Departments

Parking Permits

Director: Ian Sacs

Director’s Hours: M - F, 8:15 am - 9:30 pm
Administrative Hours: M - F, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Phone: (201) 653-1919
Fax: (201) 653-0069

The City of Hoboken is a vibrant city home to over 40,000 residents. To manage road congestion and ensure that residents, business, and visitors can enjoy street parking, local ordinances are strictly enforced. Please review this page carefully and identify the most appropriate parking solutions for yourself, your guests, or clients. Use the quick links below to jump to the appropriate section of this page.

Quick Links

Resident Parking Permit Overview

Residents may apply for parking permits at the Hoboken Parking Utility office, in City Hall. Be sure to bring all the documentation outlined below along with the $15 annual permit fee. Cars with a valid Resident Permit Decal may be parked in front of either the green “Residential” or the white “Permit” parking signs.

Do not place your permit on any vehicle other than the one registered in the parking utility system. Any abuse or misuse of a permit will result in its revocation.

Apply for a Permit: (Please review the FAQ below for documentation required to establish 1) Proof of Residency and 2) Proof of Vehicle Ownership or Primary Use.)

Fee:

1st Decal $15
2nd Decal $30
3rd Decal $90

All rates are per address, per unit, per decal.  Any more than 3 decals will cost $90.00.

Renewal Applications:

Decals must be renewed annually. Applications are typically mailed out by the end of January. Please follow the instructions and mail your payment by February 26.

NOTICE: Mailing of 2010 renewal notices has been delayed until February 15, 2010.  Validity of 2009 Resident parking permits are therefore extended until March 15, 2010.

Resident Permit Parking FAQ

We have provided the following questions and answers as a convenience to you in lieu of having to read the official City Code Chapter 141 “Parking Permits”. For the most part, everything you need to know about getting and using a permit is here for you. Please note that in any case where this document contradicts or lacks specificity that is otherwise provided in the City Code, the City Code is correct and this document is not. We hope this is helpful!

Who can get a Resident parking permit?

The strict requirements for a Resident parking permit have been established to protect limited on-street parking space for individuals who demonstrate that they are fully established as permanently residing in Hoboken, and that they are either the owner or primary user of the vehicle they drive.  Many people would like (and try) to park in Hoboken all the time; if the rules weren’t this strict, finding on-street parking would be significantly more difficult.

How do I get a Resident parking permit?

There are two steps to getting a Resident parking permit.  Step 1 is to establish yourself as a resident in Hoboken.  Step 2 is to demonstrate that you are the owner or primary user of the vehicle for which you want to get a permit.

Resident Permit: Step 1 - Proof of Residency:

The only documentation accepted for Resident Permit: Step 1 is a valid New Jersey driver’s license with a legal Hoboken address.  If you do not have this, you may qualify for a Temporary Permit while you get your license or address changed with NJMVC.

(Note: If an address change decal has been affixed to the driver’s license, additional proof-of-residency documentation is required.  This documentation is the same as Temporary Permit: Step 1)

Resident Permit: Step 2 – Proof of Vehicle Ownership or Primary Use:

The documentation accepted for Resident Permit: Step 2 is:

  1. A current New Jersey registration with the same name and Hoboken address as the driver’s license used in Resident Permit: Step 1; or,
  2. A current New Jersey registration with the same name and Hoboken address as the driver’s license used in Resident Permit: Step 1, and proof of insurance with the same name and Hoboken address as the driver’s license used in Resident Permit: Step 1 if an address change decal has been affixed to the registration card; or,
  3. A valid vehicle registration in a company’s name, a current pay stub with the company’s name and the name of the individual seeking a residential permit from Resident Permit: Step 1, and a notarized letter from the fleet manager or other responsible company authority indicating that the specific vehicle has been issued to the individual seeking a residential permit for business and personal use; or,
  4. A valid New Jersey vehicle registration in a leasing company’s name, proof of insurance with the same name and Hoboken address as the driver’s license used in Resident Permit: Step 1.

Where can I park with a Resident parking permit?

Most streets in Hoboken without meters are designated on one side as permit (white sign) and the other side Resident permit only (green sign). With a Resident permit, you may park on either side of these streets without limitation except during posted street cleaning periods or temporary/emergency restrictions.

For how long is my Resident parking permit valid?

Your resident parking permit is valid until the end of the year, expiring December 31st.  For example, if you purchased your permit on March 3rd, 2010, the permit would be valid until December 31, 2010.

Where do I put my Resident parking permit?

