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Parking and permit FAQs

Answers to frequently asked parking and permit questions

Click the drop-down menus below to learn answers to frequently asked parking and permit questions.

How long does it take to receive my permit?

Parking permits are usually issued within 10 business days by post or pick-up.

What are the rules for vehicles registered outside NSW?

For private vehicles registered interstate, a temporary 6-month permit may be issued. Interstate-registered company vehicles are not eligible for a resident parking permit.  

It is compulsory to change your car registration to NSW, but it is not compulsory to change your licence to NSW. If you do not wish to change your driver's licence to NSW, you will need to provide us with 2 types of identification.  

If the vehicle registered interstate is a company car, then a yearly permit may be issued if your application includes a letter (on company letterhead) that’s signed by an appropriate company officer. It should state that you normally use the vehicle and that it is registered interstate in the company name.

What vehicles are not eligible for residential and/or visitor parking permits?

Pool or hire cars, trucks, buses, trams, tractors, caravans, box trailers, horse floats, boat trailers or any other vehicle that weighs over 4.5 Tonnes GVM. 

How long does it take to issue permit/s, if approved?

When you have completed the online application including any applicable payment, you will receive the permits by post (standard or Registered Post options) within 10 business days. Alternatively, you can choose to collect the permits from our Customer Service desk if indicated on the application form.  

I have a new car but live at the same address, do I need to apply again?

Yes, a new application is required as your vehicle registration has changed, and the vehicle registration is listed on the permit. An updated permit will be posted to you to display on your new car windscreen.

How can I transfer or swap permits between cars?

Residential and Parks Parking permits cannot be transferred between vehicles because the permits display the car registration number. Your permit must be permanently affixed to the lower passenger side of the windscreen of the vehicle for which it has been issued. 

You will need to apply for the new vehicle permit by providing the updated registration papers as well as the current registrations of all the cars parked at the address.  

Visitor Parking Permits can be transferred between cars. 

If you bring home different vehicles from your workplace each night, or if you have borrowed a vehicle that’s registered in someone else’s name, you are not eligible for a residential permit but can use the Visitor’s Parking Permit that has been issued to you. If you wish to permanently transfer a permit from one vehicle to another, a new Residential Parking Permit is required. 

What should I do if my parking permit is lost, stolen, or damaged?

If your original residential parking permit is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged, you can apply for a replacement permit with Photo ID. 

What are restricted properties, and how do they affect parking permits?

If you live in a new property, you may not be eligible for a residential parking permit. Check if your property is eligible for a parking permit by contacting the Customer Experience Team on 02 9911 6555.

Often, multi-unit residential developments are not eligible for residential parking permits. This is to mitigate traffic congestion from new developments and protect existing on-street parking from excessive demand. Building owners and real estate agents must inform prospective buyers and tenants about any relevant restrictions.

How are off-street vehicle parking spaces determined?

Off-street parking includes driveways, garages and carport areas. If you have off-street parking, you are required to use it, regardless of the difficulty of parking in that space. 

You are not eligible to apply for a permit if your off-street space is unusable for reasons within your control, such as the size or weight of your vehicle.  

Off-street parking is deemed to be available where it can accommodate a medium-sized passenger vehicle; the area per vehicle is calculated at 5.4m x 2.4m. 

In determining whether an off-street parking space exists, the following points will be considered:  

  • Accessibility by a vehicle
  • The presence of a garage door or roller door
  • The existence of a vehicular kerb ramp
  • The presence of a carport or garage structure
  • Evidence of the space being used for parking
  • Any approved or registered plans.

When you apply for parking permits, you will be required to disclose on the application form how many off-street parking spaces you have. We will maintain a record of off-street parking supply at each eligible residential or business address. 

Feel free to contact us on 02 9911 6555. if you have any questions or if you are unsure of your eligibility for permits.