The name “Accessible Parking Permit” was adopted to focus on the functionality and benefits of the permit to the holder. Holders of a valid “Disabled Person Parking Permit” (DPPP) may continue to use their existing permit until it expires.
The Accessible Parking Permit (APP) is issued to an individual or company and entitles the vehicle in which it is displayed to be parked in a designated accessible parking space. For permits issued to individuals, the person to whom the permit is issued must be transported in the vehicle and the permit must be visibly displayed on the dashboard or sun visor when it is parked in the designated accessible parking space. Individual permit holders may use the permit in any vehicle in which they are traveling. There is no fee for an APP. ServiceOntario issues four types of permits, which are colour coded:
- a Permanent Permit (blue)
- a Temporary Permit (red)
- a Traveler Permit (purple)
- a Company Permit (green)
Who is eligible for an individual APP?
To qualify for an Accessible Parking Permit, the individual must be certified by an APP Program recognized health practitioner as having one or more of the following conditions:
- Cannot walk without assistance of another person or a brace, cane, crutch, a lower limb prosthetic device or similar assistive device or who requires the assistance of a wheelchair.
- Suffers from lung disease to such an extent that forced expiratory volume in one second is less than one litre.
- Portable oxygen is a medical necessity.
- Cardiovascular disease impairment classified as Class III or Class IV to standards accepted by the American Heart Association or Class III or IV according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Standard.
- Severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, musculoskeletal or orthopedic condition.
- Visual acuity is 20/200 or poorer in the better eye with or without corrective lenses or whose greatest diameter of the field of vision in both eyes is 20 degrees or less.
- Condition(s) or functional impairment that severely limits his or her mobility.
Which health practitioners may certify an application for an APP?
A licensed physician, chiropractor, registered nurse practitioner (extended class), physiotherapist, occupational therapist, chiropodist or podiatrist may certify the applicant’s condition on the permit application.
Misuse of Permit and/or Designated Accessible Parking Space
- Misuse of the permit will result in fines ranging from $300 to $5,000 and revoked APP privileges.
- ServiceOntario may cancel or refuse to issue a replacement permit if it is misused.
- Misuse or abuse of a permit should be reported to the police.
- For information on local bylaws concerning accessible parking privileges, please contact your municipality.
Types of Accessible Parking Permits Issued in Ontario
An Accessible Parking Permit (APP) entitles the vehicle in which it is displayed to be parked in a designated accessible parking space when transporting persons with disabilities. It is issued to an individual or company. For permits issued to individuals, the person to whom the permit is issued must be transported in the vehicle and the permit must be visibly displayed on the dashboard or sun visor when it is parked in the designated accessible parking space. Individual permit holders may use the permit in any vehicle in which they are traveling. There is no fee for an Accessible Parking Permit.
ServiceOntario issues four types of permits, which are colour coded:
- a Permanent Permit (blue)
- a Temporary Permit (red)
- a Traveler Permit (purple)
- a Company Permit (green)
Permanent Permits
A permanent permit (blue) is valid for five years. All existing Accessible Parking Permits are valid until their current expiry date. At that time, the applicant must meet the conditions of the new program criteria.
Everyone under the Disabled Parking Permit Program (DPPP) must be re-certified by a recognized health practitioner once under the new criteria. If their health practitioner indicates that the applicant has a permanent disability, ServiceOntario will not require any future re-certifications under the Accessible Parking Permit Program. If certified as having a condition that may improve (subject-to-change), re-certification will be required every five years as a condition of renewal.
If the condition necessitating an APP improves, or if anyone comes into the possession of a valid permit issued in the name of a deceased person, the permit must be returned to the following address:
ServiceOntario P.O. Box 9800 Kingston, ON K7L 5N8Temporary Permits
Temporary permits (red) are issued when the disability is expected to last more than two months to a maximum of 12 months but is not considered a permanent disability. This permit is not renewable.
