Moving can be an overwhelming life event. So picture how much more daunting moving becomes, if on the big day, your moving truck can’t park on your street.
Some cities, some towns – and even some suburban residential areas – require parking permits or signage for moving trucks. Some local governments will not issue permits directly to a business. Therefore, the responsibility of applying for the permit falls on the resident.
These permits let moving companies legally park their truck in front of your new home while they load or deliver your goods.
However, permits are not only for professional moving companies. If you decide to move your own belongings, some areas still require you to display a permit indicating your purpose.
While some cities allow you to walk in to pick up “no parking” signs, some require applications ahead of time. That is where we are here to help.
Below is a list of cities and towns in the Washington, D.C. area where moving truck parking rules apply.
Alexandria, VA: Parking permit required
To apply for a permit in Alexandria, Virginia, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/. Applications can be submitted via email, at TESpermits@alexandriava.gov, or in person at Construction Permits and Inspections Section, Room 4130, City Hall,
301 King Street, Alexandria, VA.
To obtain permits for temporary reserved parking , you need to know how many spaces you will need. There is 20 feet to a space. A maximum of 5 spaces can be reserved for moving.
You need to know the exact location where you want the spaces reserved: address, which side of the street (north, south, east or west). If the spaces are metered, you should know the meter number(s) which can be found inside the glass.
Residents need to apply for reserved parking signs no later than 12 p.m. three full business days prior to when they need the parking spaces.
Annapolis, MD: Permit required
The City of Annapolis announced changes to receiving temporary parking permits to comply with a new City ordinance. In addition, the process for purchasing permits will temporarily change while upgrades are made to Annapolis Parking’s online purchasing portal.
Beginning Friday, May 31, 2019 and until further notice, all temporary parking permits must be purchased in-person Monday through Friday at the Annapolis Parking office at 60 West Street, Suite 106 or online Monday through Friday (and prior to 12 p.m. on Fridays).
Arlington, VA: Permit required
To apply for a permit in Arlington, Virginia, visit: https://topics.arlingtonva.us/permits-licenses/.
Residents need to apply for reserved parking signs, in person, three full business days prior to when they need the parking spaces.
Baltimore, MD: Permit required
To apply for a curb lane closure or meter bagging in Baltimore, Maryland, please call the Office of Minor Privileges, Department of Transportation at 410-396-6865. You can use their online form to request the permit as well.
However, the best way is to go to in person to 200 Holliday Street, Rm 6 in Baltimore, request a form and bring cash or credit card The application for temporary use of a right away is only good for one parking space. You will need to reserve three parking spaces.
Don’t forget post your parking signs 72 hours in advance of the restrictions and take a picture of them and email to parking.permits@baltimorecity.gov.
Bethesda, MD: Depends on area
If it’s a residential parking only area, moving trucks need a permit. If it’s metered parking, residents need to feed the meter for the moving truck. If there’s no signage posted, then moving trucks are free to park. To request meter bagging in Bethesda, Maryland, call the Montgomery County DOT at 240-777-8740. Meter bagging requests are due one week in advance.
Columbia, MD: No parking permit required
While moving trucks do not need parking permits in Columbia, Maryland, it is important to make sure vehicles are not impeding traffic.
Easton, MD: No permit required
While moving trucks do not need parking permits in Easton, Maryland, it is important to make sure vehicles are not impeding traffic.
Falls Church, VA: No permit required
Service or delivery vehicles are allowed to park in a residential area in Falls Church, Virginia for up to 8 hours within a 24-hour period without the use of a permit. If you need vehicle parking for more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period, call the Falls Church police department at 703-241-5053.
Frederick, MD: Permit required
To obtain “no parking” signs in Frederick, Maryland, visit the Parking Department at 2 South Court Street or call 301-600-1429.
Gaithersburg, MD: Parking ermit required
To obtain “no parking” signs in Gaithersburg, Maryland, email the City of Gaithersburg Department of Public Works at publicworks@gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6370.
Leesburg, VA: Depends on area
For downtown Leesburg parking, residents can purchase meter bags for $10 per day per space to reserve on-street parking for loading and unloading when movers need more than two hours. To purchase meter bags in Leesburg, Virginia, visit the Finance Counter on the first floor of Town Hall at 25 West Market Street.
Reston, VA: No permit required
Moving trucks are allowed to park in residential areas in Reston, Virginia for up to 48 hours. Vehicles cannot impede traffic.
Rockville, MD: No permit required
Marked service vehicles, which are engaged in business to a household, are exempt from needing a parking permit in Rockville, Maryland.
Silver Spring, MD: Depends on area
If it’s a residential parking only area, moving trucks need a permit. If it’s metered parking, residents need to feed the meter for the moving truck. If there’s no signage posted, then moving trucks are free to park. To request meter bagging Silver Spring, Maryland, call the Montgomery County DOT at 240-777-8740. Meter bagging requests are due one week in advance.
Washington, DC: Parking permit required
To apply for reserved parking permits in Washington, D.C., visit their online parking portal.
The DOT may issue reserved parking permits for residential moving trucks for up to two days. District law requires that residents post signs 24 hours in advance at metered spaces and 72 hours in advance at non-metered spaces.
If you want us to add the parking restrictions in your area, please leave us a comment below.
Disclaimer: This list is not inclusive of every locality in the metropolitan area. We advise you to confirm the regulations in your area with your local municipality or police department at least a week before moving day.