What is the Best Way to Apply for Your New York Disability Parking Placard?

Whether you just started looking or have been on your elongated journey to find the laws of a New York disabled parking permit, you need to pay attention. Over the years, the ways and rules of the land have changed when receiving a disability parking placard. Interstate laws vary and the changes can cause you to become overwhelmed but follow these steps to assist you.

New York has become one of the largest cities, with an excessive growth rate of people per capita, in the United States. If you don’t receive help with the application process of your handicap parking placard, you will find yourself dazed and confused.

How You Receive Admissibility

The first step on the way through the development of your application, is to collect all of your identifying information; your driver’s license, state ID card, your car registration, current emission inspection, and medical certification. You must receive your medical classification through your health care provider to verify your disabilities. You will need to download and print an application from the New York Department of Transportation or visit a local branch of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

In order to qualify one of the ailments listed needs to affect you:

  1. You are legitimately blind
  2. You have lost all use, or fractional use of your legs
  3. You have a neuro-muscular condition that severely affects your walking abilities
  4. You have any other mental or physical health disability that interferes with your public transportation ability

Only a New York licensed physician is allowed to apply for your condition classified as temporary or permanent disability.

You and your medical provider must completely fill and sign your application. You are urged to submit your application in person at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles with the appropriate fees if you are submitting for a disabled persons license plate of $28.

Your Intrastate Parking Permits

Next, you need to decide if you are applying for a New York State disabled parking permit or a New York City disabled parking permit. Each parking placard is different, so do some research to determine which parking permit fits your conditional needs. If you are a New York City resident, brush up on your local policies before you select this parking permit.

If you are a resident of New York State, you will be permitted to utilize your parking benefits in other states and in Canadian provinces, but it’s always best to check with national and international laws. As a state disability parking placard holder, you are able to park anywhere in the state of New York in a handicap accessible space.

As for New York City disability parking permit holders, you are allowed to park in any handicap accessible space that is not on city streets (unless you are eligible according to your severity in condition) in shopping malls, apartment buildings, and office spaces. Additionally, you do not have to pay for metered parking as other city citizens are obligated to do so. Certain restrictions will apply, however, like:

  • No parking on sidewalks, driveways, or crosswalks within city limits
  • No parking in a No Stopping Zone
  • Do not park in a Hotel Loading Zone
  • Do not park in bus stops
  • Do not park in No Standing Zones between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., daily

Your Renewal and Replacement Outline

Each of your state and city parking permits do have expiration dates. Keep up with your renewability timeframes by following the laws from the New York Department of Transportation. If you have a permanent state parking permit, you do not have to renew for five years. If you have a temporary city parking permit, you will be sent a renewal in your mail six weeks before your permit expires. Remember to fill out each renewal and have your medical provider renew your medical certification, as needed.

Now, if you need to replace your disability parking permits or placards due to loss or theft, you must file a statement with the nearest police department. You will need to provide the location of where the loss or theft occurred and your valid driver’s license or state ID card. After the complaint is filed with law enforcement, retrieve a copy of your statement and get a case number. You must fill out a form for stolen and lost parking permits with the New York Department of Transportation and include all of your information.

Do not ask for replacement of your parking permits more than twice, otherwise the New York DOT can decide if you are eligible to receive any further permits. Allow a portion of time to pass if you have not received your parking permit. Submit the form by mail for your non-received disability parking placard with all of your proper documentation.

Where are the New York DMV Locations?

You are encouraged to submit all forms and applications through the mail, to the correct offices of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. If you must, apply at your neighboring DMV branch and be sure your selected office offers the service necessary. There are multiple locations of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles across the state.

What You Need After You Have Your Placards

Always be sure your vehicle is not in use when your disability parking permits, or placards are visible. You must place your rectangular New York City permit on your dashboard and hang your New York State placard in your rearview mirror. Remember that your expiration date must be visible through the windshield of your vehicle and red placards equals temporary permits; blue placards equal permanent permits.

Your Take-Away Knowledge

Now that you have finished this guide, complete your due diligence to apply for your New York Disability Parking Permit. You are not alone in this process, although time consuming, you comprehend your state and local laws and procedures for the New York Department of Transportation. Stay updated on your medical condition and use for guidance.

