Parking Department

Welcome to Somerville! If you have a car, you’ll need to get a residential parking permit. New residents can get a temporary permit for free, which is valid for up to 30 days. After that, you’ll need to get a residential parking permit, which costs $40. The city is divided into eight zones, and permits are valid for up to one year (depending on the date of the permit purchase and the zone's expiration date).

Vehicles parked in a residential zone without a residential parking permit, temporary parking permit, or a visitor pass will be subject to ticketing. If you have applied AND paid for your residential parking permit but haven’t received the physical permit yet, your vehicle will not be ticketed. You can apply for your permit online, by mail, by dropping off a completed application in the secure dropbox at the Parking Department office (133 Holland Street) or in person during regular business hours. Here’s how to do each:

Apply for Your Permit Online

Follow these steps carefully to apply for your permit online. Permits applied for and paid for online can be issued and mailed in as few as four business days.

• 1. Pay Any Outstanding Tickets
• Tickets may be paid online or by calling 844-807-9069.
• 2. Gather Your Materials
• You’ll need a copy of your vehicle registration showing that your car is garaged in Somerville. Learn how to amend your registration.
• You’ll also need proof of residency, like a gas or electric bill. Leases only count as proof for temporary permits. See what qualifies as proof of residency.
• 3. Submit Your Application
• Apply online here.
• You're not done yet. You will be prompted to pay in a few days after your application is approved.
• 4. Important! Watch Your Email Inbox
• You will receive an email from the Parking Department confirming or denying your application within two business days of submission. Be sure to check your Spam folders.
• 5. Submit Payment
• If your application has been approved, follow the instructions in your approval email to pay for your permit.
• Your permit will be issued and mailed within two business days of payment receipt.

Apply for Your Permit by Mail, Dropbox, or In Person

1. Gather the materials listed below in one envelope. Applications must include the following:

• Completed applicant information. Print these forms or write out the requested information on a sheet of paper:
• Residential Parking Permit Application
• New Resident Temporary Parking Permit Application
• Copy of proof of residency, like a gas or electric bill. Leases only count as proof for temporary permits. See what qualifies as proof of residency.
• Copy of current valid registration in resident’s name and/or proof the resident is an authorized driver from an insurance company.
• Check or money order in the amount of $40 per vehicle, made out to "City of Somerville." Note: There is no charge for residents 65 years of age and older, or for residents with handicap placard or plate. Please provide a copy of proof of age or handicap placard.

2. Mail it to the City of Somerville Parking Department, 133 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144, leave it in the secure dropbox at the Parking Department, or bring it to the Parking Department during regular business hours.

3. Your application will be approved or denied within two business days if submitted by mail or dropbox. If approved, your permit will be issued and mailed immediately. If denied, someone from the Parking Department will contact you. Applications submitted in person will be processed immediately.

Residential parking permits and visitor passes are valid for up to one year (depending on the date of the permit purchase and the zone's expiration date). After that, you’ll need to renew.

Obtaining a resident permit gives you the ability to park on city streets.  The permit does not guarantee availability of parking.

Residential permit renewals are $40 each. Visitor pass renewals are $20 each for two-day passes and $40 each for three-day passes. There is no charge for residents 65 years of age and older, or residents with a handicap placard or plate.

You can renew your permit or visitor passes online, by mail, or by dropping off a completed application in the secure dropbox at the Parking Department office (133 Holland Street). Here’s how to do each:

Renew Your Permit or Visitor Pass Online

Follow these steps carefully to renew your permit or pass online. Permits and passes renewed online can be issued and mailed in as few as four business days.

• 1. Pay Any Outstanding Tickets
• Tickets may be paid online or by calling 844-807-9069.
• 2. Gather Your Materials
• You'll need a copy of your vehicle registration showing that your car is garaged in Somerville. Learn how to amend your registration.
• You'll also need proof of residency, like a gas or electric bill. Leases only count as proof for temporary permits. See what qualifies as proof of residency.
• 3. Submit Your Application
• Renew your permit online using your previous permit number. Renewals are open three months prior to the expiration of the current permits.
• If you moved in the past year, you have to create a new account online. You cannot update the address of an existing account.
• You're not done yet. You will be prompted to pay in a few days after your application is approved.
• 4. Important! Watch Your Email Inbox
• You will receive an email from the Parking Department confirming or denying your application within two business days of submission. Be sure to check your Spam folders.
• 5. Submit Payment
• If your application has been approved, follow the instructions in your approval email to pay for your permit or passes.
• Your permit or passes will be issued and mailed within two business days of payment receipt.

