Washington, DC Moving (Trip) Permit: Truck Parking & Fees

Permit Summary

Permit status

Permit required

Official permit name

Parking/Occupancy Permit — Moving Truck

Authority

District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Fee

The current public-space fee schedule lists a $50 fee for a residential moving-truck temporary occupancy permit, with a 2-day maximum. District regulations also impose a 10% technology fee on each public-space permit. Additional charges apply when parking meters are taken out of service; TOPS calculates the final amount for the location and requested occupancy.

Processing time

DDOT's moving-truck guidance states that many applications may be approved automatically. If an application is not automatically approved, DDOT says to allow up to 2 weeks for processing. Meter-out-of-service requests must be submitted at least 7 working days before the activity.

Inspection required

Sometimes

Moving Permit Scope

Permit Scope

The Moving Truck Parking/Occupancy Permit regulates short-term private use of District public space for a residential moving truck, including reserving curbside parking and parking in an alley. DDOT treats moving trucks and moving storage containers as temporary occupancy/parking permit events in TOPS.

Moving Equipment Covered

The Moving Truck event covers residential moving trucks using public space. Portable moving/storage containers use a separate Moving Storage Container event in the same temporary occupancy permitting system.

Vehicle Eligibility Rules

DDOT's moving-truck guidance is directed to a moving truck serving a residential property and does not state a special plate or residency requirement for the truck. The truck must use legal parking space and obey posted restrictions. A separate oversize/overweight vehicle permit is required when applicable vehicle dimension or weight thresholds are exceeded.

Moving Container Rules

A moving/storage container placed in public space uses the separate Moving Storage Container temporary-occupancy permit path. DDOT materials state that containers at a residential property may remain in public space for no more than 5 days and are limited to 2 containers. Emergency No Parking signs must be posted at least 72 hours before placement, and the public-space permit must be posted on the outside of the container.

Parking & Reserved Space

Reserved space size

DDOT requires applicants using metered curb space to state the approximate footage needed and notes that one parking space is approximately 20 feet. DDOT's moving-truck guidance does not publish one fixed curb-length allowance for every moving-truck permit.

Location Restrictions

Moving trucks may park only in legal parking spaces and may not violate posted rush-hour or street-sweeping restrictions. Parking in an alley still requires a permit. DDOT states that driving across or blocking a sidewalk with a moving truck is prohibited.

Metered Parking Rules

If the requested curb space includes parking meters, DDOT requires a meter-out-of-service request at least 7 working days before the activity. The request must identify the affected meter numbers, dates and times, and approximate footage; one parking space is approximately 20 feet. Meter-related lost-revenue charges may apply in addition to the moving-truck permit fee.

Timing & Permit Duration

Application lead time

DDOT does not publish one universal minimum application lead time for every ordinary moving-truck request. Its moving-truck guidance says non-automatically approved applications may take up to 2 weeks. If parking meters must be taken out of service, the request must be submitted at least 7 working days in advance. Applications also must be completed early enough to satisfy required sign-posting lead times.

Maximum permit duration

Residential moving-truck permits are issued for no more than 2 days.

Temporary No Parking Signs

No parking signs required

Sometimes

Sign posting lead time

For the moving-truck reservation to be enforceable, DDOT states that Emergency No Parking signs must be posted at least 72 hours before the truck arrives at unmetered locations and at least 24 hours ahead at metered locations.

Sign Posting Rules

When Emergency No Parking signs are needed, they are issued with the approved permit. Permit holders can print permits and signs through designated DDOT/MPD kiosks after approval and payment. Signs must be posted for the approved location and times with the required advance notice; insufficient advance posting can make the reservation unenforceable.

Enforcement & Street Restrictions

Enforcement / Towing Rules

DDOT states that the temporary no-parking restriction is enforceable only after the required advance posting period: 72 hours at unmetered locations or 24 hours at metered locations. District parking enforcement can ticket vehicles violating Emergency No Parking restrictions, and vehicles may be towed or relocated under District enforcement procedures.

Traffic / Street Restrictions

A moving truck must remain in legal parking space and comply with posted rush-hour, street-sweeping, and other curb restrictions. Driving across or blocking a sidewalk is prohibited. Separate DDOT oversize/overweight permitting applies when the vehicle exceeds applicable size or weight limits, and metered curb occupancy requires the meter-out-of-service process.

What You Need Before Applying

Requirements

Apply through DDOT's Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS) for the Moving Truck Parking/Occupancy Permit when a moving truck will occupy public space, including a street or alley. Provide the move location and dates, identify whether metered parking is involved, comply with posted parking restrictions, and obtain and post Emergency No Parking signs when curb space must be reserved.

Exemptions

DDOT states that a public-space permit is required to park a moving truck on a street in front of a residence and also to park in an alley. Activity that does not occupy District public space is outside the scope of the public-space permit; DDOT's moving-truck guidance does not state a general exemption for street or alley parking.

Required Documents

Applicants must register in TOPS and complete the electronic application. Information includes the move address/location, requested dates and times, and whether metered parking spaces are involved. For meter-out-of-service requests, provide the meter numbers, specific dates and times, and approximate curb footage needed. TOPS may require uploaded supporting materials when indicated by the application.

How to Apply

Go to Official Application

Official Sources

Last verified: September 24, 2026