Apply for/Renew a Parking Permit

You must be a Cambridge resident to apply for a Resident Parking Permit. You must supply proof of residency unless this is your fourth consecutive permit with the exact same address and name.

All proof of residency must be dated within the previous 30 days. If you are applying for a Resident Parking Permit, the proof of residency must be in the same name* and address of your vehicle registration.

You must provide either one utility bill or two pieces of mail/statements. Learn more below.

* We recognize that due to gender transitions, marriages, and other life events that may result in name changes, the RMV database may not accurately reflect your name. Since Resident Parking Permits are assigned to specific vehicles, the name on the proof of residency must match the name on the vehicle registration.

One (1) Utility Bill

If you provide a utility bill that meets the requirements below, you do not need a second document to prove Cambridge residency. 

• Gas, electric, telephone, water, cable, or internet
• Must list a Cambridge service address and mailing address
• Must include a date (month/day/year) in the last 30 days
• If you are applying for a Resident Parking Permit, must include the same name and address as your vehicle registration
• We accept mailed utility bills or printed utility bills

Two (2) Pieces of Mail or Statements

• Must list your Cambridge address
• Must include a date (month/day/year) in the last 30 days
• If you are applying for a Resident Parking Permit, must include the same name and address as your vehicle registration
• If the requirements above are met, we will accept:
  • Mail
  • Bills
  • Package invoices
  • Shipping slips
  • Bank statements
  • Credit card statements
  • Auto and home insurance statements
• We will not accept:
  • Driver's licenses
  • Lease agreements
  • Pay stubs
  • Shut off notices
  • Mortgage statements
  • Change of address forms
  • W2 forms
  • Tax forms
  • Magazines

 

Provide a copy of your vehicle registration.

• The vehicle must be registered with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
• The vehicle must be registered in your name.
• The registration must show your residential address in Cambridge and have a garage code of Cambridge. (Exceptions are made as outlined in the Unique Circumstances section of this page.)
• The vehicle registration address must match the address from your proof of residency. 

Moved recently and haven't made it to the RMV? You can apply for a one- or two-week Temporary Parking Permit. See "Moving to or Within Cambridge" in the "Unique Circumstances" section below. 

Ways to Pay

In-person, you can pay with:

• Cash
• Checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”
• Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. Service fees apply to debit/credit transactions.   

We are not able to accept payments from Apple Pay. 

Online, you can pay with:

• Credit cards: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. Service fees apply to debit/credit transactions.   
• Direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. Service fees apply to transfers from bank accounts.  

Permit Costs

All permit fees are waived for residents who are 65 and older (proof of age required) and residents who have a disability plate or placard.  

Resident Parking Permits cost $25 and include a maximum of one Visitor Parking Permit per household.

• $25 to replace a Resident Parking Permit. There is a maximum of one replacement Resident Parking Permit per year.
• If you need a new permit, we will waive the fee if you return the original permit to us. This only applies for permits in the same year – we will not waive the fee to replace a 2022 permit with a 2023 permit.  

Visitor Parking Permits for households without a vehicle cost $25. There is a maximum of one Visitor Parking Permit per household.  

• $50 to replace a Visitor Parking Permit. There is a maximum of one replacement Visitor Parking Permit per year.  

If you need a new permit, we will waive the fee if you return the original permit to us. This only applies for permits in the same year – we will not waive the fee to replace a 2022 permit with a 2023 permit. 

We will not issue you a permit if you have unpaid parking tickets in your name.

You may only use a resident parking permit on a vehicle intended for personal use. 

"Resident parking permits “are intended only for the personal use of the persons to whom they are issued." -- Section 10.12.010 of the Cambridge Municipal Code.

Beginning in 2024, the City of Cambridge has placed a limit on the number of Resident Parking Permits each Cambridge resident may obtain. An individual may have no more than four vehicles with Resident Parking Permits.

Cambridge must be listed as the garage code for your vehicle in the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles database. If you are unsure about your garage code, you should check this information before applying. This is especially important if you have recently moved or registered a vehicle in Massachusetts.

