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Stefanie Cox, Parking Division Director

Frequently Asked Questions for Residential Permits

Here you can find some of the most commonly asked questions about our Residential Parking Permit Program and the regulations established for the City of Madison.  If you cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out to parking@cityofmadison.com for additional assistance.

Applying for a Permit

When should I apply for a Residential Parking Permit?

Permits for the current permit year, September 1, - August 31, can be purchased anytime online or in person during office hours.

Permits for the following permit year, September 1, - August 31, can be applied for beginning in July.  These permits will not be mailed until mid-August.  In-person permitting for the following year will begin August 15.

Apply Online


 

What if my address does not appear when I apply?

Please make sure you’re in an existing Residential Permit Area (map link).

You can also check whether your address is on the list of excluded properties 

The application software will have an easier time finding the correct address when you enter the smallest amount of information.  Please be sure to only enter the address number and street name when searching.

For example, if your address is 123 Example St, Apt 201 you would enter “123” and “Example” in the appropriate fields and then verify.

If your address is in a Residential Permit Area, is not on the list of excluded properties, and won’t appear with the basic information, please contact our office.

Do you prorate Residential Parking Permit fees?

No, we do not.  The entire fee is charged regardless of when the application is submitted or if the permit is issued.

Can I apply for a Residential Parking Permit for someone else?

No. We can only work with the actual permit holder or applicant, unless there is a power of attorney or other arrangement allowing for someone to speak on another's behalf. 

My application was rejected because the vehicle was not registered to me, how do I change my registration?

You are able to update your vehicle registration by calling the State of Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles at 608-266-1466.

My application was rejected, can I get a refund for the fee paid?

No.  Application fees are not refundable. This message appears at the start of the Residential Permit Parking application:

** Important **: Applying for a Residential Parking Permit costs $42, and permit application fees are not refundable regardless of permit approval.

If you have any concerns about your eligibility, please contact the Parking office at 608-266-4761 prior to paying.

Rules and Restrictions

Does my Residential Parking Permit allow me to ignore snow parking rules?

The Residential Parking Permit does not make you exempt from following winter parking rules.

Do you issue permits for visitors?

Unfortunately, not.  Per MGO 12.138, we are not able to issue temporary Residential Parking Permits for visitors.

My Information has Changed

I moved to a new Residential Parking Permit area, can I still use my old permit sticker?

Permits are valid for only the address, vehicle, and license plate for which the permit was issued

Any changes to this information require the return of your current permit and a new application for replacement.

Important:

  • Be sure to include your name and license plate number with your permit.
  • Failure to return the permit may result in permit revocation and/or a one-year ban on new permits being issued.
  • Replacements will not be issued without a majority of the original permit
    • A new permit will be issued at the full fee without a returned permit
  • Replacement permit fee: $11.00


 

What if I move outside of my permit area but have a current Residential Permit for my old address?

Permits are valid for only the address, vehicle, and license plate for which the permit was issued

Any changes to this information require the return of your current permit and a new application for replacement.

Important:

  • Be sure to include your name and license plate number with your permit.
  • Failure to return the permit may result in permit revocation and/or a one-year ban on new permits being issued.
  • Replacements will not be issued without a majority of the original permit
    • A new permit will be issued at the full fee without a returned permit
  • Replacement permit fee: $11.00

I now have a different vehicle, what do I do now?

Permits are valid for only the address, vehicle, and license plate for which the permit was issued

Any changes to this information require the return of your current permit and a new application for replacement.

Important:

  • Be sure to include your name and license plate number with your permit.
  • Failure to return the permit may result in permit revocation and/or a one-year ban on new permits being issued.
  • Replacements will not be issued without a majority of the original permit
    • A new permit will be issued at the full fee without a returned permit
  • Replacement permit fee: $11.00

I have a loaner vehicle while mine is in the shop, what do I do?

You would need to apply for a replacement permit.  This will be issued as a temporary permit.

  • Replacement permit fee: $11.00

Once the car has been returned to you, you can notify our office to have the original permit reactivated.

What are the typical reasons for replacement:

Change of license plate

  • If your temporary or permanent license plate changes for your permitted vehicle, you must get a replacement permit showing the new license plate number.
  • The original permit (all or part of it) must be removed from the vehicle and returned to the Madison Parking Division at the time you request a replacement permit.
  • Please bring a paper copy of your registration; it can take time for a new registration to become available to staff online.

Sell/Junk Vehicle or Replace Broken Windshield

  • If you sell or junk your permitted vehicle, be sure to remove your permit while you retain ownership.  
  • This also applies when you need to replace a broken windshield.
  • You will not be able to pay the replacement rate without a portion of the original permit issued.

Change of Address or Lease Extension

  • If you move to a different residential permit area, you will need a replacement permit for the new area.  
  • To complete your application you must surrender your old permit by mail or in person.

Theft

  • A replacement permit may be obtained only if theft of the vehicle is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Parking Manager or their designee.
  • Please be sure to complete a police report prior to contacting the Parking Division.

Change of Vehicle

  • Permits are valid for only the address, vehicle, and license plate for which the permit was issued
  • Any changes to this information require the return of your current permit and a new application for replacement.

 

General

I am not sure what to do next?

Please contact our office, we are happy to walk you through the process and help you figure out what the next steps are.

Can I get a refund?

Paying during the application process does not guarantee permit eligibility. If you are ineligible, your application will be closed, and you will be notified by email that you are ineligible.

Permit fees are not refundable regardless of approval status.

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