Residential Permit Parking Program

Before you start the online application, please note that you will need electronic copies (.jpg, .tif or .pdf) of the following:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license)
• Proof of residency (only a current signed lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill or electric/gas/landline telephone/water bill will be accepted)

Vehicle registration is no longer required, but you will need the license plate number of the vehicle you wish to permit.

Permit Parking Portal
Permit Portal FAQs(PDF, 161KB)

Required documentation:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license)
• Proof of residency (only a current signed lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill or electric/gas/landline telephone/water bill will be accepted)
• Permit application form

Vehicle registration is no longer required, but you will need the license plate number of the vehicle you wish to permit.

Mail in copies of all required documents along with your completed application to:
Parking Services
2700 Impound Lot Rd.
Columbus, OH 43207

If you have received an email stating you may renew your permit, log into your account and select the permit you wish to renew by clicking the “renew permit” icon on your permit dashboard and adding it to your cart for payment. For low-income permit renewals, updated documentation will be required for review and approval. 

Resident Permit Application(PDF, 572KB)
Business Permit Application(PDF, 538KB)
Institutional Permit Application(PDF, 537KB)
Property Owner Application(PDF, 559KB)

Permit Parking Appeals Form(PDF, 435KB)
Resident Permissive Use Form(PDF, 538KB)
Permit Portal FAQs(PDF, 161KB)

A Parking Permit is a virtual permit that is linked to a permit holder's license plate or guest license plate to be exempt from the posted parking restriction (time limit) or payment (where applicable) in a designated permit zone. The permit does not exempt a permit holder from No Stopping/Parking Anytime, Street Sweeping restriction or OSU football game day restrictions.

Note: Permits cannot be used for boats, trailers, RV’s, campers, etc.

There are different types of permits:

• Resident Permit: A virtual permit designated for a specific permit zone and linked to a license plate number that allows that vehicle to park legally, exempt from the posted restriction, within the designated permit zone.
• Guest Permit: A virtual permit designated for a specific permit zone and linked to a license plate number that gives a resident guest permission to park legally, exempt from the posted restriction, within the designated permit zone.
• 24-Hour Guest Pass: A virtual permit designated for a specific permit zone and linked to a license plate number that gives a resident guest permission to park legally for up to 24 hours, exempt from the posted restriction, within the designated permit zone.
• Business Permit: A virtual permit designated for a specific permit zone and linked to a license plate number that gives a business owner, manager or employee permission to park legally, exempt from the posted restriction, within the designated permit zone.
• Institutional Permit: A virtual permit designated for a specific permit zone and linked to a license plate number that gives an institution guest or employee permission to park legally, exempt from the posted restriction, within the designated permit zone.

A Permit Zone designates where permits are valid. Permit Zones are primarily residential streets with posted signage designating a specific Zone and permit-oriented parking restrictions. 

• Resident Permit: Residents who live at an eligible address located within the boundaries of the Permit Zone may apply for permits. Note: Multi-family developments built after Dec. 31, 2008, are not eligible for permits and should contact the property manager for off-street parking options.
• Guest Permit and 24-Hour Guest Pass: All addresses eligible for a Resident Permit are eligible for one Guest Permit and 24-Hour Guest Passes with the exception of Permit Zones UDB and UDC. No guest privileges are available for UDB and UDC.
• Business Permit: Most businesses located within the boundaries of a Permit Zone are eligible for permits. See map to confirm eligibility.
• Institution Permit: Institutions located within the boundaries of a Permit Zone may be eligible for permits. Please contact Parking Services for more information.

If you have more residents living at your address than available permits, you can file an appeal. Please complete the Permit Appeals Form(PDF, 435KB) and send to parkingservices@columbus.gov. 

Please review the Eligibility Requirements for your designated Permit Zone to determine the cost of a permit.

Check out this helpful video with step-by-step instructions for applying for permits, renewing permits, changing your license plate, requesting 24-hour guest passes and more. Here are some FAQs(PDF, 161KB) to provide written instructions.

• No more standing in line at Parking Services to apply in person. Now, you will be able to apply for, renew and manage your parking permit through our online customer portal. If you are not comfortable using the online system, Parking Services staff will still assist you in person at our facility at 2700 Impound Lot Rd.
• No more stickers on your vehicle. Your license plate will serve as your virtual permit. Virtual permit parking is enforced using license plate recognition (LPR) technology. Enforcement officers capture license plate images when digitally marking a vehicle for movement and identifying permit holders. Images are deleted daily, unless a vehicle is issued a parking citation and then the image is attached to the citation as evidence of the parking infraction.
• Get a new car? Simply log into your account and update your license plate number. You will no longer be required to supply your vehicle registration when applying for a permit. If you need to change the vehicle assigned to your permit, log into your account and update the license plate number. Just remember, only one plate can be active on a permit.
• No need to keep track of guest hang tags. You will simply log in to your account to assign your guest’s license plate number to your guest permit. You can change the license plate on your guest permit at any time. There are no limits on the number of times you can change the plate associated with the permit. Just remember, only one license plate at a time can be active on the guest permit. You can store frequent guest license plates in your account for easy access.
• Having a party and need guest passes? Simply log in to your account and purchase 24-hour guest passes. You may purchase up to 300 24-hour guest passes for $2 each through your online account. You will be required to assign your guest’s license plate to the pass.
• Permits no longer expire on Jan. 31. Permits are valid one year from your purchase date. Permit fees will no longer be prorated if purchased mid-year.
• Only one account needed per address. All eligible residents living at the address will manage their permit through the primary account holder. 

The Division of Mobility and Parking Services is actively working to improve mobility and parking options in the German Village and surrounding neighborhoods. We recognize that the character of the neighborhood is unique and requires a customized approach to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. For more information, click here.