Renew Your Permit or Visitor Pass by Mail, Dropbox, or In Person

1. Gather the materials listed below in one envelope. Applications must include the following:

• Completed applicant information. Print these forms or write out the requested information on a sheet of paper.
• Residential Parking Permit Application
• Visitor Parking Pass Application
• Copy of proof of residency, like a gas or electric bill. Leases only count as proof for temporary permits. See what qualifies as proof of residency.
• Copy of current valid registration in resident’s name and/or proof the resident is an authorized driver from an insurance company.
• Check or money order made out to "City of Somerville." Residential permit renewals are $40 each. Visitor pass renewals are $20 each for two-day passes and $40 each for three-day passes. Note: There is no charge for residents 65 years of age and older, or for residents with a handicap placard or plate. Please provide a copy of proof of age or handicap placard.

2. Mail it to the City of Somerville Parking Department, 133 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144, leave it in the secure dropbox at the Parking Department, or bring it to the Parking Department during regular business hours.

3. Your application will be approved or denied within two business days if submitted by mail or dropbox. If approved, your permit will be issued and mailed immediately. If denied, someone from the Parking Department will contact you. Applications submitted in person will be processed immediately.

If you’re a Somerville resident, you can buy up to two visitor parking passes for your guests. Two-day passes cost $20 and a three-day pass costs $40 (limit one three-day pass per household). Passes for residents age 65 or older and for drivers with handicap plates are free. If you’re looking for a different type of visitor pass, like an extended pass or a healthcare professional pass, see “Other Permits” below.

You can apply for visitor passes online, by mail, or by dropping off a completed application in the secure dropbox at the Parking Department office (133 Holland Street). Here’s how:

Apply for Your Visitor Passes Online

Follow these steps carefully to get your visitor passes online. Passes applied for and paid for online can be issued and mailed in as few as four business days.

• 1. Pay Any Outstanding Tickets
• Tickets may be paid online or by calling 844-807-9069.
• 2. Gather Your Materials
• You'll also need proof of residency, like a gas or electric bill. Leases only count as proof for temporary permits. See what qualifies as proof of residency.
• 3. Submit Your Application
• Apply online here.
• You're not done yet. You will be prompted to pay in a few days after your application is approved.
• 4. Important! Watch Your Email Inbox
• You will receive an email from the Parking Department confirming or denying your application within two business days of submission. Be sure to check your Spam folders.
• 5. Submit Payment
• If your application has been approved, follow the instructions in your approval email to pay for your permit or passes.
• Your permit or passes will be issued and mailed within two business days of payment receipt.

Apply for Your Visitor Passes by Mail, Dropbox, or In Person

1. Gather the materials listed below in one envelope. Applications must include the following:

• Completed applicant information. Print this form or write out the requested information on a sheet of paper.
• Copy of proof of residency, like a gas or electric bill. Leases only count as proof for temporary permits. See what qualifies as proof of residency.
• Check or money order made out to “City of Somerville.” Two-day permits are $20 each, and a three-day permit is $40 (limit one three-day pass per household). Note: There is no charge for residents 65 years of age and older, or for residents with a handicap placard or plate. Please provide a copy of proof of age or handicap placard.

2. Mail it to the City of Somerville Parking Department, 133 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144, leave it in the secure dropbox at the Parking Department, or bring it to the Parking Department during regular business hours.

3. Your application will be approved or denied within two business days if submitted by mail or dropbox. If approved, your permit will be issued and mailed immediately. If denied, someone from the Parking Department will contact you. Applications submitted in person will be processed immediately.

Somerville employers and employees can get parking passes for themselves or for nanny/childcare purposes. Since you can’t apply online, you’ll need to know a few things first:

• You’ll need a copy of your vehicle registration (must be MA or a neighboring state), a copy of a payroll stub or letter of employment, and a check or money order if you’re paying by mail.
• You can apply in person at 133 Holland St., by mail, or by email. You’ll need to submit this application with your other paperwork. If you apply by email, you can pay in person when you pick up the permit
• The fee is $150/year for on-street parking and Magoun Square lots. The permit is valid for up to one year (depending on the date of the permit purchase and the zone's expiration date).
• The fee for Davis Square lots is $100/month. You can buy 3, 6, and 12-month packages.
• If shifts are longer than 10 hours, you’ll need to pay the cost for two permits.
• Click here for more information.

Please note that because space is limited, we cannot guarantee that all permit requests can be fulfilled.

You can get a business visitor pass for your clients or customers, or if you have a short-term employee. Here’s how:

• You’ll need to prove that you’re the owner of the business. Company letterhead and business cards are acceptable forms of proof. You’ll also need a check or money order if you apply by mail.
• You can apply in person at 133 Holland St., by mail, or by email. You’ll need to submit this application with your other paperwork. If you apply by email, you can pay in person when you pick up the permit.  
• The fee is $200 for a one-year pass and $50 for a three-month pass.
• If shifts are longer than 10 hours, you’ll need to pay the cost of two permits.
• Click here for more information.

