Renew Your Cambridge Parking Permit Today

On January 2, the Cambridge Traffic, Parking, + Transportation Department will begin issuing 2024 Resident and Visitor Parking Permits. If you've already applied online and we've approved your application, we will mail your permit to you. 

Make sure to renew your Resident and/or Visitor Parking Permit by March 31, 2024. 

You can start using your 2024 permit as soon as you receive it! From January 2 through March 31, 2024, cars parked in spaces with signs that say “Parking by Permit Only” may use either 2023 or 2024 parking permits. Beginning on April 1, 2024, you must use a 2024 parking permit. 

New Resident Parking Permit Limits

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

How do I apply for a parking permit?

Online

If you have a valid 2023 permit, you can renew it online and we'll mail the permit to you! To give us enough time to process and mail your permit so that you receive it by March 31, apply online by Friday, March 1, 2024. If you applied online, please allow time for City staff to process your permit and mail it to you. Learn more at www.cambridgema.gov/rpp. 

In Person

Visit the Cambridge Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department at the City Hall Annex (344 Broadway). If you have all the required materials, you'll receive your parking permit the same day. Learn more at www.cambridgema.gov/rpp. City Hall Annex Hours are: 

• Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. to noon

By Mail

Print and complete a paper parking permit application and mail the form, proof of residency, registration (for Resident Parking Permits), and payment to our office. To give us enough time to process and mail your permit so that you receive it by March 31, apply by March 1. www.cambridgema.gov/rpp.

What do I need to apply for a parking permit?

Proof of residency

• To prove that you are a Cambridge resident, you must provide either:
  • one utility bill that shows your name, Cambridge service address, and mailing address dated within the last 30 days or
  • two pieces of mail that show your name and Cambridge mailing address dated within the last 30 days.
• If you are applying for a Resident Parking Permit, the proof of residency must have the same name and address as your vehicle registration.
• Residents that have received a permit at the same address for three or more consecutive years do not need to provide proof of residency.

Vehicle registration

• Vehicle must be registered in Massachusetts
• Vehicle must be registered in your name
• Registration must display your Cambridge residential address and match the address from your proof of residency
• Registration must list a garage code in Cambridge

Permit fees

• $25 per Resident Parking Permit. A Resident Parking Permit includes a maximum of one Visitor Parking Permit per household.
• $25 per Visitor Parking Permit for households without a vehicle.
• Permits are free for residents who are 65 or older or residents who have a disability plate or placard.

Pay all parking tickets

Parking permits will not be issued to residents with unpaid parking tickets.

Visit our Parking Permits webpage for more information. 

Where do I put my permit?

When you receive your Resident Parking Permit, immediately stick it on the inside lower driver’s side corner of the windshield. Remove all prior year permits. 

Visitors should place Visitor Parking Permits on their dashboard and return them to the Cambridge resident at the end of their visit. 

About the Permit Photo 

This year, TP+T received over 250 photos and pieces of art from Cambridge residents, and photographer Regina Mitarachi submitted this winning image.

The 2024 Residential Parking Permit features a photo of the Cambridge Latin School arch with a view of the Cambridge Public Library in the background. This arch was the historic entrance to Cambridge Latin School, built in the late 1800s. When the original school building was demolished in 1980, the City preserved the granite lintel and doorframe and set it up at the corner of Ellery Street and Broadway as an entry portal to Lorentz Park.