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In accordance with San Francisco Transportation Code Section 902(D) and 905.

Parking Permit Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

You are eligible to purchase a permit for your vehicle or motorcycle if you live in an established Residential Permit Parking (RPP) area. A clear indication that you live in a permit parking area is if a residential permit parking sign is displayed on your block. However, some addresses on metered streets are eligible where signs will not be posted. A block not currently part of an RPP area may be included in one through a petitioning and legislative process that takes approximately six months.

Residents are allowed to purchase four permits per single address. Residents may file a request to be considered for a waiver to obtain additional permits, by sending a letter to Manager, SFMTA Customer Service, 11 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103. The request should include all relevant vehicle information and the reason for a waiver. The Ordinance establishes a graduated fee increase structure for permits above the four permit limit.

Businesses located on a permit parking block are allowed to purchase one permit per business and are allowed up to three additional permits for delivery vehicles with commercial license plates registered to that business address. You may use a residential parking permit to park in any legal space within the designated area. You may not use a permit to park in an illegal parking area such as red zones, to park illegally at a meter or during street cleaning times.

A permitted vehicle will be subject to violation and towing if parked more than 72 hours in one spot. The vehicle must be moved 1 block or one tenth of a mile.

Enlarged Detailed RPP maps (PDF) click for enlarged image (download time may be long)

Types of Parking Permits

The following types of Parking Permits are available:

Annual Permit, Temporary Permit, Visitor/Rental Car Permits, Commercial Business Owner, Commercial Business Delivery Vehicles, Transfer a Permit

Transfer a permit Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Annual Permit?

Childcare, Caregivers, Company Vehicles, Carpools & Vanpools, Contractors, Fire Stations, Foreign Consulates, Military Personnel, Moving Van Permits, Press, Students, and Teachers in San Francisco.

How to get a Residential Parking Permit for your vehicle

You may download an application or obtain an application by visiting the SFMTA Customer Service Center at 11 South Van Ness Avenue.

Applications may be submitted in person or by mail with the following information appropriate to the applicant as detailed below.

Permanent Resident Permits

Annual Permit for Permanent Resident

For individuals with permanent residence addresses on blocks posted with RPP regulations. No more than four permits may be issued to a single address. For permits in excess of this number you must submit a written request to Manager, SFMTA Customer Service (please allow 10 business days for review).

Requirements:

Copy of valid California vehicle registration- must be in applicant's name with current permit address and vehicle license plate number. NO EXCEPTIONS.

One additional proof of residency- utility bill, current rental document, current vehicle insurance policy, bank statement or pre-printed check with resident's name and address or lease/rental agreement.

Completed application and payment for full year or half year if area expires in less than six months. A transfer fee from one vehicle to another with old permit returned may apply.

Temporary Permit for Permanent Residents

These are for individuals who have recently moved into an RPP area and do not have an updated vehicle registration reflecting residence address or those who have purchased a new vehicle and do not have a license plate number.

Confirmation of DMV address change must be obtained in person at the local DMV office (A DMV fee will be charged) in order to be issued an annual residential permit. Note: Change of address for Drivers License does not automatically change address for Vehicle Registration.

Requirements:

Copy of valid vehicle registration. For information on vehicle registration and address changes, please visit the Department of Motor Vehicles' Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov.

One additional proof of residency: utility bill, current rental document, current vehicle insurance policy, bank statement or pre-printed check with resident's name and address or lease/rental agreement. *(current is defined as less than three months)

Completed application and payment for two weeks (minimum) or four weeks (maximum).

For new/used vehicles without plates a 90 day temporary permit will be issued. The temporary permit will be converted to an annual residential permit once the license plate has been received. Replacement for V.I.N. to license plate number with Temporary permit returned- NO CHARGE.

Visitor/Rental Car Permits

Permits may be purchased by any individual with a permanent residence within an RPP area for visitor use or a rental car. Visitor/Rental permits can be issued for 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks.

1) Requirements for existing RPP permit holders: Completed application and appropriate payment amount:

2) Requirements for non RPP permit holders: If you do not have a registered car in San Francisco, but wish to obtain a visitor/rental permit assigned to your address then submit a completed application, appropriate payment amount and one proof of residency (utility bill, current rental document, current vehicle insurance policy, bank statement or pre-printed check with resident's name and address or lease/rental agreement).

