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How to get a resident parking permit

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There are a number of options when applying for a permit sticker through the Resident Permit Parking Program.

Step
1

You can apply online

Are you able to upload images? Then you can submit your application using the Parking Permit Application Form. We only accept .jpg, .jpeg, .tif,  or .tiff files.

Parking Permit Application

If you apply online, once approved you'll receive your resident permit in about 10 business days.

Step
2

Can't apply online? You can also apply in person at City Hall

Download, print out, and fill out the Resident Parking Permit Application and bring it with you to Boston City Hall.

You need to bring a valid Massachusetts registration. Your registration must show the car is registered and principally garaged in your name at your current Boston address.

You also need to bring valid proof of your Boston residency. For more information on what valid proof is, check the Proof of Boston residency section at the bottom of this page. New college students face the same requirements as new residents.

Step
3

Go to City Hall

Bring your application and your information to the Parking Clerk:

1 City Hall Square, Room 224
Boston, MA 02201
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When you apply in person at City Hall — as long as you have all of your information — you'll get your resident permit that day.

Step
1

Pay your overdue parking tickets

If you have any overdue parking tickets with the City of Boston, you need to pay them. Here's how to pay your tickets.

Step
2

Renew your application online

Please note: To reduce the need for in-person appointments during COVID-19, we are auto-renewing resident parking permits in neighborhoods whose resident parking permits expire in 2021.

  • These neighborhoods are: East Boston, Jamaica Plain, South End, Chinatown, Leather District, Roxbury, West Roxbury, Mission Hill, Mattapan, West End, Beacon Hill, and South Boston.
  • If you are a resident of these neighborhoods, or if you are a resident with a motorcycle parking permit in any Boston neighborhood, your permits will auto-renew in 2021 for the next 2-year period, until 2023.
  • You will not receive and do not need a new physical sticker, as enforcement officers will recognize the stickers as renewed. You will receive a letter in the months ahead of your expiration date in 2021 notifying you of your renewal deadline.
  • Residents of these neighborhoods should NOT apply for or make an appointment to renew their permits in 2021. 
  • This applies to renewals only. New neighborhood residents and new vehicles still need to obtain a resident parking permit.
  • North End resident permits were automatically renewed in November 2020 and will expire in November 2022.

If you need to fill out and submit the Parking Permit Renewal Form, follow the link below:

Parking Permit Renewal

  • You must renew your permit four to six weeks before its expiration. You can’t renew online if your permit has expired.
  • After completing the application, you'll receive your resident permit in about three to four weeks.
Step
1

New plates, new car, or new neighborhood?

The numbers on your resident permit sticker must match your license plates and the neighborhood where you live. You can’t take your old sticker and put it on a new car.

Step
2

Apply online

You can apply online to replace your permit. Complete our "new resident" application when applying:

Parking Permit Application

If you apply online, you'll receive your resident permit in about three to four weeks.

Step
3

Or go to the Parking Clerk Office

You need a valid Massachusetts car registration that has your correct Boston address and proof of your Boston residency.

Our office is located at City Hall:

1 City Hall Square, Room 224
Boston, MA 02201
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Step
1

Before you get started

We only issue rental car permits for a maximum of 30 days.

You can’t use the online system on weekends. If you pick up your rental after 3 p.m., you will have to wait until the next business day to apply online.

You can dispute Resident Parking Only tickets issued after the close of business. You need to show the Parking Clerk current proof of your Boston residency and a copy of your rental agreement. 

Step
2

If you can upload (or fax), you can apply online

Fill out and submit the Resident Parking Rental Permit application online. Please remember to upload your rental contract before you submit your application:

Rental permit application

You can also fax a copy of your rental car agreement to the Parking Clerk at this number: 617-635-2104.

  • If you don’t already have a resident permit sticker, you need to fax proof of your Boston residency.
  • If your fax is sent and we approve it before the close of the business day, you will get the permit the same day. Otherwise, you will get your permit on the next business day.

We will email you a link that lets you print your permit and display it in your rental car. The permit should be placed in the right rear window on the passenger side.

Step
3

Or you can apply in person

Go to the Office of the Parking Clerk:

1 City Hall Square, Room 224
Boston, MA 02201
COVID-19 office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You need to bring your rental agreement. If don’t already have a permit sticker, you must bring proof of your Boston residency. For more information on what valid proof is, check the Proof of Boston residency section at the bottom of this page.

A bill that shows proof of your residency needs to have the same name and address as your rental agreement.

Proof of Boston residency

There are a couple of different options to prove your residency, but whatever you use needs to have your name and Boston address. If you use a bill, it must be current (postmarked or dated within the last 30 days) and have the same name that appears on your car registration.

bring one of the following:
  • a gas, electric, or telephone bill
  • a cable television bill
  • a monthly bank statement
  • a mortgage payment
  • a credit card bill
  • a water and sewer bill, or
  • an apartment lease signed by you and the property owner within 30 days of the "beginning date" on the lease.
If you don't receive paper bills

Do you use paperless billing? The Parking Clerk's Office does not accept screenshots of bills as proof of your Boston residency. Please download and print the PDF version of your bill.

Keep in mind

Many of the City’s residential streets are now “Resident Parking Only.” If you live in one of these neighborhoods, you need a permit to avoid getting a ticket.

  • You need to pay all of your overdue parking tickets before applying for or renewing a permit.
  • There is no charge for Resident Parking permits.
  • You need to place the permit sticker in the rear window of your car on the passenger side. If your window is tinted, display your sticker on the side window of the front passenger side.

Resident sticker graphic

  • Need to Know:

    We don't have visitor parking permits in Boston. If you have family or friends visiting, they will need to find off-street parking if your neighborhood requires resident parking permits.

  • Contact:
    Parking Clerk
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