Get a permit online

You can now get an APP online.

$0 (free)

There is no cost to get or renew an APP.

Travelling?

Get a temporary traveller's permit.

Overview

Ontario accessible parking permits (APPs) can be issued to either:

  • an individual whose mobility is limited because of a permanent or temporary disability
  • an Ontario corporation or non-profit organization for use in vehicles they own or lease for the purpose of transporting people with disabilities

There is no cost to get, renew or replace an accessible parking permit.

The permit must be clearly displayed with the permit number and expiry date visible on your vehicle’s sun visor or dashboard to park in an accessible parking space.

An individual APP is issued to a person and is not specific to a vehicle. The named permit holder must be the passenger or driver of the vehicle moving to and from the designated parking space.

Parking in an accessible parking space is prohibited while you wait after dropping off or before picking up the permit holder at an alternate location. If you use the permit without the permit holder, you could be fined up to $5,000 and the permit may be seized.

In Ontario, each municipality determines the rules, and privileges associated with holding an APP through bylaws. Each municipality's bylaws are established and subject to change by City Council without notice to ServiceOntario. Always follow the local rules and regulations.

Eligibility

To apply for an accessible parking permit, your regulated healthcare practitioner must certify that you have one or more of the following eligible health conditions:

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

Regulated healthcare practitioners

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

  • chiropodist
  • chiropractor
  • nurse practitioner
  • occupational therapist
  • physician
  • physiotherapist
  • podiatrist

The regulated healthcare practitioner will indicate on your application whether you have a permanent condition, temporary condition or subject to change condition.

Types of permits

There are 5 types of accessible parking permits you may be eligible for:

1. Permanent permit

If you have a permanent disability (determined by your regulated healthcare practitioner) you can apply for a permanent permit. A permanent permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed without re-certification from a regulated healthcare practitioner.

2. Subject to change permit

If you have a disability that is considered subject to change (determined by your regulated healthcare practitioner) you can apply for a subject to change permit. A subject to change permit is valid for 5 years. To renew this permit, you must be re-certified by a healthcare practitioner.

3. Temporary permit

If you have a temporary disability (determined by your regulated healthcare practitioner) you can apply for a temporary permit. A temporary permit is valid for up to 12 months. To renew this permit, you must be re-certified by a regulated healthcare practitioner.

4. Traveller’s permit

If you are travelling outside Ontario and hold a valid accessible parking permit, you can get a traveller’s permit to park your car where you depart (for example, Ontario airport or train station) while you use your regular permit during your trip. The traveller permit is valid for 12 months or for the remaining validation period of your accessible parking permit, whichever is less.

5. Company permit

If you are a company or organization you can get a company permit for every vehicle owned or leased by your company or organization that is used primarily to transport people with disabilities. It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if the company/organization meets the required criteria.

Apply for an accessible parking permit

To apply for an accessible parking permit:

  1. Read the eligible health conditions to see if you qualify.
  2. Get an application form by visiting any ServiceOntario centre or downloading the application form for an accessible parking permit.
  3. Complete both part A and part B of the form:
  4. Submit the completed form with identity documents showing proof of full name, date of birth and signature of the permit holder.

Note: If you are completing the application on behalf of a child, or as a legal authorized representative, you will also need to provide your own identity documents showing proof of full name, date of birth and signature.

Once all the above are completed, you can apply:

  • online
  • by mail
  • in-person

Apply online

You may apply online if you:

  • received certification from a regulated healthcare practitioner that you meet the eligible health conditions
  • have a completed accessible parking permit application form signed by a regulated healthcare practitioner
  • understand and consent to ServiceOntario verifying the information provided in the accessible parking permit application form

You will be required to upload a picture of your completed form with your regulated healthcare practitioner's signature and a picture of your identity documents.

Apply by mail

You can apply by mail by:

  • sending a photocopy of the permit holder's identity documents showing:
    • proof of full name
    • date of birth, and
    • signature 

Do not send your original identity documents (see list of identity document(s)).

Mail the completed accessible parking form and a copy of identification documents to:

ServiceOntario
Accessible Parking Permit Services Office
P.O. Box 9800
Kingston ON  K7L 5N8

Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre

Bring your completed application with the necessary identity documents to a ServiceOntario centre.

Book an appointment

You may be able to book an appointment ahead of your visit.

Book an appointment

Find a ServiceOntario centre

Cost and delivery

Cost

$0
There is no cost to get or renew an accessible parking permit.

Delivery

Canada Post strike   
Visit ontario.ca/Mail to learn about impacted programs and potential delays.

Online or mail

Up to 3 weeks

In person at a ServiceOntario centre

7 weeks

Interim permit

While you are waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail, you may be eligible for an interim accessible parking permit from your local ServiceOntario centre.

