NYC Handicap Parking Permit Policy Undergoes a Major Change

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Lawrence Berezin

Handicap parking permit policy takes a giant step forward

There was a big change for handicap parking permit policy in NYC. Non-NYC residents, and out-of-state individuals with disabilities, who do NOT live, work or go to school in NYC, may now apply for a New York City Special Vehicle Identification Parking Permit (“PPPD”). This permit grants you the same parking privileges enjoyed by individuals with disabilities who live, work, or go to school in NYC.

JUST A REMINDER…The NYC parking rules are still the same for non-NYC and out-of-State individuals with disabilities who do not possess an NYC PPPD. Your non-City or out-of-state handicap parking permit only grants you the privilege to park in off-street spaces designated for handicap parking.

Here is a link to a blog article I posted on the irrational old policy for handicap parking privileges for out-of-staters, which I urged be changed; and the wonderful lady who fought the law.

Three-part Application

The applicant completes the first part. The applicant’s personal physician completes the second part. An applicant must submit to an examination, and have his or her disability certified  by a City physician designated by the Board of Health

Here is a copy of the instructions from the front of the Application:

• You must provide us with a valid copy of your Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s Identification card.

• You must require the use of a private vehicle for transportation.

• You must have a severe, permanent disability that impairs mobility as certified by your personal physician and a New York City physician designated by the Department of Health at an assessment center.

• When we receive your application, we will review it for completeness. An incomplete application will be returned to you with a letter requesting the missing information.

• Complete applications will be forwarded within five working days to the Department of Health’s assessment center you choose.

• Assessment center staff will contact you to schedule the required certification assessment appointment.

• If you are certified “approved” by the designated Department of Health City Physician, we will issue you a permit. If you are certified “denied,” we will send you a denial-of certification letter, which shall include a description of the appeal process.

Here is a link to the NY State Application

NYC has its own application.