Guide to Moving in Boston: Permits & Parking Stickers

Moving to Boston isn’t always as easy as backing up the moving truck. You’ve seen some of the streets in the North End or on Beacon Hill … will the moving truck even fit? And are you allowed to block traffic on a one-lane cobblestone while you unload it? What if you have a car but your home is a historic building that predates garages and parking lots? Will you have to fight tourists for street parking every day?

We have the answers here – the Boston relocator’s guide to permits and parking stickers, what you need to know to navigate the streets and your move without running afoul of Boston’s Finest.

 

Boston Moving Permits

The first thing you need to understand is the system of Boston Moving Permits. These permits allow you to temporarily park a moving truck on limited curb space. It also empowers the city to post temporary “No Parking” signs in the space reserved for your truck. 

Moving permits are especially necessary in dense neighborhoods like:

• Back Bay

• Beacon Hill

• North End

• South End

• South Boston

• Charlestown

 

You will need to apply for this permit through the City of Boston prior to your move date. You may apply online up to 15 days prior to your moving date. If you're looking for a last minute permit, you may apply in person at City Hall up to 3 days before move in date. If you hire a moving company, check with them - they may handle the permits for you! Note that if multiple trucks are needed, you can only reserve one spot per address at a time.

The permit does not guarantee that your desired space will be empty. You will need to post or have posted “No Parking” signs in compliance with City rules.

 

Boston Resident Parking Permits

Many Boston curbs are for resident-only parking. Once you establish residency in such a neighborhood, you will need to apply through the City for a Resident Parking Permit. 

You will need to furnish proof of residency and proof of registration of the vehicle with the City of Boston before you can obtain the proper parking permit. 

 

Moving-To-Boston Parking Checklist

• Apply for your moving permit well in advance — it can take time to process. 

• Confirm the moving truck dimensions so you know it fits on the street and how much space to reserve for it.

• Post temporary “No Parking” signs by the required deadline.

• Check for street-cleaning and other parking restrictions you might have to work around.

• Coordinate permit requirements with your moving company, if you have one.

• Update your vehicle registration and registered address.

• Apply for a resident parking permit when you have verification of your new address and registration.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far in advance should I get a Boston moving permit?

A: You must submit your moving permit request at least 15 days in advance. You can submit your request up to 8 weeks in advance, but not before. If you are mailing your permit application instead of applying in person, make sure to add another 7-10 days.

Q: How much does a Boston moving permit cost?

A: The current cost is $69. This includes the equivalent of two parking-space lengths and two temporary “No Parking” signs. If you want to park your truck in metered parking spaces, an additional $40 charge applies.

Do I need a resident parking permit if my building has private parking?

A: No, resident parking permits only apply to public streets, not to your building’s private parking space