Traveler Permits
A Traveler permit (purple) is valid for up to one year and is issued and renewable upon request. These permits are displayed on the dashboard or sun visor of a vehicle at any Ontario airport. The regular permit travels with the permit holder. Only people who currently hold a valid permanent permit can apply for a Traveler permit.
Visitor Permits
While in Ontario, disabled visitors may use their currently valid permit, number plates, marker or device, bearing the international symbol for access for the disabled, issued by the visitor’s home jurisdiction.
A visitor may also obtain an Ontario visitor’s permit if they can prove that they hold a currently valid permit, number plates, marker or device, bearing the international symbol for access for the disabled, issued by the visitor’s home jurisdiction, or if they provide personal identification with their year of birth, and proof of their disability from their home jurisdiction (eg. Out of province hospital card, medical certificate, medical insurance document, or other appropriate medical document).
Company Permits
A Company permit (green) is valid up to five years and is issued to companies/non-profit organizations for use in vehicles they own/lease for the purpose of transporting people with physical disabilities who meet ServiceOntario’s eligibility criteria.
For companies that rely on volunteer drivers who operate a vehicle not owned or leased by the company, these drivers may access designated accessible parking spaces provided either the driver or passenger has their individual APP permit with them.
Before Getting, Renewing or Replacing an Accessible Parking Permit (APP)
The availability of especially reserved parking spaces is regulated by both federal and provincial laws. Generally at least one space is available at any public parking location, with more being required based on the size of the parking lot and in some cases the type of location, such as a health care facility. Parking spaces reserved for the disabled are typically marked with the International Symbol of Access. Anyone parking in such reserved spaces must have their plate or mirror placard displayed, or else the car can be towed for illegal parking. In some municipalities, local law also allows such vehicles to park for free at city parking meters and also exempts from time limits on time parked. Fraudulent use of another person’s permit is heavily fined.
Before You Start
Please ensure you qualify for an Accessible Parking Permit before you start any transaction concerning APP. If you are applying online you will also need a printer or the ability to save a copy of your application for printing.
Applying, renewing or replacing an APP will take three steps:
Step 1: All Transactions
Complete Section A on the online request form and include the following information:
- Your entire legal name, complete address, birth date, gender
- Your Driver’s Licence Number if you drive (do not provide someone else’s Driver’s Licence Number if you are not a driver)
- Your current Permit number if you need to renew or replace an existing APP
Step 2: Please see details below by transaction type
1) To apply for or renew your APP, you will need to:
- Take the printed copy of your application to your Health Practitioner to complete Section B of the application form
- A licensed physician, chiropractor, registered nurse practitioner (extended class), physiotherapist, occupational therapist, chiropodist or podiatrist must certify your condition on the printed permit application.
2) To change the information on your APP, you will need to:
- Include supporting documentation if required (see below in this post).
3) To replace a lost, stolen or damaged APP, you will need to:
- For Lost or Stolen: Print the Replacement Declaration. This declaration must be completed by your local police department and be submitted with your printed application (Note: Replacement Declaration does not need to be completed by police. Customers can also phone in information and get an occurrence number and badge number).
- For Damaged: You must return your damaged permit with your application. If you are unable to return your damaged permit, a completed Replacement Declaration is required
Step 3: All Transactions
Submit the application and any supporting documentation to any ServiceOntario Centre or mail to:
ServiceOntario P.O. Box 9800 Kingston ON K7L 5N8More about Changing Information on an Accessible Parking Permit (APP)
Changing your address
To update the address information on your Accessible Parking Permit (APP):
- Complete Part A of an Application for Accessible Parking Permit at a ServiceOntario Centre; or,
- Send an Application for Accessible Parking Permit with Part A completed or a signed letter indicating your APP number, the new and previous addresses to: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8; or
- Call the ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre at 416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445.
To obtain an application for an APP:
- Use the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) online services to start the process or,
- Pick up an application at a ServiceOntario Centre or,
- Request an application by mail from: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
Note: A letter acknowledging your change of address will be sent to you instead of a new permit. You will need to retain the letter with your permit.