What You Need for Your Disabled Parking Permit in New York

Stop the rush for your handicap parking permit here. You need to assess what the nation’s laws are for obtaining your parking permits and how you can and cannot use them. States vary in the laws across the country, but check your local laws, too. New York has certain policies in place to help you understand your rights and receiving your disability parking placards.

Your Information on Eligibility in New York

You must check your state and local laws to determine how you can qualify for your disabled parking permit. New York’s laws vary, largely, compared to other states about your parking permits. You have options and decisions to make regarding which type of parking permit you need.

  • Determine your eligibility

The first thing for you to figure out is if you qualify for a disabled parking permit:

  1. If you medically cannot use or partially use one or both legs;
  2. If you are legally blind;
  3. If you have a neurological disorder that significantly reduces your mobility; and/or
  4. If you have any other physical or mental condition that makes public transportation hard.

Your acceptable medical physicians for certification purposes include:

  1. Licensed Physicians
  2. Licensed Podiatrists
  3. Licensed Optometrists (visual conditions, only)
  4. Licensed Mental Health Physicians

There are temporary and permanent parking permits for New York State, and parking permits specifically for New York City. If you drive or live anywhere other than New York City, you need to apply for a New York State permit. Keep in mind that with the New York State permit, you are eligible for other usage in Canada and throughout the state.

What are the Differences Between State and City Disability Parking Permits?

If you are applying for a New York State Permit, you must be a permanent resident and your vehicle must be current on your registration, as required by law. Your permanent parking placard will be a plastic, blue hanger (temporary state permits are red). You are permitted to accessibly park anywhere in New York State. Permanent placards are legal for up to five years, expiring at the end of the month.

If you are applying for a New York City Permit, you are allowed to register up to three vehicles. You may amend the number of vehicles or replace a vehicle with valid registration information and your current driver’s license. You are designated to park in any off-street handicap accessible spaces (i.e. malls, universities, and office or apartment buildings) without being charged for a meter. You do not have to be a resident of New York City to apply. A renewal application will be mailed to you six weeks before the expiration, and you will need to visit a branch of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles for submission.

  • Note that if you suffer from a severe condition that does not permit you to walk, you are eligible for curb parking in New York City streets.
  • For you to not be required to pay for parking meters, you will need to submit a Metered Parking Waiver to the New York Department of Transportation.
  • Some parking spaces, like, Truck Unloading Zones, will need to be perceived by the disability permit holder; you are only allowed to park on days and times that trucks are able to park.
  • Follow your rule of thumb and do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, double park, rideshare spaces, and spaces designated for fire trucks or ambulances.

What are the Rules for Out-of-State Visitors and Tourists?

If you are visiting New York State or New York City, your handicap parking passes will be accepted to park in any off-street space, available to you. You may apply for a New York City Permit to park on the streets of the city.

How to Use Your Disability Parking Permit

After you receive your temporary or permanent parking permit, you must hang the placard in your rearview mirror. Your expiration date must be visible through the windshield of your vehicle. If you have a New York City Permit, you will need to place the permit on your dashboard, expiration date visible to parking enforcers.

If your parking permit is stolen or lost, contact the police department immediately to file a report. Get a copy of your report and submit a form for lost and stolen permits, be sure to include your case number. The New York Department of Transportation reserves the right to deny any more parking permits, if you have more than two occurrences for lost or stolen disabled parking placards.

  • Do not park in a handicap accessible space without proper parking permit status or with an expired disability parking permit.

What Fines Can You Induce if You Park Illegally?

If you are not using your disability parking permit or forget to place your permit in the correct position, you could be subject to fines. The fees assessed may be in excess of $150, depending on the degree of your offense. Law enforcement agencies and private operators are permitted to request the towing and storage of your vehicle, if you are illegally parked.

Where You Can Find New York DMV Locations

Now-a-days, you can virtually search for a New York Department of Motor Vehicles branch. You are strongly encouraged to visit in person and at a location closest to your home. Not all locations offer every service, so be sure to check with your location before heading out your door. To avoid long lines and waiting times, you can create a reservation to save your spot in line, from the comfort of your couch.

After careful examination of New York’s Disabled Persons laws, gather all of your needed documents to submit your application. You must follow the laws stated to receive your disability parking permit and use resourcefully. The outline encourages you to conduct some research when selecting your wants and needs for a disability parking permit in New York State and New York City.