Affix your Resident parking permit on the driver’s side, lower left hand corner of your rear window so that it is clearly visible from the outside.

What if I don’t meet the requirements for a Resident parking permit?

If you are living in Hoboken but do not meet the requirements for a Resident permit, you may qualify for a Temporary permit while you undergo the necessary procedures to establish Hoboken as your permanent place of residence.

Why can’t I find a parking space even though I have a Resident parking permit?

There is simply not enough curb space to provide parking for everyone who chooses to own a car in Hoboken.  Your Resident parking permit allows you to park in protected Resident permit parking areas, but does not guarantee you a spot.  The cost for your permit is subsidized 90% by the city to keep residential parking costs low; however, this results in many more cars parking on-street and competing for limited space.  If you do not need to commute every day with your car, you may find it easier to consider alternative transportation options and eliminating the high cost of car ownership, not to mention the frustration of looking for parking.  HPU is working continuously to improve these alternative options so that the choice to go car-free gets easier each day.

Temporary Parking Permit Overview

Temporary Permits may be issued for up to 45 days. Do not place your permit on any vehicle other than the one registered in the parking utility system. Permit holders may only park in the “Permit Parking Only” zones.
Fee: $1 per day

Temporary Parking Permit FAQ

We have provided the following questions and answers as a convenience to you in lieu of having to read the official City Code Chapter 141 “Parking Permits”. For the most part, everything you need to know about getting and using a permit is here for you. Please note that in any case where this document contradicts or lacks specificity that is otherwise provided in the City Code, the City Code is correct and this document is not. We hope this is helpful!

Who can get a Temporary parking permit?

There are basically two reasons for getting a Temporary parking permit. Either you are a current resident of Hoboken but do not have the necessary documentation to demonstrate that you live here permanently, or you have the necessary documentation but you are not the owner or primary user of the vehicle for which you would like a permit. Examples include individuals without a Hoboken address on their New Jersey driver’s license, vehicles not registered in the name of the resident, awaiting receipt of a driver’s license with a Hoboken address, awaiting registration papers for a newly purchased car, or for vehicles in short term use, such as rental cars. One other common case is for new employees of a Hoboken business who have not received their first pay stub.

How do I get a Temporary Parking Permit?

There are two steps to getting a Temporary parking permit. Step 1 is to establish yourself as currently residing in Hoboken. Step 2 is to demonstrate that you are the owner or primary user of the vehicle for which you want to get a permit.

Temporary Permit: Step 1 - Proof of Current Residency:

The preferred documentation for Temporary Permit: Step 1 is a valid New Jersey driver’s license with a legal Hoboken address. If you do not have this, you must provide a minimum of three (3) of the following documents:

1. A valid deed for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

2. A current, original lease or rental agreement for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

3. A current utility bill or receipt for establishing service for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

4. A current tax bill for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

5. A current telephone bill for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

6. A checking or savings account statement within the past sixty days for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

7. First class mail received from any federal, state, or local government agency within the past six months for same legal residential Hoboken address in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

8. An official, certified letter from a Dean of Students attesting to residence at a legal off-campus residential Hoboken address

9. An official academic course schedule for the current semester from a local institution in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit

10. Other appropriate documentation sufficient for establishing residency of an individual upon approval of the Director of the Utility

(Note: If an address change decal has been affixed your driver’s license, then you must provide a minimum of three (3) documents from the above list)

Temporary Permit: Step 2 – Proof of Vehicle Ownership or Primary Use:

The preferred documentation for Temporary Permit: Step 2 is a current New Jersey registration with the same name and Hoboken address as the documentation used in Temporary Permit: Step 1. If you do not have this, you must provide one of the following combinations of documents:

  1. A valid driver’s license, a valid vehicle registration, and proof of insurance for same vehicle in the name of the individual seeking a Temporary permit.
  2. A valid driver’s license and a current vehicle rental agreement both in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit. This Temporary permit shall be issued for one (1) rental vehicle, free of charge to the resident for a maximum of forty-five (45) days with an endorsement allowing Temporary permit holder to park in Resident permit parking areas.
  3. A valid driver’s license, a copy of a temporary license plate issued upon purchase of a vehicle, and proof of insurance for same vehicle, all in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit. This Temporary permit shall be issued for one (1) vehicle, free of charge to the resident for a maximum of forty-five (45) days with an endorsement allowing temporary permit holder to park in Resident permit parking areas when a Resident permit in the same name as the individual seeking the Temporary permit is concurrently suspended.
  4. A valid driver’s license and a copy of a work order or repair estimate from an official automotive repair facility for a vehicle, both in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit. This Temporary permit shall be issued for one (1) vehicle, free of charge to the resident for the number of days indicated on the work order or repair estimate, or for a maximum of forty-five (45) days, whichever is less with an endorsement allowing temporary permit holder to park in Resident permit parking areas when a Resident permit in the same name as the individual seeking the Temporary permit is concurrently suspended.
  5. A valid drivers license, a valid vehicle registration, proof of insurance, all in the name of the individual seeking a temporary permit, and a copy of a valid business permit application provided by a Hoboken business owner. This Temporary permit shall be issued for a maximum of forty-five (45) days, whereupon the permit shall expire and be replaced by a business permit by presenting a current pay stub.

