Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of the Parking Permit Program

Accessible parking is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act which defines a person with a disability as a person whose mobility is limited as a result of a permanent or temporary disability that makes it impossible or difficult to walk.

Through the Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities valid permit holders can park in a designated accessible parking space  anywhere in B.C, elsewhere in Canada or even outside of Canada.

Under the Rules of Use of the Parking Permit Program in B.C. the permit has been designed to travel with the eligible permit holder and can be used in any vehicle. This means that someone with a mobility-related disability might benefit from having a permit  even if they do not own a vehicle or no longer drive.

To successfully use your permit, you must display your permit by hanging it from your rearview mirror. You will also be issued a wallet card which you must carry with you to confirm that you are the valid permit holder.

If you have mobility limitations and wish to apply for a Parking Permit, you must obtain a parking permit application form from the SPARC BC website or request one be mailed to you. We require a referral from a medical professional with a valid MSP number.

Please complete the form in its entirety. Once complete, you can mail it to us, or scan the form and email it to us at permits@sparc.bc.ca

The permit will be issued based on a physician’s recommendation and is available to anyone with a permanent or temporary mobility limitation provided they meet one (1) or more of the following conditions:

  • The applicant cannot walk any distance without assistance of another person or a mobility aid
  • The applicant cannot walk 100 metres without risk to health
  • The applicant has a disability that affects mobility, and the ability to walk specifically
  • Individuals who are blind, or in cases where safety is a consideration, are also considered to be eligible.
There are two types of parking permits for people with disabilities:
  • Permanent Permits are valid for three (3) years at which time you can renew your permit for an additional three years. Permit renewals for permanent permits can be renewed online.
  • Temporary Permits are valid for a period of one month to one year. Permit holders with a temporary permit can extend their permit. However, you must reapply.
There are two types of parking permits for people with disabilities:
  • Permanent Parking Permit: Valid for a period of three years, and renewable.
  • Temporary Parking Permit: Valid for a period of one month to twelve months, and not renewable. If you require an extension of your temporary parking permit you must reapply.

SPARC BC will send you a Renewal Form approximately one (1) month before your permit is set to expire. If you are a permanent permit holder, once you receive your renewal notice you can renew your permit online, over the phone or by mailing in your completed renewal form.  There is a $26 processing fee to renew your permit.  As well, we ask that you also return your expired permit.

You can now renew your permanent parking permit online. Click here for more information on how to renew online.

If your permit has expired it is no longer valid.  Please contact us at 604-718-7744 to discuss the best way to renew your permit.  If you are a permanent permit holder and more than 24 months has passed you will need to reapply. Temporary parking permit holders, must see your doctor and submit and updated application form if they wish to renew your permit.

Your Parking Permit has a registration number that is unique to you.  It also has an expiry date that shows the the month and year that your permit will expire. If you continue to use an expired permit, you are at risk of a fine and/or in some instances it is possible that you could even be towed.  Annually we will send you two (2) notices to remind you that your permit is up for renewal.

If you have lost your Parking Permit, please contact us right away to let us know.  If you would like to request a replacement process, please complete the Lost Permit Form and we will issue a replacement permit.  However, there will be a $26 processing fee.  As well you are required to complete a declaration form that attests that in event that you find the lost Permit you will return it to our office as the permit is no longer valid.  Any permit holder using a permit that has been reported as lost is at risk of a ticket or even towing as this permit is no longer valid. Click here to download the Lost Parking Permit Form.
 If your permit has been stolen, please contact us right away to let us know.  You must also contact the police to report the theft. The police will ask you for your permit number and Personal Identification Number. These can be found on your wallet card. The police will also give you an incident or case number to include with your request for a Replacement Permit. Click here to download the Stolen Parking Permit Form.

All found Parking Permits should be returned to the official issuing agency. The mailing address is located on the back of the Parking Permit. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to give us a call at  604-718-7744.

Having a Parking Permit for People with Disabilities is a service that we provide for all people with disabilities in B.C.  Having a Parking Permit does not automatically make you a member of SPARC BC.  However many of our Parking Permit holders have indicated that they would like to join SPARC BC and become a member as a way of continuing to help to keep the Parking Permit Program strong and to support our work with people and communities across British Columbia.

To learn more about becoming a member, please visit our Join page.

To learn more about us and the work we do, please visit the Why Support SPARC BC page.

It’s easy. You will find everything you need to know about donating to SPARC BC in the Join and Donate pages on this website.

Travelling with your SPARC BC Parking Permit

If you are visiting British Columbia and have a valid Parking Permit in your home community, agreements are in place to ensure that you may enjoy the same rights and privileges here as you do in your home country. Your SPARC BC parking permit is recognized nationally throughout Canada along with member countries of the European Conference of Minsters of Transport (EMCT) and other associated countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States. 

If you would like to obtain a B.C permit for the duration of your stay in Canada please contact us to let us now about the details of your trip and we can help by issuing a temporary permit that is recognized in B.C.  To obtain a temporary permit, you will need to present official documentation from the issuing agency in your country.  This information is needed to help to confirm that your are a valid parking permit holder in your home jurisdiction. There is a $31.00 Canadian processing fee for any permit issued.

Due to rising inflation, the parking permit processing fee will increase to $31 as of July 1st

Working in partnership with the Provincial Accessibility Secretariat, ICBC, and the Ministry of Transportation, SPARC BC has also created a Parking Permit for valid permit holders who ride a motorcycle. This permit is in the form of a decal which can be affixed to the windscreen or to the front of your motorcycle.  This permit will be updated every year upon request (at no cost) and is available to all valid permit holders who ride a motorcycle.

Every year SPARC BC receives more than 100,000 calls and process more than 50,000 permits. Your processing fee helps to cover the cost of delivering the program and helps to keep the Parking Permit Program strong.  It is also worth noting that we deliver this valuable community service across British Columbia. without any outside funding from government .  It is all done through the $26 processing fee that you pay as well as any donations that you make.  As well, we have an established policy that hardship assistance is available upon request to anyone who does not have the economic resources to cover the cost of the processing fee. 

Due to rising inflation, the parking permit processing fee will increase to $31 as of July 1st. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused our customers and thank you for your understanding.

Should you require more information regarding the Parking Permit Program or any of the programs and services that we provide, please do not hesitate to call our staff and we are more than happy to help.

Should you require more information regarding the Parking Permit Program or any of the programs and services that we provide, please do not hesitate to call our staff and we are more than happy to help.
Click here for details on our location, directions on best ways to find us and our hours of operation.

Should you require more information regarding the Parking Permit Program or any of the programs and services that we provide, please do not hesitate to call our staff and we are more than happy to help.

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