth.
Card of the United States of America

Validation of your legal name

The Government of Ontario issues a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Legal name and signature proof

Indian Status Certificate (laminated card issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada)

Proof of birth date

FAST/EXPRESS Card and Nexus Card

Signature evidence

Canadian or US jurisdiction’s driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license
Ontario Health Card
An identity card issued by a Canadian or American government (enhanced or non-enhanced)
Signature Declaration from a Guarantor on an Ontario Student Card (Form SR-LD-40)
Department of National Defence of Canada (DND) Authorized representatives with an identity card

Authorized representatives

You must sign the application form and give copies of your identity documents if an authorized representative is applying on your behalf. Your legal name, date of birth, and signature must all be verified on your identification documents.

If you are unable to sign the application form and have had it signed on your behalf by an authorized representative (not applicable to dependents under the age of 18), the application must be accompanied by one of the following documents:

a Power of Attorney instrument allowing them to act on your behalf in the case of a court-appointed guardianship
a Sworn Statement signed by a Commissioner of Oaths proving trustee status with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

The authorized representative must additionally produce identification documentation demonstrating:

signature
legal name
date of birth

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee can provide you with information and support in acquiring a Power of Attorney (POA). For more information, please contact:

If you’re in the GTA or outside of North America, call 416-314-2800. Toll-free: 1-800-366-0335 TTY: 416-314-2687
Find out more about the Power of Attorney.

A permit must be returned

When the following conditions are met, the permit must be returned to ServiceOntario within 30 days.

The permit holder is no longer a person with an eligible health condition because the person named on the permit has died.

The permission has been revoked because it contains inaccurate information.

By mail, return a permission to:

Return a permit to a ServiceOntario center in person:

Centre of Ontario

Report a permission that has been abused or misused

Accessible parking locations are not monitored or enforced by ServiceOntario. Municipal and provincial law enforcement officers are in charge of this.

If you suspect exploitation or misuse of an accessible parking permit, or if you have issues about accessible parking places, please contact your municipality.