What You Need to Apply for a New York State Handicap Parking Permit

You’ve visited many sites to help you discover what you need to apply for a handicap parking placard. Between all of your disoriented thoughts on where to start next, you stumble upon this model. You are aware that all of the rules are different for each state, but you will need to research your local laws also. The following manual will help you through this process.

Your First Steps to Apply in New York

Assume that you have already found your local New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Be sure you visit the branch closest to the town you live in. Throughout the state of New York, you will find locations of the DMV to begin your journey through the application process.

You pick up your application, but what do you do next? You must decide what type of parking permit you need. New York offers two different disability parking permits, New York State Permit or New York City Permit. Both disability parking permits have different eligibility requirements and are two different applications.

Your New York State Permits and New York City Permits

If you are choosing the New York State Handicap Parking Permit, you will be allowed to park anywhere in the state, for handicap accessible spots. If you are applying for a New York City Permit, you will only be allowed to park in handicap accessible spaces in New York City. However, with the city permit you need to review and follow the below guidelines:

  • You will only be allowed to use the New York City Permit in the city
  • You require usage of a private vehicle
  • You are permitted to park anywhere with paid meters for accessible parking, within New York City at no charge to you
  • Renewal forms will be sent six weeks prior to your expiration date on your parking placard, you may need a new re-certification from your physician, depending on your condition
  • Parking placards are available to residents and non-residents, to apply you must present a valid ID showing the state and city that you live in
  • New York City Permits can be used for vacation purposes for out of state guests
  • Your city permit can include up to three vehicles, if you need to change or add another vehicle you can do so permanently or temporarily by filling out the needed application with vehicle information

Most of the above rules apply within the New York State Permit with a few exceptions and differences. Please see the below list for your procedures for the New York State handicap parking permit:

  • You must have a valid New York State driver’s license or ID to apply
  • You are able to park in any accessible space within the state
  • Your parking permit is valid in other states and within Canada’s provinces

What Qualifies You?

You will need to completely fill out your portion of the application, then find your medical doctor who can medically certify that your disability qualifies. Next, you will need to complete a medical certification from your physician stating the disability as temporary or permanent, as a required part of your application Your medically necessary disabilities that qualify you for a parking permit are:

  • You have no use or limited use of your leg(s)
  • You have a neuro-muscular dysfunction that adversely affects your ability to walk
  • You are legally blind
  • You have a mental or physical ailment that affects your ability to utilize public transit

All applications for disability parking permits must be in person at your local New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Your permanent New York state handicap parking placard is valid up to five years and expires on the last day of the month of expiration. Remember, if you need to renew your permanent disability parking placard you must visit a location of the New York DMV, in person.

How You Use Your Parking Permit in New York

If you received a New York State parking permit, you must hang the placard in your rearview mirror, showing your expiration date through your windshield. If you received a New York City Permit, you will have a placard that you place on your dashboard that will need to be visible through your windshield. It’s imperative that you do not use any parking placards while your car is in motion.

What Happens When Your Parking Permits are Lost, Stolen, or Never Received?

If you applied and never received your permits through the mail, you will need to fill out and submit a Never Received Permit form through the mail to:

Permits and Customer Service Unit
Never Received Permits PPPD
New York City Department of Transportation
30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-3045

If your handicap parking permit is lost or stolen, you are required to report the crime or loss at your nearest law enforcement agency. Once you receive a report number for the loss or theft of your parking permits, you must send your police report, number, and completed lost/stolen report form to the New York Department of Transportation by mail at:

Permits and Customer Service Unit
Lost and Stolen Permits PPD
New York City Department of Transportation
30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101-3045

Be cautious with each of your disability placards, you will only be allowed two replacements if you lose the placards, or if your permit is stolen. After the two replacements, you will not be permitted issuance of another disabled parking permit, unless the New York Department of Transportation allows issuance.

Your Completion of the Process

After you have reviewed this model thoroughly, you will be able to understand New York’s laws, rules, procedures of all disabled parking permits. You need to complete some research to figure out which placard will best suit your needs and then complete your application, thoroughly. Remember to only visit a Department of Motor Vehicles location in person to submit your application and be sure to bring copies of your valid vehicle registration and other identifying information.