Your insurance agent should be able to provide you with information about your garage code. The code is listed in item 5 of the Coverage Selection Page. You can also get this information by calling your agent.

If you need to change your residential address or place of principal garaging, call your insurance agent or the Registry of Motor Vehicles at 857-368-8000 or visit your local Registry Office. The RMV charges a $25.00 fee to get a new copy of your registration.

Read the Resident and Visitor Parking Permit Rules and Permit Application Requirements before applying for a parking permit. You may apply via one of the following methods.

Note:

• Parking permits expire on March 31 of each year.
• Each household is eligible to receive one Visitor Parking Permit. The first person to apply from a household will receive the Visitor Parking Permit. 
• We will not issue you a permit if you have unpaid parking tickets in your name.

Online

Apply Online

• If you apply online, you may not pick up your permit. You must wait for it to be mailed. If you need it sooner, apply in person.
• Collect electronic copies of your proof of residency.
• Decide how you'd like to pay. We accept:
  • American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa debit and credit cards; and
  • direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. You'll need the account number and routing number.
• Submit an online permit application, including uploading your proof of residency.
• Your permit(s) will be mailed to you.
• Once it arrives, immediately stick your Resident Parking Permit on the inside lower driver’s side corner of the windshield.

Apply Online

In Person 

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Get your vehicle registration from your vehicle.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.
• Immediately stick your Resident Parking Permit on the inside, lower driver’s side corner of the windshield.

By Mail or Drop Box at our Office

Note: We do not recommend this option unless you have access to off-street parking.

• Print and complete the paper Parking Permit Application.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Copy the vehicle registration.
• Make your check or money order payable to the “City of Cambridge.”
• Mail your application form, proof of residency, registration, and payment to our office. Alternatively, you may place your envelope with documentation and payment in the drop box in front of our office.
  Traffic, Parking, and Transportation
  344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Your permit(s) will be mailed to you. Your Resident Parking Permit will be valid from the time that it is issued.
• Once it arrives, immediately stick your Resident Parking Permit on the inside, lower driver’s side corner of the windshield

Read the Visitor Parking Permit Rules and Permit Application Requirements before applying. You may apply via one of the following methods.

Note:

• Parking permits expire on March 31 of each year.
• We will not issue you a permit if you have unpaid parking tickets in your name.
• This information is only applicable to households without a vehicle. If someone in your household has a vehicle, one Visitor Parking Permit will be issued with the first Resident Parking Permit.

Online 

• If you apply online, you may not pick up your permit. You must wait for it to be mailed. If you need it sooner, apply in person.
• Collect electronic copies of your proof of residency.
• Decide how you'd like to pay. We accept:
  • American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa debit and credit cards; and
  • direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. You'll need the account number and routing number.
• Submit an online application, including uploading your proof of residency.
• Your permit will be mailed to you.

Apply Online

In Person

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.

By Mail or Drop Box at our Office

• Print and complete the paper Parking Permit Application.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Make your check or money order payable to the “City of Cambridge.”
• Mail your application form, proof of residency, registration, and payment to our office. Alternatively, you may place your envelope with documentation and payment in the drop box in front of our office.
  Traffic, Parking, and Transportation
  344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Your permit will be mailed to you.

 

Read the Resident and Visitor Parking Permit Rules and Permit Application Requirements before applying for a parking permit. You may apply via one of the following methods.

Note:

• Parking permits expire on March 31 of each year.
• Each household is eligible to receive one Visitor Parking Permit. The first person to apply from a household will receive the Visitor Parking Permit. 
• We will not issue you a permit if you have unpaid parking tickets in your name.

Online

Renew Online

• If you apply online, you may not pick up your permit. You must wait for it to be mailed. If you need it sooner, apply in person.
• You may use the renewal website to update your address.
• You cannot change your license plate during the renewal process. Instead, apply for a new permit.
• Collect electronic copies of your proof of residency.
• Decide how you'd like to pay. We accept:
  • American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa debit and credit cards; and
  • direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. You'll need the account number and routing number.
• Submit an online renewal application, including uploading your proof of residency.
• Your permit(s) will be mailed to you.
• Once it arrives, immediately stick your Resident Parking Permit on the inside lower driver’s side corner of the windshield.