Eligible vehicles shall be any automobile, truck, motorcycle or other self-propelled form of transportation not in excess of 6,000 pounds gross weight, and shall not include a trailer, a trailer coach, or a utility trailer, or any other type of vehicle as defined in the California Vehicle Code, whether separate from or attached to a motor vehicle (SEC 905. San Francisco Transportation Code). Parking Permits shall not be issued for vehicles for which notice of violation of parking rules and restrictions established by this Code is outstanding and unpaid (SEC 905. San Francisco Transportation Code).

Business Permits

The San Francisco Traffic Code allows for commercial business owners to obtain Residential Parking Permits if their business is located within an RPP area.

Fee amount for each permit listed below, and amount if area expiration date is less than six months.

Commercial Business Owner

For individuals who own or lease commercial property within a RPP area. Only one permit may be issued to any business address.

Requirements:

Copy of current commercial lease
Business tax registration certificate (copy of 501c3 certificate for tax-exempt, non-profit institutions).
Copy of current vehicle registration: Registered owner must be the same individual holding lease and business tax certificate. Business owner may assign this permit to one employee by providing a written approval on company letterhead.

Commercial Business Delivery Vehicles

For commercial delivery vehicles registered to a business address within an RPP area. A maximum of three permits for delivery vehicles may be issued.

Requirements:

Copy of current commercial lease
Business tax registration certificate- (copy of 501c3 certificate for tax-exempt non-profit institutions).
Copy of current vehicle registration - Registered owner must be the same individual holding lease and business tax certificate. Vehicles must display commercial license plates.

Replacement fee for V.I.N. to license plate number with Temporary Permit returned: No charge.

Vehicles eligible shall be any automobile, truck, motorcycle or other self-propelled form of transportation not in excess of 6,000 pounds gross weight, and shall not include a trailer, a trailer coach, or a utility trailer, or any other type of vehicle as defined in the California Vehicle Code, whether separate from or attached to a motor vehicle (SEC 905. San Francisco Transportation Code).

Parking Permits shall not be issued for vehicles for which notice of violation of parking rules and restrictions established by this Code is outstanding and unpaid (SEC 905. San Francisco Transportation Code). Vehicles registered out of state or to other individuals will not be permitted.

Transfer a Permit

Permits can be transferred in the following circumstances (a transfer fee will apply):

Within the permit area:

• At the same address, from one plate to another plate. Both plates must be registered to the same RPP account holder.

• For a vehicle transferring from one address to another address within the same permit area.

You may apply for a transfer via mail on in person at the SFMTA Customer Service Center. Submit a completed application (Beginning July 1, 2012 use this application). Supply a copy of the California DMV registration showing the applicant’s name and address within the permit area and return the original permit to be transferred. Permits cannot be transferred if there are delinquent parking citations on the plate

Permits cannot be transferred from one area to another. You must apply for a new permit in the area to which are moving.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Annual Permit

You may obtain replacement permits by mail or in person. Complete the application form and mail or bring it to the Customer Service Center. A transfer fee is required for the following. If applying by mail, make your check payable to SFMTA.

Additional requirements:

• Damaged Permit: Return the damaged permit (or remnants) for a replacement permit.

• Car Sold with Permit Attached: Provide a DMV Release of Liability or a sales receipt, displaying plate number and/or VIN

• Permit Damaged in Accident: Provide accident report or bumper repair documentation/receipt, displaying plate number and/or VIN

Miscellaneous Permit Categories

Childcare Permits (NEW)

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is authorized upon application to issue one transferable parking permit to residents of a residential permit area for use by persons who provide childcare of a minor 12 years of age and under.

Permits are to be issued only to approved blocks that have previously petitioned the SFMTA to allow the issuance of childcare permits. Residents of a street block can petition to be eligible for childcare permits by using this form. Ten signatures are required for blocks with 19 or more living units. Blocks with fewer than 19 living units can submit a petition with at least 50 percent of living units in support of the childcare permit.

Vehicle registration is not required for Childcare Permits however, proof of residency as described in the application requirements must be provided. Complete a child care affidavit signed by the resident and provide copies of birth certificates of the child or children for whom childcare will be provided.

Childcare permits will count toward one of the four residential parking permits allowed to be issued to a single address.

Renewal

You may renew your childcare permit by mail or in person at the SFMTA Customer Service Center, 11 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103. When mailing, label envelopes ATTN: Residential Parking Permit. Please supply your renewal notice, a completed child care affidavit signed by the resident, and the fee for your permit area when applying for renewal. Renewals do not need to attach birth certificates for each child.

Caregivers

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is authorized upon application to issue additional parking permits to residents of a residential permit area for use of persons who provide health care or other related essential services on a regular basis for the resident applicant. Permits are to be issued only under certification from a licensed physician--under penalty of perjury--that such services are required. There is a limit of up to three additional permits for this purpose.

