Parking on a D.C. street can feel like a puzzle when you’re moving, hosting guests, or interviewing contractors. If you know how Residential Permit Parking (RPP) and ParkDC visitor permits work, you can plan showings, move-ins, and everyday life without the stress. In this guide, you’ll learn the rules, fees, digital permits, and enforcement basics that matter when you buy or sell in Washington, D.C. Let’s dive in.
RPP basics: what it is and who runs it
RPP is a curb-management program that limits on-street parking on posted blocks to residents and their authorized visitors during signed hours. DDOT sets the rules and manages ParkDC permits, DC DMV issues the RPP designation during vehicle registration, and DPW and MPD handle enforcement. You can review program details on the ParkDC help center for an overview of how the system works and who does what. ParkDC’s help center explains roles and rules.
Getting an RPP on your vehicle
RPP privileges are tied to your D.C. vehicle registration. The RPP zone appears on your windshield sticker when you register or renew with DC DMV. You can only display one zone at a time and RPP only applies on blocks posted with RPP signage. See DMV’s Residential Parking Permits page for eligibility and steps.
Fees and discounts
DC DMV charges tiered annual fees when you register a vehicle with RPP:
- 1st vehicle: $50
- 2nd vehicle: $75
- 3rd vehicle: $100
- 4th and additional vehicles: $150 each
- One resident aged 65 or older per household may pay $35 for the first vehicle.
Fee policies can change, so confirm the current schedule on the DMV RPP page.
Moving or changing plates
If you move to another zone or change plates, update your registration so your sticker shows the correct RPP zone. Remove old stickers to avoid confusion. Steps and replacement guidance are on DMV’s RPP page.
Visitor parking with ParkDC
D.C. migrated visitor, contractor, and caregiver permits to the ParkDC digital system. Residents on RPP blocks create a Resident account and schedule visitor parking events by license plate. ParkDC confirms zones electronically and enforcement checks plates rather than dashboard placards. Start with ParkDC’s overview.
One permit per household
Each legal mailing address receives one Visitor Parking Permit. Roommates share the household permit. ParkDC issues permits to the tenant or household, not to a landlord for multiple units. Details are in the ParkDC help center.
Unlimited slot plus 2,160 hours
Your household’s visitor permit has two parts:
- An unlimited single-vehicle slot for one guest vehicle at a time.
- A pool of 2,160 multi-vehicle hours for additional guests scheduled at the same time. ParkDC tracks and allocates the hours. You can read the District’s overview of this allotment in a program update.
Scheduling and validity
You set start and end times for visitor vehicles in ParkDC. The unlimited single-vehicle slot can be scheduled up to six months in advance. Visitor permit accounts are valid for 365 days from the date you sign up. See the ParkDC help center for step-by-step instructions.
All-digital verification
As of August 1, 2025, D.C. verifies permits by license plate. Printing is not required, though ParkDC still lets you view or print for your records. The portal, kiosks, and a call center are available for access. Learn more on the ParkDC site.
Permits for contractors and caregivers
Contractor permits
Licensed contractors can obtain daily permits linked to your ANC. The cost is $10 per day, and the contractor must provide a written contract on business letterhead signed by the resident. Instructions are on the ParkDC contractor how-to page.
Home health aide permits
Home health aides can apply using a District HHA license or ID and must upload documentation as ParkDC requires. Permits are typically valid up to six months and can be renewed. See the ParkDC help center for documentation specifics.
School and institutional permits
DDOT also offers School Parking Zone tools and limited school-staff permits. ParkDC notes examples such as a $50 per school-year staff permit. Review eligibility on the ParkDC help center.
How a block becomes RPP
The 70/10 test
DDOT uses observation-based thresholds before designating a block. On at least one weekday observation, at least 70% of legal spaces must be occupied and at least 10% of parked vehicles must be from outside the proposed zone. These standards are set in the municipal regulations. You can read the rule text for the details of these thresholds in Rule 18-2434.
Petition and review
A petition signed by at least one adult in a majority of households on the block is typically required. DDOT then conducts field observations, coordinates with the ANC, and provides notice before final designation. In some cases, DDOT can act without a petition when criteria are met. See the process described in Rule 18-2434.
Enforcement and common pitfalls
Who enforces and how tickets are handled
DPW and MPD perform parking enforcement, DDOT manages signage and rules, and DMV adjudicates tickets. With ParkDC, officers verify permits by license plate. Read more about responsibilities on DDOT’s enforcement page.
ROSA and out-of-state plates
ROSA is D.C.’s process for tracking out-of-state vehicles. A visitor with a valid ParkDC visitor permit can still receive ROSA warnings or tickets if they keep out-of-state plates in the District. A visitor permit does not exempt ROSA requirements. See the DPW ticketing overview for how warnings and citations work.
If you get a ticket with a valid permit
If you believe you were cited in error, follow DMV’s standard contest process. ParkDC directs users to contest through DMV. Instructions are available through the program’s help center.
Buyer and seller checklist
- Confirm whether the block is posted for RPP and note the zone. You can view boundaries on the official RPP map.
- Budget for RPP fees if you will register a vehicle in D.C., and confirm any senior discount on the DMV RPP page.
- Plan visitor logistics. There is one household permit, an unlimited single-vehicle slot, and a pool of 2,160 hours for additional cars. Details are in the ParkDC help center.
- Hosting contractors or caregivers. Point them to ParkDC for contractor or HHA permits and keep required documentation ready. See the contractor how-to and help center.
- If you keep out-of-state plates during a transition, review ROSA rules since a visitor permit does not prevent ROSA enforcement. Learn more from DPW.
Buying or selling in D.C. is easier when you know how parking works on your block. If you’d like help aligning your move, showings, and permits with your timeline, we’re here to guide you. Connect with Marlene Aisenberg for local, people-first real estate advice.
FAQs
How does D.C.’s Visitor Parking Permit work for guests?
- One household permit covers an unlimited single-vehicle slot at a time plus a 2,160-hour pool for additional vehicles, scheduled in ParkDC.
Where are ParkDC visitor permits valid in D.C.?
- Visitor permits are valid only within the ANC printed on the permit, as managed by ParkDC.
Do I need to print a visitor permit for my dashboard?
- No. Since August 1, 2025, D.C. verifies permits by license plate and printing is not required.
Can my out-of-state guest avoid ROSA with a visitor permit?
- No. ROSA enforcement can still apply to out-of-state plates even when a ParkDC visitor permit is active.
What if I move to a different RPP zone after closing?
- Update your D.C. vehicle registration so your sticker matches the new zone. RPP is issued through DC DMV registration.
How can I use ParkDC if I don’t have internet access?
- ParkDC provides kiosks and a call center at 202-671-2631 to help residents schedule permits without internet access.
