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Revised and Simplified Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Process Becomes Effective January 1, 2023

No action is required now by currently registered permit holders who have already been extended

Mayor Mike Purzycki wants to improve Wilmington’s parking enforcement system by issuing fewer tickets but still maintaining parking order on city streets. The Mayor says fewer tickets will result in fewer hassles for city residents and City government. So, we are pleased to announce a revised Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program that takes effect January 1, 2023, and the best part is that current RPP holders don’t have to do a thing.

What Is the RPP? 

Residential Parking Permit (RPP) holders are exempt from time limits in their residential zones but must obey all other regulations.

RPPs are digital and use License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology for enforcement. Residents utilize web-based technology to apply for, receive, and renew their RPP. All outstanding parking citations and/or red-light violations must be paid before a RPP is issued.

Digital RPP frequently asked questions

About the New and Improved RPP

  • Currently, each of our 26 RPP zones has a different renewal deadline, leading to confusion and missed renewals. Beginning January 1, all permit zones east of Interstate 95 will have the same renewal deadline of June 30, and all permit zones west of Interstate 95 will have the same renewal deadline of December 31, reducing our number of deadlines down to two. That means there will be 24 fewer permit renewal deadlines for people to be confused about or miss.

  • The City is also extending the RPP for two years each time you renew instead of the current one-year.

  • If you live east of Interstate 95, your current permit is valid through June 30, 2024. You don’t have to do anything now because we’ve already extended your permit for the next year and a half. The only thing you’ll have to remember is to renew your permit again in June of 2024 and it will become effective for two years through June of 2026.

  • If you live west of Interstate 95, your current permit is valid through December 31, 2023. You don’t have to do anything now because we’ve already extended your permit for the next year. The only thing you’ll have to remember is to renew your permit again in December of 2023 and it will become effective for two years through December of 2025.

  • To help you remember when to renew your RPP, you will receive a renewal notice 60 days prior to the renewal date and second notice 30 days prior to expiration.

Important Exceptions to Remember

  • If you move from one parking zone to the other (east to west or vice versa) let the City know immediately by dialing 311 so we can update your account.

  • If your registration and license plate number changes for any reason, or if there is a change in ownership of the registered vehicle, notify us immediately so we can update your account.

  • If you are a new City resident, you must apply for an RPP when you move into your home. New residents applying for an RPP within three (3) months of the next renewal date will be granted the permit for the next two-year cycle.

How to Apply for an RPP

Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing your RPP, replacing your RPP, or adding a vehicle, you have three ways to apply:

  1. Online (apply here)
    This is the preferred and most efficient method. Please allow up to 5 business days for processing.

  2. Fax (print application form here)
    Fax the remittance along with a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration to Digital Residential Parking Permits at (302) 571-4087.

  3. Mail (print application form here)
    Department of Finance
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 1st Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Obtain a Temporary RPP

A temporary permit gives new residents time to transfer vehicle registration and driver’s license to the address for which the RPP is requested. To obtain a temporary RPP, apply using the links above, and please provide:

  • a copy of your driver's license;
  • a copy of your vehicle registration;
  • proof of your address, in the form of a lease or deed, and
  • a utility bill.

Delaware residents moving to Wilmington may receive a 30-day RPP.

Out-of-state residents moving to Wilmington may receive a 90-day RPP.

More Information

For more information on RPPs, call 311 within city limits or (302) 576-2620 from outside city limits.