In addition to the application requirements described on our Residential Permit page, please provide the following:

Application using resident's name and address, with caregiver's name listed above the resident's, and the vehicle information appropriate to the caregiver.
Current California vehicle registration in the licensed caregiver's name.
Completed medical affidavit signed by the resident's licensed physician and the licensed caregiver. A new updated affidavit must be provided each subsequent year for permit renewal.

Carpools/Vanpools

For information on how to cerate a new Carpool Permit Parking area, please see Section 908 of the Transportation Code, Division II, Article 900.

Vanpool Parking Zones & Permits
Vanpools with permits are allowed to park at any meter with a time limit of an hour or more, or in time limited parking zones with a time limit of an hour or more--except zones that have
7-9 a.m. or 3-6 p.m./4-6 p.m. towaway hours or other restrictions.

Vanpool permit parking is reserved for vans of seven to 15 people. This program is administered in coordination with the 511 Regional Rideshare Program. See our Vanpool Permit Fact Sheet (PDF) and download an Employment Verification Form (PDF).

For questions regarding the Regional Rideshare Program please contact the 511 Regional Rideshare Program directly at 510.273.3600 , or call "511" and follow the phone prompts.

Company or Leased Vehicles

Residents in a permit area who drive a vehicle registered to or leased by their employer may purchase a residential permit for the vehicle, if the vehicle is for his or her exclusive use.

In addition to the application requirements described on our Residential Permit page, please provide the following:

Current California vehicle registration in the employer company or vehicle leasing company name. If a leased vehicle is not in a company name, it must be registered in the resident's name and address.
Proof of employment of the resident by the company. Acceptable verification shall be a letter from the company verifying the resident's employment.

Military Personnel

Active on-duty military personnel living in a permit area in San Francisco may purchase a residential permit even if their vehicle is not registered to that address.

In addition to the application requirements described on our Residential Permit page, please provide the following:

Current vehicle registration from any state within the US.
Proof of active military duty assignment.
Second proof of residency (additional utility or phone bill, current rental document, current vehicle insurance policy, etc.).

Foreign Consulates

The SFMTA is authorized upon application to issue up to two additional parking permits to foreign consulates within a residential permit area for exclusive use of consular employees.

In addition to the application requirements described on our Residential Permit page, please provide the following:

Application with the consulate address.
Current California vehicle registration in the employee's name.
Letter on consular letterhead requesting a permit for the employee.

Students

Full-time students at a higher educational institution within San Francisco who are living in a permit area may purchase a residential permit.

In addition to the application requirements described on our Residential Permit page, please provide the following:

Current California vehicle registration in the student's or parent's name. Students with vehicles registered out of state are not eligible to purchase a permit.
Official document from institution showing current course enrollment of twelve units or more, or a letter from the institution registrar's office verifying current full-time student status. Student identification cards are not accepted as proof of full-time status.

Teachers

The SFMTA Parking and Traffic Division determines the number of permits issued per school.

Requirements:

School Administrator or designated representative must determine which teachers receive or share permits.
Permits are issued to teachers only, and are not available to other school employees.
All teachers must present a copy of their current vehicle registration in their name along with a copy of their teacher license and/or credentials.

Changes and Replacements:
All changes and/or replacements must go through the school administrator or designated representative.
There is a fee for each permit change or addition.
Replacement permits available at no charge if permit originally issued to a new vehicle without a license plate.
To receive replacement permits, teachers must present a copy of vehicle registration showing assigned license plate number.
There is a fee to replace lost or stolen permits.

Additional Information:
Permits are valid from September 1 through September 30 of the following year and must be renewed annually.
A maximum of four vehicle license plate numbers may appear on each permit.
School administrator must notify the Residential Parking Permit office in writing if the school moves, AND return all permits. Replacement permits will be issued.
School administrator should ask teachers to return all permits at the end of the school year so that the school can apply for permits for summer session teachers.

Contractor Permit Information

NOTE: San Francisco Transportation Code 906 (B)(5) has been changed to include the following language: The permit may not be used at a parking meter within one thousand five hundred feet or three blocks, whichever is greater, of the Contractor's registered principal business address or any satellite office unless persons are actively engaged in loading and unloading of materials and supplies. Enforcement will begin after July 19, 2012.

Contractor Parking Permits may be issued to commercial vehicles used by a business holding a California Contractor's license for a trade related to construction or pest control services. Vehicles possessing a Contractor's permit are allowed to park at Parking Meters and in Residential Parking Permit areas, subject to the restrictions detailed in the San Francisco Transportation Code. Parking in yellow metered zone is subject to time restrictions.

