Disabled Parking Card in Poland: Who Qualifies, 21 zl, How to Apply
Short answer: The Polish disabled parking card costs 21 zl and needs a disability decision that indicates it. Apply in person at a county assessment team; it lasts up to 5 years.
In Poland, the blue disabled parking card (karta parkingowa) lets a person with a serious mobility limitation use the reserved "koperta" spaces. It is issued only on the basis of a Polish disability decision, and the rules for who qualifies are stricter than many people expect. This guide summarises the gov.pl service page "Uzyskaj kartę parkingową" (undated) and the page of the Government Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities on the parking card, both read on 16 October 2026. Check details with your county disability assessment team (powiatowy zespół do spraw orzekania o niepełnosprawności) before you apply.
Who can get a parking card
The gov.pl page says the card is for anyone who has a significantly limited ability to move independently, and whose disability decision (orzeczenie) contains an indication that a parking card can be issued. Without that indication in the decision, you do not get the card.
The decision can be a certificate of disability, a certificate of the degree of disability, or a decision on indications for reliefs and entitlements. The Plenipotentiary's page, which cites article 8 of the Road Traffic Law, adds the following.
- For a person in the significant degree of disability, the indication depends only on having a significantly limited ability to move independently, not on the cause symbol.
- For a person in the moderate degree, the indication can be given only if the cause of disability is marked with one of the listed symbols and the person has a significant limitation in independent movement. The gov.pl page lists 04-O (eye disease), 05-R (impaired musculoskeletal system) and 10-N (neurological disease). The Plenipotentiary's page also includes 07-S (respiratory and circulatory diseases). Because the two pages differ, ask the assessment team which symbols apply.
- A disabled person under 16 with a significantly limited ability to move independently can also receive the card.
The Plenipotentiary's page also notes that being in the significant degree of disability is not the same as having a significant limitation in independent movement. The assessment team decides that question, and a doctor on the team makes the assessment.
Who files the application
- The person with a disability, in person. Using an attorney is not allowed, according to gov.pl.
- One parent or a legal guardian, if the person is under 18 or fully incapacitated.
- A court-appointed curator, if the person is partially incapacitated.
The application is made in any county or city disability assessment team. Do not sign the form at home: you must sign it in front of the official who accepts it.
What to bring
- the original of the final disability decision, to be shown;
- the completed application for the card;
- proof that you paid the fee;
- a current photo of the person, 35 mm by 45 mm, with no head covering and no dark glasses, with exceptions for people who need dark lenses for a vision condition and for religious head coverings that also appear in the ID photo;
- an authorisation, if someone else will collect the finished card.
A "final" decision (prawomocne) is one that nobody appealed, where the right to appeal was waived, or one issued under a court judgment that was not challenged.
Fee and timing
- The fee is 21 zł for issuing the card, payable by bank transfer or at the office cash desk. Ask the team for the account number.
- Within 30 calendar days of the application, the team sends a letter saying whether you get the card, or asking you to fix gaps. If there are gaps you have 7 days from receiving the request to complete the application, or it will not be examined.
- If the decision is positive, the letter gives the date and place to collect the card. If it is negative, it explains the refusal, and gov.pl states that you cannot appeal.
To collect the card, bring an ID card or passport, and an authorisation if someone collects it for you.
How long the card is valid
Until the end of the period for which your disability decision was issued, but no longer than 5 years.
Using the card
Put the card behind the windscreen of the vehicle. If the vehicle has no windscreen, put it in a visible place at the front. The security features must be visible, especially the number and the expiry date.
According to gov.pl, the card lets you park on the reserved spaces in Poland and abroad. These spaces are usually near entrances to buildings and offices. In some cities you can also park on them free of charge, so ask the transport department of your city office or the county office whether your city allows it.
Cards for institutions
A separate card exists for institutions that care for, rehabilitate or educate people with significant mobility limits, for example social care homes, hospices, nurseries, schools and universities. The Plenipotentiary's page says it is issued to an institution for 3 years.
Older cards
The Plenipotentiary's page also says that under a law of 27 July 2024, cards expiring by 30 September 2024 stayed valid until 31 March 2025. That extension is in the past, so check your card's expiry date.
This is general information. Whether you qualify depends on your decision from the assessment team, which only the team can give.
* Photos: Designated parking space for people with disabilities in Poland (CC0) and accessible parking spaces at a memorial in the United States (CC0), both Wikimedia Commons; the second is illustrative.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a disabled parking card cost in Poland?
21 zł for issuing the card, according to gov.pl.
How long is the parking card valid?
Until the end of the period set in your disability decision, but no more than 5 years.
Can I apply for the parking card through a representative?
No. The person with a disability must apply in person. Parents or legal guardians apply for minors and fully incapacitated persons, and a curator for partially incapacitated persons.
Can I appeal if my parking card application is refused?
gov.pl says you cannot appeal a refusal.