How To Use Your Disabled Parking Permit in New York

Having a disabled parking permit can help you to navigate the state, and the state’s parking lots, with considerable ease. Your disabled parking permit can be a tool to make your life much easier! However, it’s only as good as your knowledge of how to use it.

Taking a few minutes to review the rights and responsibilities associated with your New York Disabled Parking permit can help you extract the most use from your permit. It can also help you reduce the risk of your permit being taken away due to disciplinary action. Read on for a complete guide to the rights and responsibilities associated with your New York Disabled Parking Permit.

When to Use Your Disabled Parking Permit

Possibly the most important rule to remember in properly utilizing your New York disabled parking permit is the placement and timing of using your permit. To make you eligible for using protected, designated parking spaces for disabled use only, when your car is parked, you need to hang your permit placard from your rear-view window in the front of your car.

However, it is very important that it is only placed there when the car is not moving. Having a large dangling object swinging in your field of vision while you are driving is very dangerous and highly illegal. Therefore, forming a habit of putting the placard up after you are parked and taking it back down before the vehicle is in motion is highly advised.

Who Can Use Your Disabled Parking Permit

You should definitely note that the state of New York issues disabled parking permits to you, and not to a specific vehicle. You can therefore use it in any care you happen to be using.

However, it is very important to note that the only time a disabled parking permit can be used to legally occupy a disabled parking spot is when the disabled person who owns the permit is either driving or riding in the car. If this rule is not followed, this can be fined by any ticketing officer for up to $75 for a first-time offense, and up to $150 for a secondary offense.

Where to Use Your Disabled Parking Permit

The New York State Disabled Parking Permit will allow you to park in any spot demarcated as a disabled-only parking space within the state of New York. However, this permit does not override or trump any local ordinances or rulings by local authorities. Make sure to follow the directives given on signs posted locally; your permit does not give you power over them.

Additionally, your disabled parking permit will work outside of New York. Use it in the same way you would in your home state, pay attention to signs posted on-site, and it should enable you to park wherever you want anywhere you may be driving.

How to Tell Which Parking Spaces are Disabled Parking Spaces

The whole point of your disabled parking permit is that you are able to park in these specially set aside parking spaces for easier accommodations. However, you can only park in these spaces if you know which ones they are.

In New York State, the parking spaces set aside for disabled persons are designated by:

  • Permanent and conspicuous signs that are installed above the ground near the parking spot, that display the International Sign of Access (the wheelchair symbol). They must be about five to seven feet above the ground at the head of the parking spot.

Your Disabled Parking Permit and Access Aisles

Access aisles are the striped blue and white portion of the ground immediately next to a properly designated disabled parking spot. They are usually included whenever there is more than one disabled parking space in a small area.

These aisles exist for the sole purpose of helping those with disabilities to exit and enter their cars. They provide a buffer area between cars so those with access ramps, wheelchairs, and mobility issues have enough room to do what they need to do.

Whether you have a disabled parking permit or not, do not park in such a way as to obstruct the access aisles. If you do, you may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including the revocation of your parking permit.

Disabled Parking Permits if You Live in New York City

As New York City is home to especially congested streets and traffic issues, New York City does not set aside special areas on its streets for disabled parkers. To help disabled drivers, however, the city does issue a city permit to allow curbside parking opportunities not available to other cars, as well as free metered parking.

To inquire further about this opportunity and request application materials, visit the New York City Department of Transportation website.

Renewing Your Disabled Parking Permit

Whether you have a permanent or temporary disability that affects your mobility, you will have to renew your disabled parking permit periodically so that the city is aware of you, and to confirm that your disability is still relevant for the service. To renew your disabled parking permit, please contact the city clerk in your neighborhood. The renewal process is identical to the initial application process.

Having a New York state disabled parking permit can help you make your own life a lot easier, between running errands and going about your daily transportation needs! However, your permit is only good if you know how to use it. Whenever you need a refresher on the rights and responsibilities associated with your New York state disabled parking permit, make sure to refer to this guide for all the details you will need.

As you use your New York disabled parking permit, remember to put it up when you park and take it down before you drive away. Set yourself a reminder to renew your permit as applicable to make sure you can always enjoy the privileges associated with your New York disabled parking permit.

