Disabled Parking Card

Who can be cardholders?

In general, a disabled parking card can be obtained if your disability status has been recognized and met the requirements, and those who have significant mobility problems. These are circumstances which have to be accredited by completing the necessary paperwork and assessment by the official bodies who will determine the level of disability.

Once the card has been obtained, the owner of it can use it in any vehicle where they are a passenger, whether or not they are the owner and whether they are driving or not. In all cases when using the card it must be put in a visible place inside the vehicle.

What are the procedures to obtain one?

Normally the person who needs it must apply for it or their legal representative. It is the Town Hall where you live that will grant the card so you need to ask them the procedures to follow. Normally on completion of the forms, they need to be presented to the Town Hall accompanied by the document which confirms their level of disability or reduced mobility.

If the information supplied doesn´t meet the requirements then the appropriate paperwork must be presented within 10 days or it will be assumed that you have withdrawn the request.

Once it has been granted, the card will be issued and once signed will be laminated by the town hall and issued to the cardholder along with the terms of use within the European Union.

Obtaining the Degree of Disability Certificate

The minimum level for qualification as disabled is 33%, that being physical disability, mental or sensory impairment.

It is advisable to see the Social worker at your Town Hall who will be able to explain the procedures and process the application for you. You will need to have a copy of your NIE and residency card or your passport if you have the new type of residencia certificate. If you have a legal representative, a copy of their identification documents and a copy of the power of attorney giving them permission to act on your behalf. An appointment will be sent to you for a medical assessment at the “Centro de Valoración y Orientación”. Be warned the whole process takes time -usually various months.

When you go for the assessment, take all medical and psychological reports which refer to your problems and disability. If you have reports that show your situation has become worse, take them also. The certificate is an official document and will state whether the disability is temporary or permanent and whether a review has to be undertaken and when. You will be assessed by a team which consists of a social worker, a doctor and a psychologist who will decide whether or not you qualify as disabled.