Changing your name
You can change your name on an Accessible Parking Permit at a ServiceOntario Centre. You must bring your original Accessible Parking Permit or Disabled Person Parking Permit, proof of identification and acceptable change of name documentation. The original copy of the document will be viewed and returned to applicant.
For Adopted Name change, it requires
- Certified Adoption Papers
- Change of Name Certificate
For Singular Name change, it requires
- US or Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian Certificate of Indian Status
For Married Name change, it requires
- Original Marriage Certificate (issued by government)
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (issued by Ontario only)
- Change of Name Certificate
For Revert to Former Name change, it requires
- Change of Name Certificate
For Common Law Name, it requires
- Original Marriage Certificate (issued by a government), indicating former name e.g., birth name
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (issued by Ontario only)
- US or Canadian Birth Certificate, indicating birth name
- Change of Name Certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Card with photo /Permanent Resident Card /Record of Landing (From IMM 1000) /Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292), containing former name¹
- Court Order for Divorce
- Certified Copy of Statement of Live Birth (issued by Ontario only)
For Legal Name Change, it requires
- Court Order
- Change of Name Certificate
Where an applicant’s name (given or surname) has been amended on their Canadian Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing (Form IMM 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292), and differs from the name on the APP application, the applicant must present an amended Canadian Citizenship Card or an amended immigration document from Citizenship and Immigration Canada; or, fulfill the requirements for a legal name.
OR
Use the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) online services to start the process, with Part A completed, and a photocopy of the required proof to support the name change from the above list, to:
ServiceOntario P.O. Box 9800 Kingston, ON K7L 5N8Note: A new Accessible Parking Permit is issued when a name change is made and current permit returned.
Applying for an Accessible Parking Permit
The Accessible Parking Permit (APP) is issued to an individual or company and entitles the vehicle in which it is displayed to be parked in a designated accessible parking space. For permits issued to individuals, the person to whom the permit is issued must be transported in the vehicle and the permit must be visibly displayed on the dashboard or sun visor when it is parked in the designated accessible parking space. Individual permit holders may use the permit in any vehicle in which they are traveling. There is no fee for an APP.
Obtaining an Application for an APP
- Use the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) online service to start the process; or,
- Pick up an application at any ServiceOntario Centre; or,
- Request an application by mail from: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
Note: All APP applications certified as of January 2, 2008 must be on a revised APP application dated July 2008 (form number SRLV-129 07-08, as seen in the lower left corner of the form) or later.
Completing the Application for an Accessible Parking Permit
- The entire application form must be completed in order to be processed.
- Applicant completes Part A – Applicant Information section on the front of the application for Accessible Parking Permit. The applicant must provide their legal first and last name, date of birth and gender.
- A recognized health practitioner completes Part B – Health Information, sections 1, 2 and 3 on back of application.
- If you have printed the form on two pages, the health practitioner must complete the applicant’s legal first and last name section at the top of the 2nd page of the application.
- It is a serious offence to make a false statement on the APP application form.
Submitting an Application for an Accessible Parking Permit
Completed applications (with Part B – Health Information duly completed by a recognized health practitioner) can be taken to any ServiceOntario Centre or mailed to: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
A ServiceOntario Centre can issue an interim temporary permit when an APP application is submitted. This permit differs from the red Temporary permit, as it is only valid for a period of up to two months. This official interim temporary permit, issued at a ServiceOntario Centre is provided as a customer service to facilitate mobility in advance of the permit being mailed to the applicant. Once the permit arrives in the mail the interim temporary permit must be destroyed.
or contact the ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free at 1-800-387-3445.
Accessible Parking Permit Services
An Accessible Parking Permit (APP), a disabled parking permit allows partial or total exemption from charges or penalties associated with the parking of a motor vehicle used by a badge-holder, and shows entitlement to use of designated parking lots and off-street parking (where they are provided). An Accessible Parking Permit (APP) is displayed upon parking a vehicle carrying a person whose mobility would be otherwise significantly impaired by one or more of age, illness, disability or infirmity.