How To Get Your Disabled Permit In New York

If you are suffering from a disability and you live in the state of New York, a disabled parking permit can be a tool that will make your life a lot easier. However, not everyone is eligible, and there are several steps to take before your application is approved. Read below for a detailed guide telling you exactly how you can get your New York disabled parking permit.

Make Sure You Are Eligible

As the number of disabled parking spots in the state of New York is necessarily limited, it is in everyone’s benefit that the state Department of Motor Vehicles ensures that your condition requires use of these parking spots.

To do this, you will need to speak with a licensed physician or other medical professional to confirm your condition, and to make sure it meets all of the criteria listed on the application form for a disabled parking permit. There are currently two options for obtaining medical approval.

Speak with a Doctor to Confirm your Condition

If you have a personal physician or if your condition allows you to go visit a local doctor in person, download the application form from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles website and bring it to your appointment. Your doctor will go over the questions with you, provide his signature, and you will be ready to mail in your application.

However, if that option is untenable due to your life circumstances or condition, there is a simpler option. Video chatting with a doctor online is a simple way to ensure that you can talk to a medical professional from the comfort and ease of your home. In addition, your information will be kept secure, and your application will be emailed straight your neighborhood’s local agency immediately after your call.

Qualifying Conditions for a Disabled Parking Permit

You may be eligible for a disabled parking permit if you are currently experiencing one of the following conditions.

  • If you are using any form of portable oxygen;
  • If you are experiencing any form of legally documented blindness;
  • If one or both of your legs are permanently impaired such that you cannot use them for their original purpose;
  • If, due to any reason, you find yourself consistently unable to walk two hundred feed without considerable issues;
  • If you have any kind of neuromuscular dysfunction that impairs or limits your mobility in a severe or life-threatening way
  • If you have a cardiac condition that meets the standards for Class III or Class IV heart failure according to the American Heart Association;
  • If you have a neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic condition which makes it impossible for you to walk effectively for any comfortable distance;
  • If you have lung diseased, defined by an expiratory volume of less than one liter for one second when measured by spirometry, or if your oxygen tension in your arteries is less than 60 mm/Hg on room air when you are resting; or
  • If you have any other unlisted condition, whether physical or mental, that means that you have an impairment considered equal to any others on the list above.

If you have a medical condition which has resulted in your great difficulty getting around town, the state of New York will consider your application. The state of New York uses a larger list of conditions than most to determine eligibility, which means that if you have a relevant condition, it’s worth your while to see if you can receive a disabled parking permit.

Contact Your City Office

In New York, as opposed to many other states, the Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Public Safety do not issue disabled parking permits. Instead, this is handled individually by each city, town, and village. Contact your neighborhood’s official community clerk to learn more about your town’s process for application.

However, there are common procedures likely followed by most towns. Read on to learn about these commonalities.

Download and Fill Out Your Form

Most neighborhoods and towns in New York State accept a universal form for this application process. Go to the Department of Motor Vehicles website and download MV-664.1, then fill out the top part of the form yourself. Information you will need to complete this includes your telephone number, address, and a photocopy of your New York State identification.

Gather Your Materials

To apply for a disabled parking permit in the state of New York, you will need two things:

  • Your completed application form. This will include a photocopy of your most relevant form of identification.
  • A certificate or note from your physician. This requirement may be fulfilled by the medical portion of the application form, if signed by a doctor. However, some towns will accept a signed note from a hospital or doctor’s office as evidence.

In New York there is no fee required for this application process.

Mail In Your Form

Because the Department of Motor Vehicles does not process applications for disabled parking permits in the state of New York, there is no single, centralized address for submissions. Contact your city clerk to learn where the application packet should be submitted.

If you opted to chat with a medical professional online, however, your application will be submitted to the proper local for you via email in a secure and confidential manner.

Be sure to wait to receive your parking permit from the state of New York before you start utilizing handicap accommodations; simply going through the application process does not qualify you to use them. You will receive placards in the mail with your permit; please wait to receive those before parking.

Having a New York State parking permit can help you make your day to day life much easier! Going through the steps to receive one can seem like a hurdle. Whenever you need to apply for or renew a New York State disabled parking permit, please refer to this guide for all of the information you will need.