Renew Online

In Person 

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Get your vehicle registration from your vehicle.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.
• Immediately stick your Resident Parking Permit on the inside, lower driver’s side corner of the windshield.

By Mail or Drop Box at our Office

Note: We do not recommend this option unless you have access to off-street parking.

• Print and complete the paper Parking Permit Application.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Copy the vehicle registration.
• Make your check or money order payable to the “City of Cambridge.”
• Mail your application form, proof of residency, registration, and payment to our office. Alternatively, you may place your envelope with documentation and payment in the drop box in front of our office.
  Traffic, Parking, and Transportation
  344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Your permit(s) will be mailed to you. Your Resident Parking Permit will be valid from the time that it is issued.
• Once it arrives, immediately stick your Resident Parking Permit on the inside, lower driver’s side corner of the windshield

Read the Visitor Parking Permit Rules and Permit Application Requirements before applying for a permit. 

Note:

• Parking permits expire on March 31 of each year.
• We will not issue you a permit if you have unpaid parking tickets in your name.
• This information is only applicable to households without a vehicle. If someone in your household has a vehicle, one Visitor Parking Permit will be issued with the first Resident Parking Permit.

Online 

• If you apply online, you may not pick up your permit. You must wait for it to be mailed. If you need it sooner, apply in person.
• You may use the renewal website to update your address.
• Collect electronic copies of your proof of residency.
• Decide how you'd like to pay. We accept:
  • American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa debit and credit cards; and
  • direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. You'll need the account number and routing number.
• Submit an online renewal application, including uploading your proof of residency.
• Your permit will be mailed to you.

Renew Online

In Person

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.

By Mail or Drop Box at our Office

• Print and complete the paper Parking Permit Application.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Make your check or money order payable to the “City of Cambridge.”
• Mail your application form, proof of residency, registration, and payment to our office. Alternatively, you may place your envelope with documentation and payment in the drop box in front of our office.
  Traffic, Parking, and Transportation
  344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Your permit will be mailed to you.

 

• You may only use a resident parking permit on a vehicle intended for personal use. 
• Permit must be stuck on the inside lower driver’s side corner of the vehicle windshield.
• The license plate number on the permit must match the license plate number of the vehicle.
• If you get a new car or your plate changes, you must get a new permit. Do not copy the permit or transfer it to another vehicle. Click here for exceptions. 
• If you alter or move the permit, it will be revoked and the vehicle displaying the permit will be ticketed.
• Remove your permit if you move out of Cambridge. We periodically check our records against the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s garage code list.
• All permits expire March 31 of each year.
• An individual may have no more than four vehicles with Resident Parking Permits. 

Non-residents can use Visitor Parking Permits in “Parking by Permit Only” areas while visiting a resident’s home. Visitors must return the permit to the resident at the end of the visit.

Who can use Visitor Parking Permits? 

• Residents of Cambridge may not use visitor permits.
• Taxis, livery vehicles, and oversized vehicles cannot use visitor permits.

Where can you park with a Visitor Parking Permit? 

• Visitor Parking Permits may only be used in the specific zone written on the front of the permit. The zone map is printed on the back of each permit. Within that zone, the permit can be used in areas with signs that say “Parking by Permit Only."

View the Visitor Parking Permit Map

What are the other rules?

• Do not copy, sell, transfer, or alter visitor permits.
• Vehicles using a visitor permit must move after 24 hours.
• You cannot use a Visitor Parking Permit for commuter parking, or any purpose other than visiting a resident’s home.
• A vehicle using a visitor permit cannot park in the same area for more than three days out of the week (excluding Sundays).
• The City tracks visitor permit use. If a visitor permit is used a lot on the same vehicle, we may ticket the vehicle and/or revoke the permit.
• All permits expire March 31 of each year.