You can use the Accessible Parking Permit (APP) online service to start the process to:
- Apply for an APP
- Renew your APP
- Report your APP as lost, stolen or damaged and apply for a replacement
- Change the information on your APP permit
Re-applying for a Subject-to-Change or Temporary Permit
Holders of Subject-to-Change or Temporary permits must re-apply for a permit, if a permit is still required because of their continued disability.
- To ensure you are still eligible for the APP, you must have an application form re-certified by a recognized health practitioner (physician, chiropractor, registered nurse practitioner (extended class), physiotherapist, occupational therapist, chiropodists or podiatrist).
- Once your health practitioner has completed the APP application, please bring it to any ServiceOntario Centre, where you will be issued an interim temporary permit to use until your permit placard arrives through the mail.
- If you prefer to send in the completed application by mail, please send to: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
Note: If the application is sent through the mail, an interim temporary permit will not be issued. The permit holder must wait for the permit placard to be mailed out, which takes approximately 4 weeks.
Renewing a Permanent Accessible Parking Permit
The renewal process for permanent Accessible Parking Permits (APP) no longer requires recertification from a health practitioner. If you have a permanent APP you will receive a Renewal Without Recertification (RWR) notice approximately 90 days before your APP expiry date. Your name, address, date of birth, sex, APP number and APP expiry date will be preprinted on the renewal notice.
If you receive the RWR notice you will have the option of renewing your APP by bringing the notice to a ServiceOntario Centre or returning the completed/signed notice by mail to: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
Note: If the application is sent through the mail, an interim temporary permit will not be issued. The permit holder must wait for the permanent permit to be mailed out in approximately 4 weeks.
Receiving a renewal notice with a blank application form indicates that you are the holder of a Subject-to-Change permit. Please complete the application and follow the instructions under ‘Re-applying for a Subject-to-Change or Temporary permit.’
Obtaining a Traveler Permit or Company Permit
All requests for a Traveler Permit or a Company Permit must be submitted in writing to: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
To obtain a Traveler permit, please submit a written request indicating:
- your current permit number, legal first and last name and address,
- and specifically advise ServiceOntario that you are requesting a Traveler permit.
To obtain a Company permit, requests should be written on official company letterhead and indicate:
- why permit(s) should be issued.
- the licence plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) of each vehicle in which a permit will be used. The permit(s) will only be provided for vehicle(s) owned or leased by the company to transport people with disabilities who meet the APP eligibility criteria.
- proof of transportation services for the people with disabilities (e.g. contracts if available).
- and proof of operating as a company/organization (e.g. articles of incorporation, master business licence) or business number.
Note: Temporary permits are not issued during the processing period for requests of Traveler or Company permits. Please allow four weeks for the permit to be mailed to you.
Replacing an APP
If your permit needs replacing due to damage, you may apply for a replacement at any ServiceOntario Centre. You will be required to:
- surrender any permits in your possession, and
- complete Part A of the APP application.
At that time, you will be issued an interim temporary permit which you may use while the replacement permit placard is being processed.
Lost or Stolen Permits
If your permit has been lost or stolen, a Replacement Declaration must be completed by your local police department. Or, you must provide an occurrence number and the name of the officer to whom the matter was reported if you reported the permit missing by telephone. You must provide this information to ServiceOntario, along with the application for a replacement permit. Replacement Declaration forms are also available at a ServiceOntario Centre.
Please sign and date the Replacement Declaration form, and complete the APP application form, Part A. Mail both to: ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9800, Kingston, ON K7L 5N8
You can also take it to a ServiceOntario Centre where an interim temporary permit can be issued at that time.
For more information on the APP program you can go to http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT05_039815.html or contact the ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free at 1-800-387-3445.
Source: http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT05_039815.html