If you are unable to attend ServiceOntario in person and an authorized representative is acting on your behalf, copies of your identity documents and a letter of authorization are required to obtain your interim permit. The authorized representative must also provide their identity documents.

Customers with an expiring or expired interim permit, who have not yet received their accessible parking permit, should contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 for more information.

Apply for a motorcycle decal

If you would like to park a motorcycle in an accessible parking spot, you must apply for a decal for your motorcycle licence plate.

Eligibility

You can get a motorcycle decal if you:

  • hold an unexpired permanent or subject to change accessible parking permit
  • hold a valid motorcycle driver’s licence (class M or M2)
  • have a valid motorcycle plate attached to a motorcycle, or motor assisted bicycle, which is owned or leased and registered in your name

You must carry your accessible parking permit with you, even if the decal is displayed on your motorcycle plate when parking in an accessible parking space.

Apply online

To apply online, you will need your:

  • current permit number
  • driver’s licence number (class M or M2)
  • licence plate number
  • motorcycle’s vehicle identification number (VIN)

Apply by mail

If you are applying by mail, state you are applying for a motorcycle accessible parking permit and include:

  • your full name
  • type of permit being requested (for example, motorcycle permit)
  • your current permanent or subject to change accessible parking permit number
  • your driver’s licence number (must be class M or M2)
  • the licence plate number of each motorcycle registered in your name to which the permit will be attached
  • a copy of your identification that proves full name, date of birth and signature (do not send in your original identification documents)

Mail your request to:

ServiceOntario
Accessible Parking Permit Services Office
P.O. Box 9800
Kingston ON  K7L 5N8

Apply for a company vehicle accessible parking permit

Companies and organizations can apply for an accessible parking permit for vehicles that transport individuals with disabilities if they meet eligibility criteria. You can get a company accessible parking permit for every vehicle owned or leased by your company that is used primarily to transport people with disabilities or owned or leased by your organization to transport people with disabilities on a non-profit basis.

A company accessible parking permit is valid for five years and, if still required, must be renewed every five years.

Eligible company

To be eligible, your company:

  • must be incorporated and operating in Ontario
  • vehicles must be registered to your company
  • vehicles must be owned or leased by your company primarily to provide transportation services to persons with a disability

Eligible organization

To be eligible your organization:

  • must be registered and operating in Ontario
  • vehicles must be registered to your organization
  • vehicles must be owned or leased by your organization to provide transportation services to persons with a disability on a non-profit basis

You can apply for a company vehicle accessible parking permit either online or by mail.

Apply online

If you need help applying online, check the company user guide.

Get a company permit

Apply by mail

If you are applying by mail, please state whether you are applying or renewing your company accessible parking permit(s) and include the following information on your letterhead, depending on if you are a company or an organization:

Company

  • a declaration stating that the vehicles are primarily used to transport people with disabilities
  • proof that the vehicles are primarily used to transport persons with disabilities (for example, copies of valid contracts)
  • describe the nature of your business 
  • list the licence plate and vehicle identification numbers for each vehicle
  • submit proof of incorporation (example, articles of incorporation)

Organization

  • a letter on official letterhead explaining why permit(s) should be issued (such as the nature of the business and declaration that the vehicle(s) are used to transport persons with disabilities on a non-profit basis)
  • list the licence plate and vehicle identification numbers for each vehicle
  • submit proof of operations, such as:
    • articles of incorporation under the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
    • master business licence
    • letters patent under the Corporations Act
    • charter
    • company seal imprint
    • certified copy of declaration of partnership
    • First Nations band letter with number

Mail your request to:

ServiceOntario
Accessible Parking Permit Services Office
P.O. Box 9800
Kingston ON  K7L 5N8

Planning a trip outside of Ontario

You may apply for a traveller permit if you are planning to travel outside of Ontario and would like to bring your original accessible parking permit with you.

A traveller permit is issued to current permit holders for use related to travel. The traveller permit must be displayed in the vehicle at a point of departure (Ontario airport, train station, etc.) while the original permit is used by the permit holder during their trip.

Traveller permits are issued for a maximum of 12 months or to the expiry date of the original accessible parking permit (whichever comes first).

If you want to use your accessible parking permit outside of Ontario, you should contact the authorities in the location(s) you are travelling to confirm that you can use your Ontario accessible parking permit in that jurisdiction/destination. Always follow the local rules and regulations where you are travelling.

Apply online

To apply online, you will need your accessible parking permit information.