• If you don't get your permit by mail, notify us within 30 days. This is necessary for a free replacement. You can get one free replacement permit each year, up to two in your lifetime. To collect it, come to 344 Broadway and show proof of residency.
• For a lost or stolen Visitor Permit, if you don't qualify for a free replacement, you need to buy one. This costs $50. Visit us in person and show proof of residency. You can buy one replacement per year.
• If your Resident Parking Permit is lost or stolen and you don't qualify for a free replacement, the same rules apply. It costs $25. Again, you can buy one replacement per year.
• When a replacement permit is issued, the original one is canceled.

Violations of these rules may result in a fine of up to $300 for each offense.

The City of Cambridge retains the right to revoke or deny Parking Permits at any time for reasons including, but not limited to: non-compliance of any state law, City Ordinance, failure to comply with the above guidelines or failure to make payments.

All City permits are subject to review. Permits issued by the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department can be revoked at any time per order of the Director.

If you are borrowing a vehicle because your existing vehicle is in the shop or otherwise out of service, please refer to the information listed under "Replacement Vehicles for Vehicles Undergoing Service (Rented or Borrowed)."

Due to the rules established under the Massachusetts General Laws, we cannot issue Resident Parking Permits unless the vehicle is registered in your name at your address in Cambridge. However, if you are borrowing a vehicle from a family member and you intend to register the vehicle in your name, you may purchase a Temporary Parking Permit which will give you time to register the vehicle in your name. If you have questions, please contact us.

Residents who are living in dormitories may apply for Resident Parking Permits, except for residents of dormitories that were built after October 27, 2003 and are in the Special Zoning Districts 12, 13, and 14. These addresses include:

• 10 Akron Street;
• 28 Hingham Street;
• 387 Memorial Drive;
• 37, 47, 49 and 69 Banks Street;
• 5 Cowperthwaite Street; and
• 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 Grant Street.

Residents of dormitories are not eligible to receive a Visitor Parking Permit.

If your vehicle is owned by your employer, you can still apply for a Resident Parking Permit. All of the requirements are the same except:

 

• the registration does not need to show your Cambridge address (the garage code must still be Cambridge), and
• you must provide a letter from your employer on their letterhead stating that the vehicle has been assigned to you and that you maintain control over the vehicle at all times.

Permits for employer-owned vehicles are limited to one per resident.

If you are hosting a one-day event at your home, you may request that we not enforce Resident Permit Parking near your residence so that guests can park without a Visitor Parking Permit. You must submit your request at least one business day in advance via our Parking Consideration Application.

Residents may purchase Extended Visitor Parking Permits to allow their visitors to park in areas designated “Parking by Permit Only” for up to two consecutive weeks.

In order to be eligible:

• Your household must have an active Visitor Parking Permit.
• You must submit the application on behalf of your visitor.
• You should apply for an Extended Visitor Parking Permit within two weeks (14 days) of the start date of the permit. Please do not apply for the permit more than two weeks before the start date.
• You must provide a copy of the visitor's vehicle registration.
• Cambridge residents may not use a Visitor Parking Permit, including an Extended Visitor Parking Permit, for a vehicle that they own or are using. If you are a Cambridge resident borrowing a vehicle, buying a new vehicle, using a rental vehicle, etc., look through the "Unique Circumstances" section for the permit that applies to you.

You may apply for a one-week or two-week Extended Visitor Parking Permit. The cost for the permits is $10.00 per week. Once the two-week limit is reached, a new permit may not be issued for the same vehicle until one month after the initial start date. However, you may apply for back-to-back permits for different vehicles.

Your visitor must follow all Visitor Parking Permit rules, including moving the vehicle every 24 hours and parking within the correct Visitor Parking Permit zone.

Each household may only have one Extended Visitor Parking Permit at a time. There is an eight week maximum, per year, per household for Extended Visitor Parking Permits.

Apply In Person

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• You should apply for an Extended Visitor Parking Permit within two weeks (14 days) of the start date of the permit. Please do not apply for the permit more than two weeks before the start date.
• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Get a copy of your visitor's vehicle registration.
• Bring the registration and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.
• If your household's Visitor Parking Permit is not in your name (e.g., your family member or roommate applied for the permit), you must bring proof of residency.

