If you’re heading into the City of Boston and wondering how to obtain a resident street-parking permit, this guide breaks down the full process step-by-step — and answers the most common question newcomers ask: Do you need to be a Massachusetts resident to qualify?

What a Boston Resident Parking Permit Allows

Many Boston neighborhoods include streets marked “Resident Parking Only.”
If you live on one of these streets and want to avoid tickets, you need a resident parking permit.

A permit allows Boston residents — including renters — to park within their specific neighborhood zone.
It is not citywide. A Back Bay sticker does not allow parking in South Boston, Beacon Hill, or Charlestown.

How to Get a Boston Resident Parking Permit (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

(Based on Boston.gov instructions)

Step 1: Choose Your Application Method

Option A — Apply Online
Fastest option if you can upload required documents.
New residents and renters should apply within 10 days of moving in.

Option B — Apply In Person
Download and print the application, then bring it to the Parking Clerk.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

You must provide:

1. Valid Massachusetts Vehicle Registration

Your car must:

• Be registered in Massachusetts

• Show your Boston address as the principal garaging location

Out-of-state plates are not eligible.

2. Proof of Boston Residency

Documents must show:

• Your name

• Your Boston address

• Typically dated within the past 30 days

Accepted examples:

• Utility bill (gas, electric, water)

• Cable or phone bill

• Bank or credit card statement

• Lease with recent move-in date

• Mortgage statement

Step 3: Apply In Person (If Not Applying Online)

Boston Parking Clerk Office
1 City Hall Square, Room 224
Boston, MA 02201
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

If approved, your permit is issued the same day.

Step 4: Display the Permit Correctly

Place the sticker:

• In the rear window, passenger side, or

• If your windows are tinted — the front passenger window

You must apply for a new permit if you:

• Change vehicles or plates

• Move to a different Boston neighborhood

• Update where the car is garaged

Step 5: Temporary Permits for Rental Cars

Temporary rental-car permits are available for up to 30 days.

You must provide:

• Your rental agreement

• Proof of Boston residency

The city will email or fax the permit — you print and display it.

Important Rules and Reminders

• Resident permits are free

• All unpaid Boston parking tickets must be paid before approval

• Permits are neighborhood-specific

• Out-of-state plates do not qualify for resident permits

Do You Need to Be a Massachusetts Resident to Get a Boston Permit?

The short answer: Yes — in practice, you do.

Here’s why:

1. Your Car Must Be Registered in Massachusetts

Boston requires a Massachusetts registration with your Boston address listed as the garaging location.

2. You Must Prove Boston Residency

Your documents (lease, utility bills, etc.) must match the name on your MA registration.

3. Community Consensus Confirms It

Local forums and real-world experience make it clear:
You must transfer your car to MA plates and MA insurance to qualify.

If You’re Not a MA Resident Yet

Your options are limited:

• You cannot get a visitor permit

• Boston does not issue guest passes for non-residents

Short-term alternatives:

• Rent a private garage or parking space

• Use metered parking

• If using a rental car and staying at a Boston address — apply for a temporary 30-day rental permit

Final Take: A Practical Summary

If you are a full-time Boston resident, the process is simple and absolutely worth doing.
You’ll need:

• Massachusetts car registration

• Proof of Boston residency

• No unpaid tickets

If your car is still registered out-of-state, the system is not designed to accommodate you, and enforcement is strict.

Bottom line:
Boston’s resident parking permit is a true local benefit — intended for residents with cars legally registered in Massachusetts.