Residential Parking Permit

The world of DC parking permits is complex and almost impossible to understand, even for lifetime Washington, D.C. residents. United States Vehicle Registration Service is well-versed in all of the rules governing parking permits and we can help you determine what parking permit you need, what you need to get that parking permit, and how to renew it once it’s time.

Is This the Right Parking Permit for You?

The DC DMV issues residential parking permits (RPPs) to DC DMV-registered private vehicles or vehicles with reciprocity. These permits allow you to park without restriction in the permit area surrounding the registered vehicle address.

This permit is right for you if:

Your street is zoned for RPP
Are not trying to get the permit for a commercial vehicle, bus, vehicle longer than 22 feet, or sightseeing vehicle. Keep in mind that any vehicles displaying non-removable commercial advertising or insignia are counted as commercial vehicles.

What If I Live Somewhere That Doesn’t Have Restricted Residential Parking?

Not all blocks are created equal, some streets do not require residential parking permits. In the event you live on one of these streets, the registration that the DMV gives you will say “NO RPP” on it. You can park on your street block without an RPP, since it does not have restricted parking, but you cannot park in any restricted areas within your zone.

Your Checklist

If you need a residential parking permit, this can be obtained through the T.R.I.P. process if you are a new District resident. We can also make a special trip to get your residential parking permit. This permit is granted by the DMV during the registration process. As a result, you will need the same documents that you would use to get your DC registration:

2 photocopies of your DC driver’s license
Completed Title Application and Power of Attorney forms (if you have trouble filling these out on your own, we can fill them out together!)
The original title for your vehicle
Original or photocopy of your certificate of insurance. This document has to contain:
- The make of your car (Mercedes, Ford, Honda, etc.)
- VIN # (17 digits)
- Model (C 300, Fusion, Civic, etc.)
- Your current DC address
- Policy start date
- Policy end date
Odometer statement (the mileage listed on your gauge display)
Two checks
- A blank check written to “DC Treasurer”
- A check made out to United States Vehicle Registration Service for $270.00
- For both checks, you will receive an itemized receipt detailing fees
- We suggest that every customer writes the make, year, and the last 6 digits of the VIN in the memo section on both checks
Proof of DC inspection

Don’t Forget!

You can only have one RPP displayed on your windshield at a time
If you move to a new RPP zone, change your vehicle’s tag number, or replace your windshield, you will need to get a new RPP and/or RPP sticker