To qualify for IDEP, the vehicle must be registered to an individual with a disability that prevents them from using public transportation, or to a person designated by that individual, such as a caregiver, if they use that vehicle to drive the applicant in the Congestion Relief Zone.
Enrolling into IDEP is a two-step process. Applicants first need to establish eligibility, and then use that eligibility to enroll in IDEP.
Eligibility and credentials
To apply for IDEP, applicants must first establish eligibility for the plan by:
- Getting assessed at an IDEP Assessment Center and receiving a determination of eligibility, or
- Providing proof of enrollment in the MTA’s Access-A-Ride program, or
- Providing proof of enrollment in the NYC Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (PPPD) as of November 15, 2024
To be assessed at an IDEP Assessment Center, follow these steps:
- Schedule an appointment at an Assessment Center. Applicants can visit any Assessment Center, regardless of their residence. Please call between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment at any location:
- Brooklyn (Bedford-Stuyvesant), Queens (Queens Village), and Bronx (Morris Park): 844-233-3377
- Manhattan (Financial District): 888-811-1050
- Staten Island (Tottenville): 866-685-0690
- Print and complete the IDEP Eligibility Assessment application.
- Take a copy of the completed application form to the assessment appointment.
- If the applicant is found to be eligible for IDEP, they will receive a IDEP eligibility approval notice.
Once an applicant has established eligibility, they may apply for IDEP either for the vehicle registered to them, or for a vehicle registered to another person, such as a caregiver.
Enrollment in IDEP requires a valid E-ZPass New York account. If you already have an account, please ensure the license plate on the account is up to date.
Vehicle owners without an E-ZPass New York account must sign up for one before applying for IDEP. Learn more about signing up for E-ZPass New York.
How to apply
The IDEP application is available on the MTA website. Follow these steps:
- Complete the online application.
- Upload the required documentation.
You can also find a copy of the application on the E-ZPass website. Applying online is the preferred method.
Applicants will receive a formal decision notice once their application is processed. If the application is denied, the decision notice will provide information on how to appeal.
For additional instructions on how to apply for IDEP, watch this webinar. You can also call the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 800-333-8655 for assistance.
How to Recertify
Annual recertification is required for the IDEP based on the date the plan was added to your E-ZPass NY account. You will receive a notice (by email or mail) when it is time to recertify.
Recertification opens approximately 90 days before your plan expires. We encourage you to submit your recertification application as early as possible to ensure your plan remains active.
Customers can now complete their IDEP recertification online. Follow these steps:
- Select Apply/Recertify for IDEP below.
- Log in to your IDEP application account using the same email and password you used when you first applied.*
- Select “Recertify Now” once logged into your IDEP application account.
- Review your application information and provide the required credentials as proof of eligibility.
- Note for NYC PPPD holders: Only permits issued on or before November 15, 2024, that remain valid (i.e., not expired) will be accepted. Permits issued after that date, or expired permits, will not be accepted. The applicant will be required to complete an IDEP Eligibility Assessment—please refer to the IDEP Application “General Instructions and Requirements” for details on scheduling an assessment.
- Submit your application to complete the recertification process.
Applicants will receive a formal decision notice once their application is processed. If the application is denied, the decision notice will provide information on how to appeal.
* NOTE: If you previously submitted an IDEP application by mail, we encourage you to create an online IDEP application profile and submit your application electronically for faster processing.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the recertification process, you can also call the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 800-333-8655 for assistance.