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City of Hamilton FAQs

Veteran Permit FAQs

Veteran's Parking Permit FAQs

  • If I’m a Veteran, but not 60 years old yet, can I still park for free on Remembrance Day?
  • How long can I park in a municipal parking lot?
  • How long can I park at a parking meter if I have a Veteran’s Parking Permit?
  • If I am driving someone else’s car can I use my Veteran’s Parking Permit in their vehicle?
  • I have a Veteran’s licence plate, does that mean I’m automatically allowed to park for free?
  • How do I know if I am eligible for this Permit?
  • Is there a fee to apply for a Veteran’s Parking Permit?
  • How long will it take to get my Veteran’s Parking Permit after I submit my application?
  • What documents do I need to provide with my application?


  • If I’m a Veteran, but not 60 years old yet, can I still park for free on Remembrance Day?

    Yes, all vehicles that have a Veteran’s licence plates remain exempt from paying at on-street meters and in municipal parking lots on November 11th (Remembrance Day) whether they have a Veterans Parking Permit, or not.

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    How long can I park in a municipal parking lot?

    If you have a Veteran’s Parking Permit, you may park all day in municipal parking lots but the vehicle must be removed from the lot between the hours of 2:00 am and 7:00 am, each day.

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    How long can I park at a parking meter if I have a Veteran’s Parking Permit?

    If you have a Veteran’s Parking Permit, you may park at all parking meters for the time limit noted on the parking meter. Most parking meters in Hamilton are either: 30 minute, one hour, two hour, or three hour in duration. At the end of the time limit noted on the parking meter, you must move your vehicle.

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    If I am driving someone else’s car can I use my Veteran’s Parking Permit in their vehicle?

    No, in order for your Veteran’s Parking Permit to be valid it must be used in your own car (i.e. vehicle that is registered to you) that will also have your Veteran’s licence plate (a requirement of this Permit) on it.

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    I have a Veteran’s licence plate, does that mean I’m automatically allowed to park for free?

    No, you need both a Veteran’s licence plate and a Veteran’s Parking Permit to park for free at on-street meters and in municipal parking lots.

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    How do I know if I am eligible for this Permit?

    Hamilton’s Municipal Parking Systems defines a Veteran as someone who has served in the Canadian Forces. In addition to providing proof that you were in the Canadian Forces you must:

    • Be at least 60 years old 
    • Be a resident of Hamilton
    • Have your vehicle registered to your Hamilton address
    • Have a Veteran’s licence plate
    • Fill out an application form and, if approved, display the Permit in your vehicle
    • Renew this Permit every year

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    Is there a fee to apply for a Veteran’s Parking Permit?

    No, there is no fee to apply for this Permit.

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    How long will it take to get my Veteran’s Parking Permit after I submit my application?

    If you apply at our offices (80 Main Street West – entrance at Summers Lane), the Permit will be issued immediately, otherwise if we receive your information by mail or fax it will be prepared within a day or two of receipt of your application and mailed out to the applicant (approximately 5-7 days).

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    What documents do I need to provide with my application?

    You need to provide all three documents below:
    1. Vehicle registration bearing the Veteran’s licence plate
    2. Government issued Identification (ID) with address and date of birth
    3. Canadian Forces Service Record

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    Contact Information:

    Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm 
    80 Main Street West
    (entrance on Summers Lane)
    Hamilton, Ontario
    Phone: (905) 540-6000
    Email:
    parking@hamilton.ca