Parking Permits
You can get a parking permit in-person at the office in under 10-minutes or have it mailed directly to you. There are two accessible parking spaces outside the front door for your convenience.
Overview
COST CHANGES ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
As of September 1, 2023, the cost for an Accessible Parking Placard has increased to $31 if paying in-person at the office and $33 if the placard is being mailed.
We apologize for any inconvenience. We understand that the cost of living has risen greatly and we were able to avoid the increase until now.
What is an Accessible Parking Permit?
Parking Permits for Persons with Disabilities (also known as accessible parking permits or simply “parking placards”) allow the permit holder to park in designated accessible parking spots. We offer them for both motor vehicles and motorcycles, with the same process and price for both.
There are two types of parking permit: permanent and temporary. Both of these require a completed application filled out by both you and your doctor.
Permanent Permits
Permanent permits are for people who have an ongoing condition that is likely to persist for life and need to be renewed every three years.
Once you have a permanent parking permit, there is no need for a doctor to sign off on your renewal; a renewal package will be mailed to the address on file when your permit is about to expire.
Temporary Permits
Temporary permits are for people who have a short term condition, such as an injury or are recovering from surgery, and are issued for no longer than one year. If you require an extension, you will need to submit another completed application form.
Regional Validity
Parking Permits are available for both individuals and organizations and are valid throughout BC, as well as the rest of Canada, the USA, and the European Union (be sure to check local rules for use of the permit before you travel).
What to do if the placard is no longer needed?
If the placard is no longer being used, please contact us at 250-595-0044 or parking@drcvictoria.com to let us know.
Eligibility
Individual
You may be eligible if you:
- Have a disability that limits your mobility;
- Are unable walk 100 metres without risk to your health;
- Require the use of a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane(s), crutches; or
- Are recovering from an injury or surgery
Organization
Organizations that provide transportation for persons with disabilities may apply for parking permits.
Download Application Forms
How to Apply/Renew
By phone:
250-595-0044 ext. 106 – have your credit card ready
*Please note that new applicants must submit their completed application form (see options below) prior to paying by phone*
By email:
By mail:
Mail the completed application form and payment to the Victoria Disability Resource Centre at 817 A Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1H6
By fax:
Fax the completed application form to 250-595-1512 and provide payment via credit card.
For renewals:
Once you have a permanent parking permit you do not have the doctor fill in a new application; a renewal package will be mailed to the address we have on file when your permit is about to expire. You can also get in contact with us and we will gladly help you with a renewal.
Temporary permits are issued for no longer than one year. If you need an extension you will have to submit another completed application form.
If you live outside Victoria, you can submit your application to our nearest satellite locations:
Sidney
Beacon Community Services
10030 Resthaven Drive
Phone: 250-656-5537
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Brentwood Bay
The Community Resource Office, The Cultural Centre
1209 Clarke Road
Phone:250-652-8695
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am to 2:00pm
Langford
Wes-Com Medilend (The Priory)
567 Goldstream Avenue
Phone: 250-478-5373
Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 1:00pm
Port Alberni
New Horizons Centre
3178 – 2nd Avenue Port Alberni
Phone: 250-724-7199
Hours: Monday – Friday 3:30 pm to 4:30pm
Processing Fee
We accept cash, debit, credit (Visa, Master Card, Amex), cheques, e-transfers (parking@drcvictoria.com) and money orders made out to Victoria Disability Resource Centre or VDRC.
Individual Permits:
- $31 directly to the centre in-person at or office at 817A Fort Street (please note that some medical professionals will charge a fee to complete the application form and this is separate from the processing fee of $31 for the accessible parking placard)
- $33 directly to the centre by mail, phone, fax or email (parking@drcvictoria.com)
- Lost or stolen permits can be replaced, but will need to be repurchased for the prices listed above
Organization Permits:
- $31 for one year (registered charities are issued permits for three years at a time)
Rules and Regulations
- Permit holders are permitted to park in accessible parking spaces ONLY when the vehicle clearly displays the accessible parking permit.
- Only the permit holder is entitled to use the permit. Lending the permit to friends or family members can result in the permit being cancelled.
- Anyone who helps a person with a disability to run errands cannot park in the designated stalls if the person with the disability remains in the vehicle. This is an abuse of the privileges.
- If you move, tell us your new address and phone number so we can remind you of renewal time.
- You should return your expired parking permit to us.
- Parking permits expire at the end of the month of expiry.
- Lost or stolen permits can be replaced, but will need to be purchased for the prices listed in the cost section above.
Additional Benefits for Victoria Permit Holders
The following applies only to regular parking spots and does NOT include designated accessible parking or short-term 20 minute parking and your accessible parking placard must be displayed:
- All permit holders are granted a grace period of one hour, on top of the time you pay for.
- Permit holders are granted free parking for up to 4-hours on Sundays at any regular on-street parking space and at City parkades.
- All Day Parking Pass: Permit holders are eligible to purchase an all-day parking passes from Victoria City Hall for $4 per day. Please bring your accessible parking placard to the City of Victoria to purchase the all-day pass. You are able to purchase multiple passes at the same time.
- Monthly Parking Pass: If you work or attend school downtown, you are eligible for a monthly parking pass for $63 a month. A letter from your employer or school will be required.
- Annual Pass: This $20 a year pass is for people who are unable to use the parking pay stations or the ParkVictoria app. A doctor’s note is required for this type of parking pass.
Do you suspect a placard is being misused?
If you suspect a placard is being misused or has expired, please call or email us with the placard number. The placard number is a six-digit number on the front of the placard.
Call: 250-595-0044 ext. 106
Email: parking@drcvictoria.com
Please keep in mind that not all disabilities are visible.