Resident Parking Permit FAQs

• My permit application has been approved. Do I need to wait to receive the physical permit before parking in a Resident Parking area? 

No. Once you receive the approval email, you can park in your designated neighborhood. You do not need to wait for the physical permit to arrive.

• How long does it take to receive the physical permit? 

After approval, physical permits are usually received by mail within 7–10 business days. Delivery times may vary. If you have not received your permit within 30 days of approval, you can request a replacement with us. You can contact us:

In person: Office of the Parking Clerk (Boston City Hall, Room 224)

By phone: 617-635-4410

By email: rpp@boston.gov

• What happens if I receive a ticket while my permit is active but I have not received my physical sticker yet? 

There is still a possibility of receiving a ticket while waiting for your physical sticker. However, once your permit is approved, it is active in our electronic system, so enforcement officers can look up your license plate and verify your permit status. If you do receive a ticket during this time, you can submit an appeal and the active permit status can be reviewed as part of the process. 

• I’ve changed my name or moved within the same neighborhood. How do I update my resident parking permit to match?

First, please ensure your information is updated with the RMV (mass.gov/myrmv). You will also need to submit the appropriate supporting documentation to our team. You can do so in person at the Office of the Parking Clerk (Boston City Hall, Room 224) or by email (rpp@boston.gov). Acceptable documentation includes:

Name Change: Marriage certificate or divorce decree, Updated billing statement, or Passport

Address Change (same neighborhood): Updated billing statement, USPS change-of-address confirmation, or a utility service confirmation with the new address on it

**All documentation must clearly reflect the updated information. This will ensure your account remains accurate and compliant.

• What if I move to a different neighborhood within Boston?

Resident Parking Permits are neighborhood-specific. If you move, your existing permit is no longer valid. If you move to a different neighborhood, you must submit a new permit application. The new application must include an updated vehicle registration, insurance reflecting your new address, and an updated proof of residency.

• Why was my permit application denied or my previous permit cancelled?

Common reasons for application denials and permit cancellations include:

1. Address on vehicle registration or insurance is not a Boston address
2. Address mismatch between registration, insurance, and permit account
3. Vehicle owner name mismatch from resident name
4. Expired, canceled, or otherwise invalid vehicle registration
5. Unpaid parking tickets (You must pay all outstanding tickets in full before you can apply or be renewed.)
6. Vehicle is no longer garaged in the permitted neighborhood

• Are Resident Parking Permits transferable between vehicles or people?

​​No. Resident Parking Permits are issued to a specific vehicle and registration. You cannot transfer your permit to another vehicle or person. If you get a new vehicle or registration, apply for a new permit to park in your neighborhood’s resident spaces. Visitor vehicles may not use or borrow a resident parking permit while in town.

• Is my permit still valid if I change vehicles or plates?

No. You must submit a new Resident Parking Permit application if you buy a new vehicle, receive new plates, or move to a different neighborhood.

• Can I use a Resident Parking Permit during street cleaning or snow emergencies?

No. Resident Parking Permits do not override posted parking restrictions, including:

1. Street cleaning (i.e. Street sweeping schedule)
2. Snow emergency regulations (i.e. Snow Emergency Parking)
3. Parking meters during hours of operation (i.e. How do Parking Meters Work)
4. Construction zones
5. Temporary “No Parking” signs (Ex. a resident has reserved spaces for a moving truck)

• Can I submit a request to have Resident Parking signs installed on my street?

The expansion of the Resident Parking Program is on pause. The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) is in process of reviewing on-street rules and regulations, and evaluating how resident permit parking improves citywide access. In the meantime, you can submit requests for expansion of the Resident Parking Program to the Resident Parking Program Expansion Request Form to be placed in the waitlist. BTD will address requests in the waitlist when the expansion of resident parking resumes.

You can still apply for a permit to use existing residential spaces in your neighborhood.

• Am I eligible for a Temporary Resident Parking Permit if my vehicle has out-of-state plates?

No. Temporary Resident Parking Permits are only issued for vehicles with Massachusetts temporary plates. Vehicles with out-of-state plates are not eligible.

• Are college students eligible for an exemption from Resident Parking Permit requirements?

No. College students are not exempt from Resident Parking Permit requirements. All applicants, including college students, must meet all standard eligibility requirements. This means applicants must:

1. Have the vehicle registered in their name
2. Have a valid Boston residential address within the permitted neighborhood
3. Have that address reflected on both vehicle registration and insurance

• Are there any exemptions for visitors or other special circumstances?

No. There are no exemptions for visitors, or any other special circumstances. To park in residential parking areas, you must display a valid permit. You also need to meet all eligibility requirements. Vehicles without a valid permit are subject to ticketing.

• If my parents own the vehicle but I am the principal driver, do I qualify for a permit?

​​​​​​​No. Your vehicle needs to be registered and insured under your name and Boston address.

**An exception may apply for leased vehicles when the lessee shares the same last name. However, the vehicle has to be insured within the City of Boston.

• I live in Allston/Brighton but can’t park during BC home games. What options do I have?​​​​​​​

If you live in Allston/Brighton within the BC Stadium Walkshed and are ineligible for a standard Resident Parking Permit, you may apply for a BC Stadium Walkshed Permit. This permit can be used during Boston College home games. This permit requires an annual application, and the 2026 permit will be made available once the BC football schedule has been finalized.

To apply, submit your vehicle registration (Massachusetts or out-of-state) and proof of residency at your Boston address.

For more information on how to apply, visit our How to Get a Resident Parking Permit webpage. 

• I am a resident and my vehicle was in an accident, so I am currently driving a rental. Can I get a Resident Parking Permit?

Yes. You may apply for a Rental Resident Parking Permit online or in person for the duration of your rental. This will help you avoid receiving parking tickets within your permitted neighborhood. For more information on how to apply, visit our How to Get a Resident Parking Permit webpage. 

• Am I eligible for a rental car permit if I borrowed a family member’s vehicle?

No. Borrowed vehicles are not eligible for a rental car permit. To park in Residential Parking areas, you must display a valid permit. You also need to meet all eligibility requirements. Vehicles without a valid permit are subject to ticketing.

• Can I get a Resident Parking Permit for a company vehicle? 

Yes, company vehicles may be eligible for a Resident Parking Permit. In your application, provide a letter on company letterhead confirming you are the primary driver of the vehicle and proof of residency. The vehicle must also be insured in Boston.

For more information on Boston-Based Business Permits (including corporate, local business, and taxi) please see our Resident Parking Permit webpage.

• I updated my garaging address with the RMV. Do I need to wait for the updated physical registration to apply for a permit, or can I apply using my current copy?

No, you do not need to wait. As long as the updated Boston garaging address is reflected in the RMV system, you can apply using your current copy.

• I signed my apartment lease months in advance but didn’t move in until recently. Does this still count as proof of residence?

Yes. You can use your apartment lease as proof of residency for up to 30 days from your lease start date (not the lease signature date).

• When does my Resident Parking Permit expire?

Resident Parking Permits no longer display a physical expiration date. Permits are subject to ongoing neighborhood audit checks. We conduct regular reviews of our permit records to confirm continued eligibility. Your permit will automatically renew if you did not change your vehicle registration and you do not have any outstanding parking tickets. 

• Can I request a replacement of the same permit if my permit is damaged, lost, or stolen?

To replace a permit for the same vehicle, you must submit a new application. Please include the reason for replacement in the notes section of your application. Once approved, a new permit will be issued with an updated permit number.

Need Help?

Phone: 617-635-4410

Email: rpp@boston.gov

Website: boston.gov/resident-parking