All of the requirements are the same except:

• the registration does not need to show your Cambridge address (the garage code must still be Cambridge)

If you are serving in the military and have been assigned to work or study in or near Cambridge, you may apply for a Military Parking Permit. These permits operate the same as Resident Parking Permits except:

• you do not have to register your vehicle in Massachusetts; and
• you must provide a copy of your military orders.

To apply for a Military Parking Permit, follow the instructions for a New Resident Parking Permit.

If you own a motorcycle, you must complete the regular application for a Resident Parking Permit. However, we do not expect or recommend that you try to affix the sticker to your motorcycle. You should keep the permit and if you receive a ticket for parking without a permit, you must provide the permit number when you dispute the ticket.

If you move to or within Cambridge, you must contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles, your Insurance Agent, and us to update your information. If you move within Cambridge, we may need to issue you a new Visitor Parking Permit.

The instructions below are for getting a temporary resident parking permit for your personal vehicle. If you are looking to reserve space for a moving van or container, learn more here. 

Moving with your own vehicle

If you are in the process of changing your registration to Cambridge, you may apply for a Temporary Parking Permit.

If you are moving within the state, you may apply for a one-week Temporary Parking Permit. If you are moving from outside of Massachusetts, you may apply for a one- or two-week Temporary Parking Permit. The price for temporary permits is $20.00 for one week and $30.00 for two weeks.

If for some reason you cannot register your vehicle in Massachusetts within two-weeks, you may request approval to purchase an additional temporary permit. You must provide evidence showing why the registration process is being delayed. These additional temporary permits are subject to supervisor approval. Otherwise, temporary Parking Permits may not be renewed or extended. 

Online

• Get your lease or purchase and sales agreement. If you do not have a lease or purchase and sales agreement, you must supply proof of residency.
• If your vehicle is not registered in Massachusetts, you must supply an electronic copy of your registration.
• Decide how you'd like to pay. We accept:
  • American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa debit and credit cards; and
  • direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. You'll need the account number and routing number.
• Submit an online application for a Temporary Parking Permit, including uploading your documents. 
• Once our staff reviews your application for completeness and it is approved, you will be emailed a link to pay for your permit.
• Your permit will be valid on the first day of your lease or the date indicated in your application. We will not mail any Temporary Permits.

In Person

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Get your lease or purchase and sales agreement. If you do not have a lease or purchase and sales agreement, you must supply proof of residency.
• Get your vehicle registration from your vehicle.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.

A friend or family member helping you move

You may apply for a Temporary Visitor Parking Permit, if you are borrowing a vehicle to facilitate your move or have a friend or relative using their vehicle to help you move. These permits are valid for up to three consecutive days. The price of the permit is $10.

You may not renew or extend a Temporary Visitor Parking Permit. All other rules related to Visitor Parking Permits apply, including the requirement that the vehicle be parked within the correct Visitor Parking Permit area and that it be moved every 24 hours.

In Person

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Get your lease or purchase and sales agreement. If you do not have a lease or purchase and sales agreement, you must supply proof of residency.
• Get your vehicle registration from your vehicle.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.

First or additional vehicles

If this is your first vehicle, or you have purchased an additional vehicle, you must apply for a New Resident Parking Permit.

Trading-in or replacing an old vehicle

If you purchased a new car during the renewal season (January 2 through March 31) and have not yet renewed your permit, follow the process for applying for a new permit.

If you have or are in the process of purchasing a new vehicle to replace a vehicle that has a current Resident Parking Permit, you should remove the permit from the existing vehicle.

If you are using the same plates and you are able to keep the permit intact, you must contact us with the make of your new vehicle. You may then place the existing permit on your new vehicle.

If you are getting new plates or the permit was damaged while it was being removed, you may:

• schedule an appointment, bring the old permit to our office, and we will swap it out for a new permit for free;
• mail the old permit and a Parking Permit Application to our office and we will issue a new permit for free; or
• apply for a new permit, you will have to pay the $25.00 fee.

If your original permit was issued more than 30 days ago, you are required to provide current proof of residency to receive a replacement permit.