Apply by mail

If you are applying by mail, please include the:

  • type of permit being requested (travellers permit)
  • name and residential address of the permit holder 
  • valid accessible parking permit number

Mail your written request to:

ServiceOntario
Accessible Parking Permit Services Office
P.O. Box 9800
Kingston ON  K7L 5N8 

Apply for a visitor accessible parking permit

ServiceOntario centres may issue you a visitor accessible parking permit if you can prove you currently have either a valid:

  • permit issued by your home jurisdiction, or
  • number plate or other marker or device bearing the international symbol of access for a person with a disability issued by your home jurisdiction

In addition, people visiting Ontario who are applying for a visitor’s accessible parking permit must show:

  • Proof of identity - one official out-of-province government document bearing name and address (example, Passport).
  • Plus one of the following:
    • Out of Province (OOP) hospital card
    • healthcare practitioner’s certificate or letter
    • medical insurance document
    • another appropriate medical document
    • application for Accessible Parking Permit form (SR-LV-129), completed by a Regulated Healthcare Practitioner

The visitor permit will be valid for the duration of the trip and/or up to 6 months. A sponsor may apply for a permit in advance of the visitor’s trip to Ontario. The sponsor will be required to provide all the documentation stated above for the visitor and valid identification for themselves.

Find a ServiceOntario centre

Acceptable identification

To apply for an accessible parking permit, you must provide proof of the following three elements of your identity:

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • signature

If applying by mail, send copies of your identification documents only. Do not send original identity documents.

Note: Seniors 80 years of age and older as well as veterans of any age, can provide documents that have been expired up to 10 years to prove legal name, date of birth, and signature. If you require more information, please contact us at 1-800-387-3445.

Documents that provide proof of all three elements of identity (full name, date of birth and signature)

  • Driver’s Licence, Enhanced Driver’s Licence or Ontario Photo Card – issued by the Government of Ontario (not expired more than one year)
  • Passport – Canadian or Foreign (not expired more than one year)
  • Canadian Citizenship Card with photo (issued prior to February 1, 2012)
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card with signature
  • Record of Landing (Form IMM 1000)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Resident (Form IMM 5292)
  • Report Pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with photo (Form IMM 1442)
  • Student Authorization/Study Permit (Form IMM 1442)
  • Employment Authorization/Work Permit (Form IMM 1442)
  • Visitor Record (Form IMM 1442)
  • Temporary Resident’s Permit (Form IMM 1442) – formally Minister’s Permit/Extension of Minister’s Permit
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued on or after December 15, 2009, by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada)
  • Canadian Department of National Defence driver’s licence (Form DND 404)

Documents that can be combined to provide proof of all three elements of identity (legal name, date of birth and signature) when shown together

Proof of full name and date of birth

  • Canadian Birth Certificate or a proof of birth document issued by a US jurisdiction
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card without signature (issued after February 4, 2012)
  • Certified copy of Statement of Live Birth – issued by the Government of Ontario
  • US Passport Card

Proof of full name

  • Certified copy of marriage certificate – issued by the Government of Ontario

Proof of full name and signature

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

Proof of date of birth

  • Nexus Card and FAST/EXPRESS Card

Proof of signature

  • Driver’s licence or enhanced driver’s licence – issued by another Canadian or US jurisdiction
  • Ontario Health Card
  • Identity card issued by a Canadian or US jurisdiction (enhanced or non-enhanced)
  • Ontario Student Card with signature
  • Declaration from a Guarantor (Form SR-LD-40)
  • Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) Identity Card

Authorized representatives

If an authorized representative is applying on your behalf, you must sign the application form and provide copies of your identity documents. Your identity documents must prove your full name, date of birth and signature.

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

The authorized representative must also provide their identity documents that prove:

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • signature

Information and assistance in obtaining a Power of Attorney (POA) can be obtained through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. For detailed information contact:

Learn more about Power of Attorney

When to return a permit

The accessible parking permit must be returned to ServiceOntario within 30 days when the:

  • person named on the permit is deceased
  • permit holder is no longer a person with an eligible health condition
  • permit contains incorrect information
  • permit has been cancelled

Return a permit by mail to:

ServiceOntario
Accessible Parking Permit Services Office
P.O. Box 9800
Kingston ON  K7L 5N8

Return a permit in-person at a ServiceOntario centre:

Find a ServiceOntario centre

Lost, stolen, or damaged accessible parking permit

Find out how to get a new accessible parking permit if it is:

  • lost
  • stolen
  • damaged

Get more information on how to replace a permit.

Seized permit

If your accessible parking permit has been seized, you cannot get a new permit until the matter has been resolved in court.

For more information on seized permits, you can call:

Accessible Parking Permit Service Office, ServiceOntario

Report misuse or abuse of a permit

ServiceOntario does not oversee the use or enforcement of accessible parking areas. This is the responsibility of municipal and provincial law enforcement officers.

Please contact your municipality if you suspect abuse or misuse of an accessible parking permit, or have questions related to accessible parking locations.

Contact us

If you need more information, please call us Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Related

Check and download recommended browsers for online services

Renew, replace or change an accessible parking permit