Where can I park with a Temporary Parking Permit?

Most streets in Hoboken without meters are designated on one side as permit (white sign) and the other side Resident permit only (green sign). With a Temporary permit, you may park on the permit (white sign) side of these streets without limitation except during posted street cleaning periods. If you have received an endorsement on your permit, then you may also park on the Resident (green sign) side of these streets without limitation except during posted street cleaning periods or temporary emergency restrictions.

For how long is my Temporary parking permit valid?

Your Temporary parking permit is valid for a maximum of forty-five (45) days, or less if your demonstrated need is less than that. After that time, most Temporary permit holders may return to the Utility every forty-five (45) days with current documentation to renew the permit. The purpose for this requirement is to prevent individuals with expired documentation from extended parking in Hoboken and occupying limited on-street parking space. To avoid this requirement, you may consider acquiring the appropriate documentation for Resident parking permit.

Where do I put my Temporary parking permit?

Place your Temporary parking permit on the dashboard of the permitted vehicle so that it is clearly visible from the outside.

What if I don’t have three documents from the Temporary Permit: Step 1 list?

If you have at least one (1) document from the list and you meet the requirements of Temporary Permit: Step 2, you can get a Temporary parking permit for a maximum of fourteen (14) days with no option for renewal while you acquire additional documentation. The Utility makes absolutely no exceptions for extension of this form of Temporary permit, so there is no need to ask.

What if I don’t meet the requirements for a Temporary permit?

If you are living in Hoboken but do not meet the requirements for a Temporary permit, you should consider off-street parking while you acquire the necessary documentation to demonstrate Hoboken is your current or permanent place of residence. If you do not need to commute every day with your car, you may find it easier to consider alternative transportation options and eliminating the high cost of car ownership, not to mention the frustration of looking for parking. HPU is working continuously to improve these alternative options so that the choice to go car-free gets easier each day.

What if I’m a resident and I rent a car regularly?

That’s great! The Utility offers a convenient way to encourage the use of rental cars as an alternative to owning a car. Simply come in with your first rental agreement and New Jersey driver’s license with your legal Hoboken address, and we’ll issue you a Temporary parking permit valid for one (1) year with an endorsement allowing you to park in resident permit parking areas. This permit is only valid on rental cars however, so be very careful not to use it on any other kind of vehicle (we check this on the street by matching the license plate registration to a valid rental car agency).

Other Parking Products Available to Hoboken Residents

Temporary Parking Permits: If your car is in for repairs, you have a rental, or you’re waiting on new plates, the Hoboken Parking Utility can provide Hoboken residents with a Temporary parking permit to make things a little easier. This is usually provided free of charge for Resident parking permit holders. Please see the “Temporary Parking Permits FAQ” for more details.

Visitor Parking Permits: If you have friends or family coming to visit you in Hoboken, simply come down to the Utility during regular hours to purchase daily Visitor parking permits. All you need is proof of residency used for a Residential permit. We sell scratch-off hang tags for individual day use, or a placard that can be used for up to seven (7) consecutive days per vehicle.

Senior Visitor Parking Permits: If you are a Hoboken resident and over the age of 62, you may receive up to two (2) Senior Visitor parking permits to give to friends, family, and other guests coming to visit you. Simply bring proof of residency and age to the Utility during regular hours and we will issue you a Senior Visitor parking permit free of charge.

Driveway Parking Permit: If you have a driveway in Hoboken and it is wider than the length of your vehicle, you can apply for a Driveway parking permit that allows you to park on-street immediately in front of your driveway. Simply come down to the Utility and fill out an application. We will survey the driveway to confirm your vehicle is not longer than the driveway is wide, and then issue you the permit.

