A serious illness that affects mobility or energy for walking often qualifies for a disability parking permit. If getting to and from appointments has become difficult, applying is straightforward and worth doing.
Who is eligible to apply for a disability parking permit?
Eligibility is based on functional ability, not diagnosis. To qualify, a person must have a significant disability or health condition that substantially limits their ability to walk, requires the use of a mobility aid, or means that walking a significant distance would cause severe pain or risk to health.
For people with a serious illness, common grounds for eligibility include: severe fatigue that limits the ability to walk more than a short distance, breathlessness that makes walking to a parking space difficult or dangerous, pain that limits mobility, use of a walking frame or wheelchair, or oxygen dependence.
If the person attending regular hospital appointments is experiencing any of these, it is worth applying. A terminal diagnosis alone is not the qualifying criterion, but the functional effects of most serious illnesses at the stage requiring regular hospital treatment will generally qualify.
How do I apply for a disability parking permit?
In most Australian states and territories, disability parking permits are administered through the state road authority (such as VicRoads, Roads and Maritime Services in NSW, or Transport for Queensland) in conjunction with ACROD or the equivalent state organisation.
The process typically involves: completing an application form, having a medical certificate completed by your GP or treating specialist, and submitting both to the relevant authority. The medical certificate asks the GP or specialist to certify the nature of the disability and its effect on mobility. This is straightforward for a person with a serious illness affecting their walking capacity.
Healthdirect (healthdirect.gov.au) has information on disability parking permits and links to the application process in each state and territory. In Victoria, apply through myVicRoads. In NSW, through Service NSW. In Queensland, through TMR (Transport and Main Roads). In Western Australia, through ACROD WA. In South Australia, through DPTI. In Tasmania, through the Department of State Growth. Permit fees are low or waived in most states for holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
Where can I use the permit?
The Australian Disability Parking Permit is recognised nationally. A permit issued in Victoria can be used in all other Australian states and territories. It allows parking in designated accessible bays (marked with the international symbol of access) throughout Australia.
In addition to accessible bays, most Australian states allow permit holders to park free of charge or for extended periods in metered and time-limited parking zones. The specific entitlements vary by state, so check the rules for the state you are in if travelling.
The permit is not valid in private car parks that do not participate in the scheme, and does not override all parking restrictions. No stopping and no standing zones still apply regardless of the permit.
Does the permit expire?
Disability parking permits have an expiry date. For people with permanent disabilities, permits are typically issued for 5 years. For temporary conditions, they may be issued for a shorter period.
Check the expiry date on your permit and renew it before it expires if needed. Using an expired permit can result in a fine. If the condition is expected to be ongoing, ask when applying for a permit that reflects that.
Who else can use my disability parking permit?
The permit is issued to an individual, but it can be used in any vehicle carrying the permit holder. It is not vehicle-specific. If a family member or carer is driving the person with the illness to an appointment, the permit is valid when displayed in that vehicle while the permit holder is a passenger.
The permit cannot be used when the permit holder is not present in the vehicle. It is specifically for the benefit of the person with the disability, not a general parking concession for the household.
Platform tools
- Your checklistEvery task across all five stages of the journey, gathered in one place so nothing is forgotten.
- Document vaultStore the will, power of attorney, advance care directive, and other important documents securely in your account. Available to members.
Was this guide helpful?
Pierre started 18December after his partner Mark was given a terminal diagnosis, when they mapped out everything that needed to happen at the kitchen table. He reviews the guides to keep them honest, plain, and genuinely useful. About 18December
Published 12 June 2026
Read the latest version of this guide at www.18december.com.au/guides/parking-permits
© 2026 18December Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. This guide is original content and may not be reproduced, distributed, or republished without written permission.
← Back to Living with terminal illness