You, or people who provide services at your home, may be eligible for a Non-Resident Parking Permit, if:

• Business - Your business provides services to Cambridge residents in their homes on a frequent and recurring basis. This permit intended for businesses that provide short-term services such as visiting nurses, realtors, and social workers. The permit is not intended for contractors or service professionals who work on homes. 
• Childcare - You are a Cambridge resident and one or more people provide childcare at your home on a frequent and regular basis.
• Home-Based Business (Visitor Permit) - You are a Cambridge resident, you operate a business out of your home, and your home is in a primarily residential area where most parking spaces are designated “Parking by Permit Only.”
• Landlord - You own property in Cambridge and need to have access to that property. Note: these permits are only available if the property is in a building with fewer than 8 units.
• Long-Term Home Care - You are a Cambridge resident and you or someone in your household has a person who provides healthcare services at your home on a frequent and regular basis.
• Non-Profit (Visitor Permit) - You manage a non-profit organization that provides housing to people in Cambridge (e.g., group homes, shelters, and hospice homes) and you need to provide parking to healthcare or other social-service providers who visit your organization.
• School Department - You are a Cambridge School Department employee who must travel to service multiple school locations during the day. Note: this permit is not a resource for commuting. Applications must be approved and submitted by Ann Marie Picanco of CPSD Human Resources.

If one of these circumstances applies to you, click here to learn more about how to apply. 

If you are renting a vehicle or using a vehicle subscription service, you may not apply for a Resident Parking Permit. Instead, you are eligible for a temporary Parking Permit. The vehicle does not have to be registered or garaged in Cambridge. You must rent the vehicle in your name and Cambridge address.

The cost for Temporary Parking Permits is:

• $20.00 for one week,
• $30.00 for two weeks,
• $40.00 for three weeks, and
• $50.00 for four weeks.

Apply Online

• Collect electronic copies of your proof of residency and your rental agreement.
• Decide how you'd like to pay. We accept:
  • American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa debit and credit cards; and
  • direct payments from personal checking, personal savings, and commercial checking accounts. You'll need the account number and routing number.
• Submit an online application for a Rental Vehicle Permit, including uploading your documents.
• Once our staff reviews your application for completeness and it is approved, you will be emailed a link to pay for your permit.
• Once payment is received, your Rental Vehicle Permit will be valid. This is an electronic permit, you will not receive anything in the mail.

Apply in Person

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Collect your proof of residency.
• Get your rental agreement.
• Bring your documents and payment to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA. We accept cash; checks and money orders made payable to the “City of Cambridge”; and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards.

If you have an existing Resident Parking Permit, and the vehicle is out of service, you may apply for a free Temporary Parking Permit. You must provide paperwork to show that the car is undergoing service. There is a 30-day maximum for these permits, though we will issue additional permits if you provide documentation to show that it is needed. These extensions are subject to supervisor approval.

Online

• Get your service paperwork or other documentation showing why the car is unavailable to you. You do not need to supply proof of residency.
• Get the rental agreement or registration for the vehicle that you are using while yours is out of service.
• Submit an online application for a temporary parking permit, including uploading your documents. 
• Once our staff reviews your application for completeness and it is approved, your permit will be valid. We will not mail any Temporary Permits.

In Person

Note: You do not need to bring a paper application with you.

• An appointment is not required, however you may make an appointment before coming to our offices.
• Get your service paperwork or other documentation showing why the car is unavailable to you. You do not need to supply proof of residency.
• Get the rental agreement or registration for the vehicle that you are using while yours is out of service.
• Bring your documents to our office at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA.

Contractors may park vehicles with Massachusetts commercial license plates in Permit Parking Only areas for up to three consecutive days without a permit. This allows residents to get emergency repairs done quickly (e.g., repair a broken toilet or heating system). A Visitor Parking Permit is not required.

We offer different types of Street Occupancy Permits, which allow you to reserve space on the street for various reasons (e.g., tool trucks and dumpsters).

Non-Resident Parking Permits are available for people who regularly provides services to Cambridge residents at their homes (e.g., healthcare or childcare providers).

We do not offer short-term parking permits, including for summer school students or sub-letters. If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you may apply for a Resident Parking Permit.