How to Get a Permit

1. Check to see if you are eligible.

   For Residents:

   Use this map for guidance on where RPZs are in effect. Or you can use our lookup tool to see if your address is eligible for an RPZ permit.

   For Businesses:

   Use the map to see if your business is located in an RPZ. 

   If your business is located within a Southeast Link Light Rail Zone (Zone 16, 28, 29, 30, or 31) Employees are eligible for RPZ permits. Click here to apply online.
   

   For all other areas: SDOT considers requests for Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) permits for employees within an RPZ based on specific criteria. If you think your business would meet the criteria, fill out an application.

2. Click here to apply online. Each Zone operates on it's own two-year cycle. Permits renew by Zone cycle, not two years from the date of purchase. Click here to see permit expiration dates. 

3. Provide documentation. You will be asked to submit the documentation listed below. Click here for conditions of use.

• Current proof of residency showing your name and address, dated within the last 30 days. This can be a bill, bank statement, paycheck stub, a letter from your previous address that has been forwarded to your new address and has the yellow sticker from the post office showing a date and your new address, lease or rental agreement (leases and rental agreements will only be considered if signed within the past 30 days. Unsigned or electronic leases will not be considered current proof of residency), or any properly dated business type mail (undated “junk” mail or mail addressed to “resident” is not proof of residency) other than mail from our office.
• A copy of your current Washington State Vehicle Registration. Your vehicle must be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing (WA DOL) in your name and at your address. Titles, temporary registrations and bills of sale are not accepted. Out-of-state registration is accepted only for active duty military personnel providing proof of their status, or out-of-state students providing proof of non-resident status. If your name does not appear on the vehicle registration, you may not qualify to receive a decal for your vehicle. Click here for information on how to add your name to the vehicle registration certificate.
• For a low income permit, please submit documentation of income. Acceptable documentation for a low income permit is available here.

In person or by mail

We encourage you to apply online. Using a paper application to apply in person or by mail will increase processing time. If you must use a paper application, click here to download the application for your zone.

Submit by mail

You will need to include with your completed application, the documentation listed above and a check or money order, made out to the City of Seattle.

• Send application, documents, and payment to:

Seattle Department of Transportation
Traffic and Parking Permits
PO Box 34996
Seattle, WA 98124-4996

• You will receive your permits by mail approximately 10 days after your application is received.

Submit in person

• Along with your completed application, you will need to bring the documentation listed above. For payment, we accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, check, and money order. 

• You can find us at:

Traffic and Parking Permits Counter
37th Floor
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Ave (5th & Columbia)

Contact us:

For questions about RPZ permits please call or email us. We can be reached Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 pm at (206) 684-5086, or rpzinfo@seattle.gov.