Get information about parking in Wilmington

  • 1. What has changed?

    The City of Wilmington has implemented a new schedule for the renewal of residential parking permits. The program will no longer have staggered renewal dates by zone. Rather, residents residing on the west side of I-95 will need to renew their permits by January 2024.  Residents residing on the east side of I-95 will need to renew by July 2024. All permits will have a two-year renewal date thereafter.

    In addition, the City will be returning to the issuance of physical stickers for your vehicle. This will serve as a reminder when your vehicle is due for renewal. The City will continue to use our Residential Parking Permit (RPP) system using License Plate Recognition technology to determine if your vehicle has permission to park in a specific Residential Parking Permit Zone. (Note: Not valid for metered parking spaces).

    You are encouraged to provide an email address and telephone number when applying for or renewing your permit. The City will be sending a reminder email and text message 60 days and 30 days before the renewal period.

  • 2. How do I apply for a residential parking permit?

    The City of Wilmington will provide three options for the renewal or replacement of your Residential Parking Permit (RPP). All three options must have the proper documents uploaded or attached.

    Online
    The City of Wilmington will be introducing a new residential parking permit portal soon. Until the new site is launched, please use the Fax and Mail options submit your Digital Residential Parking Permit Application.

    Fax
    Fax the remittance with a copy of your driver’s license and registration to Digital Residential Parking Permits at (302) 571-4087.

    Mail
    City of Wilmington
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    Department of Finance
    800 N. French Street, 1st Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801

  • 3. What documentation is needed for a digital residential parking permit?

    If you currently have a Residential Parking Permit, you will need to provide proof of residency, in the form of:

    1. a copy of your valid driver’s license; and
    2. a copy of your vehicle registration

    If you are a new resident, please provide copies of the following four documents:

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

  • 4. How do I apply for a digital residential parking permit if I have multiple vehicles registered to the same address?

    Follow the guidelines in Question #3, being sure to upload the registration cards for each vehicle. One household may have up to 4 permitted vehicles.

  • 6. How often do I have to renew my permit?

    Digital Residential Parking Permits are to be renewed every two years. Beginning in 2023, permits for residents on the west side of Interstate 95 will need to renew by January 2024. Those residents on the east side will need to renew by July 2024. Permits will expire every two years thereafter.

  • 5. Is there a fee for the digital residential parking permit?

    No fee is required for your Digital Residential Parking Permit.

  • 7. What if I owe an outstanding balance to the City of Wilmington, Delaware for a parking citation or red-light violation?

    Any outstanding parking citations and/or red-light violations must be paid before a Digital Residential Parking Permit will be issued or renewed.

  • 8. Does this change affect how I request a guest parking permit?

    Not at this time. Guest Parking Permit applications can be found at our City’s website: www.WilmingtonDE.gov/residents/parking-in-wilmington/guest-parking-pass. Requests may also be made via email: GuestPass@WilmingtonDE.gov or by calling 311 within city limits or (302) 576-2620 from outside city limits.

  • 9. Does the permit exempt the holder from other parking regulations?

    No. Permit holders must continue to obey all other parking regulations, including safety regulations such as not parking too close to a fire hydrant or a corner, at a bus stop or in a tow-away zone.

  • 10. How is the Digital Residential Park Permit Program enforced?

    Parking Regulation Enforcement Officers (PREOs) make rounds of the permit district to enforce the posted time limit(s). When a vehicle without a Digital Residential Parking Permit is parked overtime, it is ticketed. Permitted vehicles will also be ticketed if the permit has expired.