Please note that because space is limited, we cannot guarantee that all permit requests can be fulfilled.

We offer a variety of parking permits for different needs. Below, you’ll find links to applications and additional information for each.

Building Contractor Permit
Application | More Info
Contractors, handymen, plumbers, electricians, and others making commercial service calls can get permits for $35 per month. Vehicles do not need to be registered in Somerville. Day use only. To get an overnight parking permit for unmarked commercial vehicles registered in Somerville, scroll down to the Residential Commercial Vehicle Overnight Permit section.

Commercial Vehicle Day Parking Permit Application
Application | More Info
Commercial vehicle owners may purchase parking permits for vehicles with writing or decals on them for $50 per year.

Consideration Permit
Application | More Info
If you’re planning an event at your home and there isn’t enough parking on-street, you can get a Consideration Permit at no cost. A visitor pass or proof of residency is required.

Extended Visitor Permit
Apply Online | Application | More Info
Need more than a 2 or 3-day visitor permit? The cost for extended visitor permits is $25 for 3-7 days, and $35 for a 30-day permit.

Handicap Parking Spaces
Application | More Info
Drivers with disabilities who do not have access to off-street parking can get permanent Handicap Parking Spaces at no cost. To learn about how you can obtain a handicap parking placard or plate, click here. 

Health Care/Home Professional Permit
Application | More Info
If you are a home health care provider for a Somerville resident, you can get a Health Care/Home Professional Permit for $40 per year.

Landlord Permit
Application | More Info
If you’re a landlord and you live outside of Somerville, you can get a Landlord Permit for your property to be used by yourself or a maintenance company. The cost is $60 per year for 1-9 property addresses and $100 per year for 10 or more property addresses.

Landlord Viewing Permit
Application | More Info
You can get a Landlord Viewing Permit to lend to potential renters who want to see your property. The cost is $60 per year.

Loading Zone Request
Application | More Info
You can ask the City to create space for a business loading zone by filing a Loading Zone Request.

Medical Caretaker Permit
Application | More Info
Caretakers of Somerville residents can get Medical Care Permits for $40 per year.

Military Parking Permit
Application | More Info
Military personnel on orders living in Somerville can get Military Parking Permits for free.

Moving Van or Container
Application | More Info
If you’re moving to the City, you can reserve street space for your Moving Van or Container. The cost is $40 per day for up to three days.

Private Way Petition
Application | More Info
You can authorize the City to tow any vehicles that park on your private property by filing a Private Way Petition.

Professional Artist Permit
Application | More Info
If you have a studio space in Somerville, you can get a Professional Artist Permit for $75 per year.

Realtor Parking Permit
Application | More Info
Real estate agents showing properties in Somerville with a valid MA Realtor License may purchase permits for $60 per year.

Religious Organization Parking Permit
Application | More Info
Religious Organizations that would like to provide permits to their patrons may purchase them for $40 per year.

Rental Parking Permit
Application | More Info
Somerville residents in need of a temporary vehicle may obtain a rental parking permit for $35 for up to 30 days. A resident who holds a valid resident parking permit can get a rental permit for free.

Residential Commercial Vehicle Overnight Permit
Application | More Info
Residents driving commercial vehicles for personal use without commercial decals or markings can get a Residential Commercial Vehicle Overnight Permit (12-6 a.m.) for $25 per year.

Waiver Application for Addresses with Resident Permit Restrictions
Application | More Info | List of Restricted Addresses
Residents of new developments in Transit Areas that may be "choice limited" can apply for a waiver of the restriction on receiving a resident parking permit. Waivers are available for persons with disabilities, occupants of affordable dwelling units, and residents with extenuating circumstances.

Parkmobile does not own, operate, manage or enforce the parking areas. They do not issue tickets and cannot excuse them for you. Instead, please follow the instructions below for appealing a ticket within the City of Somerville. You can log on to your Personal Pages online at parkmobile.io to obtain a receipt for your parking session.

You can appeal a ticket quickly and easily online! Here are a few tips:

• You can upload up to 3 documents to support your appeal.
• If you decide you want to pay your ticket online instead, you'll be given a link to do so.
• If you don't pay or appeal a parking ticket within 21 days...
  • Late fees may be added to the ticket amount.
  • We will schedule an in-person appeal hearing for you automatically.
  • You'll receive a late notice and appeal date in the mail approximately 45 days after the ticket was issued.

Appeal a Ticket Online

Please note: Handwritten tickets issued by Somerville Police may not be available for appeal online or by phone but can always be appealed by mail or in person. Contact 311 with any questions.

You can also appeal your ticket by mail. Send a copy of the ticket (along with a signed operator statement and any supporting documents) to Parking Department, 133 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144. A decision will be mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks.