Apply for a mobility parking permit - individual and temporary

If you live in NSW and you're eligible, you can apply for a NSW Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit for people with disabilities that affect their mobility.

The permit lets you park in disability parking spaces and access certain parking concessions.

You can apply for the permit yourself or ask someone you know to apply on your behalf.

• apply online,
• download an application form,
• or get one from a service centre.

Someone else can apply on your behalf if:

• You have a photo exemption, and
• You have a Transport for NSW customer number. 

Otherwise, you will need to attend a service centre yourself.

Which permit do I need?

• Individual permit – this is a blue card, valid for 5 years, for an eligible person with a permanent disability.
• Temporary permit – this is a red card, valid for up to 6 months, for an eligible person with a temporary disability, such as a leg injury.

Motorcycles and convertibles. You can use a permit on an open-style vehicle like a motorcycle, motor tricycle or convertible sports car. However, that  vehicle must be registered either in your name or in both your name and your partner's name. Follow the same application process. See Displaying your permit for how to display.

A doctor or medical specialist must confirm you're eligible for a permit.

Ask them to fill out the medical certificate section of the Mobility Parking Scheme Application form.

If you hold a NSW driver or rider licence,  ask your doctor if you also need a medical assessment for fitness to drive.

You may need a medical assessment if:

• This is the first time you’re applying for an MPS permit; or
• You already have a permit but have a new condition you need to tell us about; or
• You’re renewing your permit and haven’t had a medical assessment in the last 6 months.

If you're unsure, Service NSW can help you determine if you need a medical assessment. Alternatively ask your doctor.

If you do need a medical assessment, ask your doctor to submit it online. If your doctor does not use online medical assessments, you can obtain a paper copy from your local service centre or calling 13 22 13. 

You may also wish to ask your doctor for a letter supporting a photo exemption (see next step).

A Mobility Parking Scheme permit card has a photo, like on a driver licence. This helps prevent the misuse of permits.

If you already have a photo in our system, you may be able to use that photo. If not, you need to have a photo taken at a service centre when you submit your application.

Photo exemptions

You may be eligible for a photo exemption. For example, if you have a disability preventing you attending a service centre. You need to apply for this before you submit your application.

You will need these documents to request a photo exemption:

• letter (from you or your carer) requesting the exemption
• completed permit application form
• supporting letter from a medical doctor (see previous step).

Post the documents to:

DRIVES Assurance
Transport for NSW
PO Box 3035
Parramatta NSW 2124

If approved, you'll receive a letter of exemption from us. You need to submit this when applying for a permit.

Before submitting your application, check: 

• you have completed your personal details on the application form
• your doctor has completed and signed the medical certificate section of the form
• your doctor has completed a medical assessment for fitness to drive either online or paper-based (if required)
• you have the payment unless eligible for a free permit
• you have proof of your identity. If someone's applying on your behalf, they'll need to provide their proof of identity as well as yours.   
• you have checked with Service NSW if you need a new photo
• you have attached a photo exemption letter from Transport for NSW (if you need a photo exemption).

You cannot use disability parking places or concessions until we've approved your permit. We will notify you by post in around 2 weeks.

Once approved, we'll send you a NSW mobility parking permit and an Australian disability parking permit.

You need to display both permits together to use disability parking spaces in NSW.

The permit lets you park in places with a disability parking sign for the sign-posted time. It also provides concessions such as free parking or extended time in some areas.

See Where you can use your permit for details about where, when and how to use your permit. There are special conditions to prevent misuse.

There are special conditions to prevent misuse.