Guide To Boston's New Parking Ticket And Permit System

When is the change happening?

We will be transitioning to a new system from June 27 to June 30. 

When will the system be down?

Online payments, appeals, and permit applications will not be available from June 27 at 5 p.m. through the morning of June 30.

Payments by phone will be unavailable for a short period from June 18 to June 30, as we upgrade our telecom systems.

The Office of the Parking Clerk will not be scheduling hearings, and walk-in hearings will not be available from June 30 through July 4.

What if I have a pending parking ticket appeal or permit application?

Your existing information will carry over during the transition.

What if I have an existing parking permit?

If you’re a current permit holder, you don’t need to take any action.

Can I still come in person?

Yes! As always, you can visit the Office of the Parking Clerk in person at 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 224, to manage tickets and parking permits.

Can I still pay over the phone?

Yes! Pay-by-phone will be unavailable for a short period from June 18 to June 30, as we upgrade our telecom systems. On June 30, Pay-by-phone will be available again by calling the same number: 617-635-3888. See here for more instructions on how to pay a parking ticket.

Can I still mail payments?

Yes! Payment can be mailed to City of Boston, P.O. BOX 55800. See here for more instructions on how to pay a parking ticket.

How can I pay for a parking ticket after the change?

You will still be able to pay a ticket online, by phone, or in person. The new online payment portal will provide faster, more accessible services and a simplified portal to look up a ticket. See here for more instructions on how to pay a parking ticket.

What happens if I have an existing residential parking permit?

Your permit will still be active during and after the transition! In July, all active Resident Parking Permit holders will receive a letter in the mail with a link code that will allow you to set up an optional account in the new permit management website for managing your permit online. Linking your existing permit to your online portal account is not mandatory, but offers additional visibility into your permit and violation records.

Do I need to set up an account?

To apply for a new residential parking permit online, you will need to set up an account in the online permit management portal. You can also apply for a permit in person at the Office of the Parking Clerk (Room 224) in Boston City Hall if you prefer. See here for instructions to apply for a parking permit.

If you have an existing permit, you will receive a letter with a link code to allow you to set up an online account. This is optional and will allow you to manage your permit online. 

To pay or appeal a ticket online, you do not need to set up an account.

You can also always call the Office of the Parking Clerk at 617-635-4410 or visit in person at 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 224, to manage tickets and parking permits.

Are any parking rules changing?

No.

What if I need to get my car out of the Tow Lot over the weekend?

The Tow Lot at 200 Frontage Road will be staffed 24 hours a day during the transition to allow constituents to retrieve any towed cars at any time.

What happens if my ticket becomes overdue while the system is down and I can't pay or appeal?

Parking tickets become overdue 21 days after issuance. If the ticket is not paid or appealed within 21 days, a late fee is applied. However, the City is extending penalty schedules for all unpaid tickets in our system by 3 days to accommodate for the payment and adjudication system’s downtime. For example, that means that if your ticket was issued to you anytime before June 30, 2025, your late penalty will be applied after 24 days overdue, instead of 21 days. 

What happens if I am a resident but can't apply for a permit while the system is down?

If you are eligible and approved for a parking permit in the month of July 2025, but received a ticket for parking in a resident parking space in your neighborhood during the parking permit application system’s downtime (between June 27 and June 30), please contact the Office of the Parking Clerk at 617-635-4410 or visit in person at 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 224 and we will dismiss the ticket.

Where can I go for help if I'm having trouble using the new system?

Please contact the Office of the Parking Clerk, by email (parking@boston.gov), by phone (617-635-4410) or visit in person at 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 224.