New Contractor Permits are issued by the SFMTA throughout the calendar year, but all Contractor Permits expire on May 31 of each year. Renewal notices are sent to all permit holders each year in late March.

Eligibility

Contractor permits are issued only to trucks or vans that have commercial license plates. All eligible vehicles must have the company name and State Contractor's License Number permanently displayed on both side panels of the vehicle in lettering a minimum height of one and one-half inch. Inspection is required on all new vehicles. Other vehicles may be re-inspected at the discretion of the Department.

Permits will not be issued to any vehicle with one or more outstanding parking citations. Outstanding parking citations may be paid at the SFMTA Customer Service Center by credit card, cash or a check made payable to the SFMTA. They can also be paid online at www.sfmta.com or by phone at 415.701.3099. Payments should be made prior to submitting the permit application.

Application Processing

All Contractor applications will be processed by mail only. The Contractor Application form on this Web site can be printed and submitted for new or renewal permits. Please send the completed application to SFMTA CONTRACTOR PERMITS, 11 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103. Please submit the following for each vehicle: copy of current business tax registration certificate, copy of current contractor's license, copy of valid vehicle registration, and a separate check for each permit. If one payment is submitted for multiple vehicles, the check will be returned.

Once the application is processed, permits for vehicles not requiring an inspection will be mailed. Please note that the application process can take up to three weeks, and early submission is encouraged for faster processing. If an inspection is required, you will be notified by mail. Vehicles passing inspection will be issued permits at the time of the inspection.

Fees

The fee for 2013/2014 Contractor Permits is $876.00 if paid before July 1, 2013. July 1, 2013 fees will increase to $920.00 with a prorated fee of $460.00 beginning December 1, 2013. (Applications for the prorated fee will be accepted no earlier than November 18, 2013.) All permits will expire on May 31, 2014 regardless of purchase date

Press Permit Information

Press Vehicle Parking Permits may be issued to news organizations, media outlets, freelance reporters or photographers with a current Press Card issued by the San Francisco Police Department.

Requirements:

You must first obtain a Press Pass from the San Francisco Police Department’s Media Relations Unit. To obtain your Press Pass, visit 850 Bryant Street, Room 553 to apply for and receive your press pass. You will need to bring (2) 1” x 1” color photos of yourself. Any questions should be directed to sfpdmediarelations@sfgov.org or call 415.553.1651.
Upon receiving your press pass from SFPD you can then apply for your Press Vehicle Parking Permit(s) from the SFMTA via one of the following options:
- Email scanned copy of completed application to cityparkingpermits@sfmta.com. You will be contacted within three business days to schedule permit payment and pick-up. OR
- Mail completed application and payment to: SFMTA Customer Service, 11 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103 - ATTENTION: Press Vehicle Permits. Make checks payable to “SFMTA.” You will receive your permit(s) within ten business days in the mail. OR
- If you are unable to provide a scanned copy of your application in advance via e-mail, please contact cityparkingpermits@sfmta.com to schedule a time to submit the application and payment in-person.
SFMTA will verify all Parking Permit applications with SFPD's most recent list of Press Pass holders.

Further information regarding Press Vehicle Parking Permit eligibility and restrictions can be found here. Parking Permits are issued throughout the year, but all permits expire on December 31st. Send in your application early to ensure you receive your permit before January 1

Fire Stations

For information on permits for fire stations, please call 415.701.3000.

Moving Van Permits

As of November 19, 2012 the SFMTA is responsible for the posting of temporary parking signage for moving trucks or vans.

Residential Permit Parking Limitations

Prompted to investigate by citizen complaints, the SFMTA found that there are more than 700 households in the City that maintain between four and, in the most egregious case, twenty-seven residential permits. This is approximately two percent of all residential permit holders. While the RPP Program is an important public service, limitations had to be established if priority residential parking was to be maintained.

On June 19, 2001, the Parking and Traffic Commission passed Resolution 152-01-PTC, urging the Board of Supervisors to amend the Traffic Code to allow the Department to place a limitation on the number of permits per household. On June 3, 2002, the Board of Supervisors passed Ordinance No. 88-02, which amends the Traffic Code to state that no more than four Residential Parking Permits may be issued to a single address.

Residents may file a written request to:

Manager SFMTA Customer Service
11 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103

Include all relevant vehicle information and the reason for the request in your letter to be considered for a waiver to obtain additional permits. The Ordinance establishes a graduated fee increase structure for permits above the four permit limit.

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