How to get your disabled parking disc in South Africa

If you have a disability that affects your mobility, you may be eligible for a disabled parking disc in South Africa. This permit allows you to park in designated disabled parking spaces, making it easier to access businesses, public facilities, and other destinations. In this guide, we’ll cover the eligibility requirements, application process, and how Smartphone iD can assist you in obtaining your parking disc quickly and conveniently.

Contents

1 Disabled parking disc eligibility

2 How to apply

3 Required documents

4 Passport photo requirements

5 Cost and validity

6 Processing time and collection

7 Get your disabled parking disc photos quickly with Smartphone iD

8 Sources

9 Continue Reading

Disabled parking disc eligibility

To qualify for a disabled parking disc in South Africa, you must have a permanent or temporary mobility impairment that significantly restricts your ability to walk. This includes conditions such as:

Paraplegia or quadriplegia
Amputation of a lower limb
Severe arthritis or joint damage in the lower limbs
Neurological conditions affecting mobility (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
Cardiovascular or respiratory disorders that severely limit walking ability

Your medical condition must be certified by a registered medical practitioner, who should complete the necessary forms as part of your application.

How to apply

To apply for a disabled parking disc in South Africa, follow the following steps:

Obtain the application form (MR1) from your local Driving License Testing Centre (DLTC) or download it from the relevant provincial government website.
Have your medical practitioner complete the medical certificate portion of the form, confirming your disability and its impact on your mobility.
Fill out the rest of the application form with your personal details and contact information.
Gather the required supporting documents (see below).
Submit your completed application, medical certificate, supporting documents, and applicable fees to your nearest DLTC.
Wait for your application to be processed. If approved, you’ll be notified to collect your disabled parking disc from the DLTC.

Required documents

When applying for a disabled parking disc, you’ll need to submit the following:

Completed application form (MR1) with medical certificate
Your original valid South African ID book or card
Certified copy of your ID book or card
Two identical passport-sized photographs
Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
Applicable fees (vary by province)

Passport photo requirements

The passport-sized photographs for your disabled parking disc application must meet these specifications:

Photos must be 35mm wide x 45mm high
Taken against a plain white or light gray background
Printed on high-quality photographic paper
Clear, in focus, and showing your full face looking directly at the camera
Taken within the past 6 months to reflect your current appearance
No hats, sunglasses, or other accessories obscuring your face
Digital photos are accepted if they meet the quality and size requirements

Cost and validity

The cost of obtaining a disabled parking disc in South Africa varies by province, but generally ranges from R50 to R100. This fee is payable when submitting your application at the DLTC. Your disabled parking disc is typically valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue, after which you’ll need to renew it. If your disability is temporary, your disc may be issued for a shorter period aligned with your expected recovery time.

Processing time and collection

The processing time for disabled parking disc applications can vary depending on the province and the volume of applications being handled. Generally, expect to wait 2-4 weeks for your application to be reviewed and approved. Once your disc is ready, you’ll be contacted to collect it from the DLTC where you submitted your application. Be sure to bring your original ID book or card for verification when collecting your disc.

Get your disabled parking disc photos quickly with Smartphone iD

With the Smartphone iD app, you can take your passport photos from the comfort of your own home within just a few minutes. Our advanced AI and our team of biometric experts will review your photos to ensure they meet the required specifications. If any issues arise, we’ll guide you through the process until you have the perfect shot.

At a fraction of the cost of traditional photo studios, Smartphone iD offers a convenient and reliable solution to take your passport photo all by yourself. Download the app now and secure your disabled parking disc without a hassle!

Sources

https://www.overstrand.gov.za/apply-for-or-renew-a-disabled-parking-disc

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/tpw/applying-disabled-parking-disc