Starting today, January 2, 2025, residents of Cambridge can begin the renewal process for their 2025 Resident or Visitor Parking Permits. These permits can be obtained in person at 344 Broadway or through the city’s official website at www.cambridgema.gov/rpp. It is essential to renew your permit by March 31, 2025, to avoid any inconvenience.
For those who prefer online services, renewal has been available since December 1, 2024. Residents are urged to apply for their renewal before March 2, 2025, to ensure the timely arrival of their permits by April 1. Beginning next year, permits will be mailed out starting at the beginning of January.
In-person renewals will commence on January 2, 2025, at the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department located at 344 Broadway. Residents can use either a 2024 or 2025 parking permit for parking in designated “Parking by Permit Only” areas from January 2 to March 31, 2025. However, starting April 1, 2025, only the 2025 parking permits will be accepted.
To apply for a parking permit, residents will need to provide proof of residency. This can include a utility bill or two pieces of mail dated within the last 30 days, showing their name and Cambridge address. If the vehicle registration is at a different address, proof of residency must match the vehicle registration. Notably, residents who have held a permit for three consecutive years at the same address are not required to present proof of residency again.
Vehicle registration requirements include having the vehicle registered in Massachusetts under the resident’s name, listing the Cambridge residential address, and displaying a garage code in Cambridge.
Permit fees are relatively modest: $25 for a Resident Parking Permit, which allows one Visitor Parking Permit per household, and $25 for a Visitor Parking Permit for households without a vehicle. Additionally, permits are available at no cost for residents aged 65 or older or for those with a disability plate or placard. It’s important to note that residents with outstanding parking tickets will not qualify for new permits.
For further information, residents can visit the Department of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Parking Permits webpage.
In a delightful highlight, the featured image for the 2025 Resident Parking Sticker was chosen from 275 submissions. Mary Leno’s photograph of Richard B. Modica Way, commonly known as “Graffiti Alley,” showcases this vibrant 80-foot stretch of graffiti and street art in Central Square, which has become a significant cultural landmark in the city. Described as a “source of daily inspiration,” Graffiti Alley continues to attract artists from across the globe, reinforcing the city’s commitment to artistic expression and community identity.
This renewal period presents an opportunity for residents to ensure they are compliant with local regulations while celebrating the incredible artistic spirit of Cambridge.