How to Obtain a Disabled Parking Permit in New York

Applying For a NY State Disability Tag

Ask your doctor for a certification. You can save yourself the trouble of being denied a disability tag from New York State by talking to your doctor. If they say you do, find the application on the New York DMV’s website. Start getting information together, and tell your doctor you will need him to fill out a "permanent disability" or a “temporary disability” Medical Certification. The doctor must be licensed as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). Temporary disabled permits are available for 6 month time frames. You may qualify for a temporary disabled permit if you are required to use crutches, a walker or a cane to walk for a short period of time. Examples of permanent disabilities are using portable oxygen; severely impaired use of one or both legs; blindness; a limiting neuromuscular disorder; certain cardiac conditions; being unable to walk 200 feet (61 meters) without stopping; severe arthritis, neurological or orthopedic condition that affects walking; severe lung disease; or any other condition that makes it difficult to take public transportation and move around town without hardship. Any doctor may attest to the first 8 conditions but only a doctor that has been licensed in New York State can certify the 9th condition if you have a disability falling under the "other condition" category. A podiatrist (DPM) may only attest to disabilities involving the foot and this podiatrist must be licensed in New York State.

Get the forms ready. Print out the application for a NYS disabled parking permit, the Application for License Plates and Parking Permits for People with Severe Disabilities (MV-664.1). Complete your sections of the form. Fax or email the “permanent disability” Medical Certification to your doctor’s office for them to fill out. They should be able to forward the form directly to the nearest government agent who issues permits. The NY State DMV does not issue disability permits.

Consider your alternatives. You can obtain a statement of disability in lieu of having your doctor complete the Medical Certification section. This statement must be printed on your doctor's letterhead, dated within the last year and have a detailed explanation about how your disability will entitle you to a disabled permit. It must also include your doctor's license number and signature.

Turn in the application form. Turn in the application to any county or state motor vehicle office to submit it if you are applying for a permanent disabled license plate. If you already have a valid registration and regular plates, you will have to swap your plates for a new set of disabled plates, fill out the Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82) and pay the regular registration fee. This is not required for a hanging permit. You may also need to show identification, proof of residence, your birth certificate, etc., depending on the validity of the forms you provide. If you are only applying for the hanging NYS disabled parking permit, you must contact your local clerk to find out where to submit your application. There is no fee for this permit.

Applying for a New York City Disability Permit

Learn about New York City driving regulations. The City of New York has its own system for issuing permits for disabled parking. While a New York State permit or tag will suffice for parking in a lot, if you want to park on the street, it is advisable to get an NYC disabled permit in addition to your state-issued permit. Unfortunately, it is a separate application with a separate medical certification process. Just like the NY State hanging tag, you don’t have to have a driver’s license to get this. You do, however, have to give the license plate numbers of all vehicles that will be associated with it.

Get the application materials together. You will need the application form (found online), a driver’s license or other form of government-issued identification, and vehicle registration forms for all vehicles you will use. Your application will be reviewed before you can go any further. They will contact you if they need any additional information.

Get a medical examination. Unlike the NY State disability permit, NY City requires an in-person medical examination. They will contact you to schedule this appointment. If the physician verifies that you qualify for a disability permit, you will be approved. This placard should be displayed clearly on the driver’s side dashboard of the car you are using.