Moving Permits 101: How To Get a Parking Permit for Moving

Who Is Responsible for Getting the Moving Permit?

Ultimately, the person moving is responsible for getting and displaying a moving permit, though some moving companies—or building owners—may offer to help with the process. However, because many cities require signs to be posted a few days before the start date, this can create problems for people moving to a new city.

In this situation, you have a few options. You can:

• Arrive a few days ahead of schedule and post the notices yourself.
• Ask someone you know in the area to post the signs for you.
• Work with your moving company to pull the permit and post signs. Be sure to verify in advance that your movers offer this service.
• Use a third-party company, such as Permit Puller, that can help you apply for permits and post signage in advance.

How to Get a Parking Permit for a Moving Truck: Step-by-Step

Preparing your moving truck parking permits in the weeks leading up to your move doesn't just take a potential stressor off your plate — it also ensures you won't be scrambling to find a place for your truck on the day of. To make sure you have plenty of time to acquire your permit, follow the timeline below.

Parking Permit Application Timeline

Step 1: Check City Parking Rules

Before you apply for anything, check your city's parking rules. Every city is different: some require permits even when parking is typically available, while others may not require a permit at all.

You may need a parking permit if:

• Your city has restricted parking zones.
• There is limited street parking.
• Your mover avoids parking on private driveways for liability concerns.
• You're moving to a shared building with a loading dock.
• You live in a crowded neighborhood or HOA.

To check your city's parking rules, search the city name and "moving truck parking laws." The city's official page should come up, detailing local restrictions. If you have further questions, contact your local government by phone.

Step 2: Apply Online or In Person

Moving permits are typically handled by your city's traffic or parking department, and applications can usually be found on the online portal. However, if you want to apply in person or your city doesn't offer an online application, you can visit City Hall or a local Parking Clerk office to pick up a physical copy and submit it by email, by standard mail, or in person.

Be sure to complete the application at least 3 weeks prior to your move, and keep in mind that approval may not come quickly.

For your application, be prepared to submit:

• The dates and times you need
• The parking location
• Your contact information
• The vehicle information
• Payment

Step 3: Reserve Parking Spaces

Though reserving specific parking spaces is part of the application process, it requires specific attention on your part. For starters, you can't just request any old parking space. A moving truck is much larger than a standard vehicle, and you'll need clearance behind it to unload cargo.

Parking Space Guide for Various Truck Sizes

This assumes an average parking spot length of 18', so if you're moving to a busy city like NYC, you may need more.

Step 4: Post Temporary No-Parking Signs

When you apply for a moving permit, the city will often provide you with no-parking signs to be posted in the area. You're responsible for displaying these signs, so keep this information in mind:

• Requirements for temporary no-parking signs vary by city, but most require a 2- to 3-day buffer.
• Signs should be posted in conspicuous locations so other drivers won't miss them.
• If there are no trees or poles next to the spots, consider using weighted stands to keep the notices in place.
• Signs cannot obscure existing traffic signs.
• Consider laminating the signs to prevent weather damage.

If your signs aren't properly displayed, your spot might not be officially reserved, and that means you won't be able to have illegally parked cars towed on the day of the move.

Step 5: Display the Permit on Moving Day

A physical copy of your moving permit must be displayed on the day of the move to notify passing law enforcement that you're permitted to park in the temporarily restricted spots. Place the permit on the dashboard of the moving truck, and ensure all relevant information, such as the date and time, is easily visible.

What Happens If You Don't Get a Moving Truck Permit?

If you don't acquire a moving permit before the day of the move (or if you don't follow the city's rules), you may be subject to:

• Towing
• Parking tickets
• Other fines

In addition to legal consequences, you may not be able to get a spot close to your building. You'll face delays unloading, and you may have to either extend your truck rental while you wait for a spot or carry your belongings farther than planned.

Benefits of a Moving Permit for Parking

Whether you're doing a DIY move or hiring a team of movers, reserving a spot close to your building saves time and money.

Movers often charge based on the time it takes to complete a job, so if they need to travel farther for each box and piece of furniture, it costs you more. They could also charge a "long carry" fee, which is when the distance between your front door and the moving truck is longer than average.

It also avoids potential legal consequences, such as parking tickets and fines. Not to mention, it'll prevent a bad first impression with your new neighbors, too.

Alternatives to a Moving Truck Parking Permit

If you can't or don't want to get a moving truck permit, you have a few options. You can:

• Take advantage of permit-free days. If you're moving to a major city, like Boston, check whether they designate permit-free zones on historically busy days, such as college move-in day.
• Park in a private driveway or parking lot that you have claim to.
• Use a visitor parking pass. Some cities that don't require moving parking permits offer nonspecific visitor parking passes for smaller vehicles.
• Request to use a loading dock (if available). It's a separate process, but it doesn't require a moving parking permit.

5 Cities that Require Moving Permits

These are some of the biggest cities in the US that require a moving permit:

1. Washington, D.C.: D.C. offers an online application for a 16-hour parking permit. Signs must be posted 72 hours ahead of time in non-metered spaces and 24 hours in advance in metered spaces, and they must be removed immediately after.
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cambridge has applications for both moving vans and containers. Van permits are applicable for 2 consecutive days, while containers are good for up to 3. You can also call (617) 349-4700 for more information.
3. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago provides a step-by-step demonstration on how to apply for its Occupy Right-of-Way permit, which can be applied to moving vans.
4. San Francisco, California: SFMTA offers online applications for temporary tow-away no stopping (TANS) signage required for moving truck parking. Applications are required to be submitted a minimum of 5 days before the move.
5. Seattle, Washington: Seattle requires a Temporary No Parking Zone Reservation for moving vans to use curb space. These reservations aren't applicable to already-restricted zones, but you may be able to call (206) 684-5086 for special cases.

Moving Permit Cost and Process, City by City