The purpose of the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program is to ease the impacts of non-resident parking in neighborhoods along streets where space is limited and may be adjacent to commercial properties. Aspects of the program include the implementation of designated areas and times for resident-only parking and the issuance of parking permits for residents and their visitors.
Check what residential parking permits you may apply for
If your street participates in the Residential Permit Parking Program, you can check permit details, such as allowed permits per household and parking restrictions for your block, in the Permit Eligibility Listing.
You can also view a larger map of residential parking permit eligibility. This map contains options to search for addresses, instructions on applying for permits and more.
Permit Renewal Calendar and Pricing
There are two different renewal periods. We encourage residents to renew their permits before the expiration deadline below as there is no grace period for permits. Please check the street/zone/color district in the Permit Eligibility Listing to see what renewal period you are in.
- Orange area permits (the area around the University of Texas campus) expire on July 31 of each year.
- All other color area permits expire on Dec. 31 of each year.
Yearly Permits
- There are two types of yearly permits: resident vehicle decals and visitor hangtags.
- No more than two visitor hangtags can be purchased per residence.
- Each residence has a limit on the number of permits and types of permits that can be purchased.
- The maximum number of permits total that can be issued is six (6). That is, any combination of decals and hangtags cannot exceed six (6).
- For the Mueller area, the maximum number of permits total is two (2). That is, any combination of decals and hangtags cannot exceed two (2).
Yearly residential parking permit | Permit Cost* |
1st permit | $20 |
2nd permit** | $25 |
3rd permit | $30 |
4th permit | $35 |
5th permit | $60 |
6th permit | $70 |
*Prices shown do not include sales tax (8.25%). All permits are subject to sales tax.
** Mueller residences are limited to two permits.
Day Parking Passes
Day passes are $5 each, plus sales tax. Each eligible residence in the Residential Permit Parking Program can purchase scratch-off day passes at the time of yearly permit purchase or at any time throughout the permit year. To be eligible for day passes, a resident must have purchased yearly permits for their residence.
How to Apply for Residential Parking Permits
Before you apply, required submission items include:
- Copy of identification card such as driver license
- Proof of residency
- A current lease/mortgage agreement
- Utility bill issued within the last 30 days
- Driver license if residential address is current
- Payment made by credit card, exact cash, or checks made payable to the City of Austin.
Email application for permits
- Fill out the application and attach copies of identification and proof of residency to ResidentialParking@austintexas.gov.
- Payment can be handled in two ways:
- Pay over the phone with a credit card once the application is verified by staff. If paying over the phone, you can choose to receive permits by mail to the address listed on the application or pick up permits in person. If picking up permits, an identification card is required for verification.
- Schedule an appointment and pay in person once you receive confirmation from City staff that permits are ready.
Apply for permits in person by appointment or walk-in
The Transportation Public Works Department's Residential and Commercial Parking Permitting Office is now open for both scheduled appointments and walk-ins.
To schedule an appointment, email ResidentialParking@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-7857. Alternatively, feel free to visit us during any regular weekday, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for immediate walk-in service.
To save time, please feel free to fill out the below paper application before your visit:
- Download the Permit Purchase Application (PDF)
- La aplicación de permiso para estacionamiento residencial (PDF)
For a smooth process during your visit, ensure to bring the following items:
- A completed application
- Identification card
- Proof of residency
- Payment (Options: exact cash, credit cards, or checks payable to the City of Austin)
Visit us today at:
Residential and Commercial Parking Permitting Office
1501 Toomey Road
Austin, TX 78704
To view the new RPP rules, click here.
Submit your street for Residential Permit Parking
If you currently do not have Residential Permit Parking on your block and would like to learn more about the applying for the program please visit this webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Residential Permits
- Why do I have to pay for permits?
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The Residential Permit Parking program is funded partially by the fees charged for each permit. These expenses consist mainly of the fabrication and installation costs of “Residential Parking” signs, routine maintenance, and enforcement of the zones.
- Do I have to buy the permits?
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No, it is up to the homeowner if they decide to purchase permits each year. Homeowners can purchase permits any time of the year, but although there are set expiration dates for permits, there is no proration for permits purchased at any time.
- What if I lose a permit?
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Report lost permits to the City of Austin. Replacement permits will cost the next permit price unless the maximum number of permits has been purchased in which case the cost is $75.78 with tax. If the old permit is found, it may not be used again and is subject to citation if used.
- What if I receive a citation but I had my permit displayed?
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All parking disputes are handled by the Austin Municipal Court. Additionally, permits are just one aspect of parking regulations. Please remember you must still follow all city and state ordinances regarding safe parking practices.
- How many renewal areas are there and what is the difference between them?
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There are two renewal areas in Austin one for January and one for August. The difference between them is their location. The August to August renewal area is around the University of Texas to help the students moving in around that area.
- Where can my guests park?
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Participating residences are allowed a number of visitor passes as outlined in the Permit Eligibility Listing. If you are expecting a number of people beyond the number of allowed visitor passes, you can purchase day passes for visitors through our office. Day passes are good for a 24-hour period and cost $5.41 per permit. Day passes are available to residences that have already purchased yearly passes.
- Whom do I contact if I have non-permit holders parking on a street designated only for residents?
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Report parking issues to Austin 3-1-1 by phone or through the mobile app under “Parking Enforcement.” You can also email complaints to ResidentialParking@austintexas.gov. Parking enforcement has a dedicated residential parking enforcement officer who will respond to such complaints.
- Who can enforce the residential parking areas?
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All parking enforcement officers, the Austin Police Department, and other police agencies that have the authority to write citations for parking violations can enforce residential parking areas. Residential parking signs are just like any regulated sign and can be enforced at any time. A dedicated parking enforcement officer enforces residential parking and will respond to complaints within residential parking areas. Enforcement is routine and is not only conducted if a resident sends a complaint.