Reserved Handicapped Parking Space: If you already have a New Jersey handicapped license plate and indication on your driver’s license and your physical condition limits the distance you can walk to and from your car, you may qualify for a reserved Handicapped parking space via an application available at the Utility.

Temporary No Parking Signs and Meter Bags: For moving, special events, etc., you can purchase signs that reserve a specific on-street space for you in 4, 8, 12, and 24-hour increments. Call or come in to the Utility for details.

Off-Street Garage Parking: The Utility also sells monthly parking spaces in each of our four (4) municipal parking garages and two (2) surface lots at competitive rates. Call or come in to the Utility for details.

Vacation Spot: Residents who are planning time away from Hoboken and usually park on-street can avoid street cleaning tickets or the hassle of asking friends/family members to move their cars by keeping their car in the city’s Garage B on Hudson Street (6th Floor) up to 14 days per year. The fee is $5/day, with a maximum of 14 days per calendar year. Simply come in to the Hoboken Parking Utility office a minimum of one week in advance of your planned departure and provide the same documentation as required for a Resident parking permit. You will receive a “Visitor parking permit” that indicates validity in “Garage B, 6th Floor” only and the dates the permit is valid. Show this permit to the attendant when departing and he will charge you the discounted rate.

Visitor Permits:
Scratch off visitor permits are available for your convenience. They can be purchased in advance and kept at your home. If you have a visitor, all you need to do is scratch off one day, one month, and one year and place it in their car.
Fee: $5 per day

Senior Permit: No Charge

All residents 62 years of age or older, upon request only, will be eligible for a yearly visitor’s permit free of charge. Proof of age will be required. (Birth Certificate, Social Security Check, Medicare Card, etc.)

Driveway Permit:

Must have decal on vehicle and can only park in own driveway.
Fee: Free

Business Parking Permits Overview

Businesses owners and persons employed in Hoboken may apply for a business parking permit at the Hoboken Parking Utility office on the ground floor of City Hall. Do not place your permit on any vehicle other than the one registered in the Utility’s system. Any abuse or misuse of a permit will result in its revocation. Be sure to bring all the documentation outlined below along with the correct fee. Permit holders may park on-street in the “Permit Parking Only” zones (white sign) or at a discounted rate of $5/12 hour period in city garages by participating in the Utility’s “Merchant Coupon” program (see below for more info). To apply for a Business parking permit, please read on.

Apply for a Permit: Please review the FAQ below for documentation required to establish 1) Proof of Business License and 2) Proof of Employment and Vehicle Registration

Fee:

One year $200

A maximum of two (2) vehicles may be assigned to a Business parking permit; however, only one (1) vehicle may be parked in the city at a time.
Expiration and Renewal:
Business parking permits expire on October 15th and must be renewed annually; renewal notices are issued in September.

Business Parking Permits FAQ

We have provided the following questions and answers as a convenience to you in lieu of having to read the official City Code Chapter 141 “Parking Permits.” For the most part, everything you need to know about getting and using a permit is here for you. Please note that in any case where this document contradicts or lacks specificity that is otherwise provided in the City Code, the City Code is correct and this page is not. We hope this is helpful!

Who can get a Business parking permit?
Business parking permits are made available to owners and employees of business establishments located in Hoboken. Also, individuals who meet the requirements for a Temporary parking permit may act as the “business” in order to acquire a Business parking permit when they hire services that require parking near their home.

How do I get a Business parking permit?
Business permits are applied for by the owner or “responsible officer” of the owner at the Utility. There are two steps to getting a Business parking permit. Step 1 is to establish the business as located and legally licensed to operate in Hoboken. This is done by way of a Hoboken business license. Step 2 is to provide the appropriate documentation for each individual and vehicle for whom/which a Business parking permit is sought.

Business Permit: Step 1 – Proof of Business License:
The only documentation accepted for Business Permit: Step 1 is a valid Hoboken business license with a legal Hoboken address. If you are not the business owner listed on the license, a notarized letter from the owner authorizing you as a “responsible officer” is also required. The Utility will determine whether or not your business is under obligation to provide its own off-street parking based on developer agreements, contracts, etc.

Business Permit: Step 2 –Proof of Employment and Vehicle Registration:
Each employee, excluding the business owner, must provide a current pay stub in the name of the business made out to the employee and a matching driver’s license in the same name of the employee to prove that he/she is currently employed by the business. Additionally, a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance is required for each vehicle.

Note: If a Business parking permit is sought for more than one vehicle by any employee other than the owner, a letter from the owner stating that the employee requires multiple vehicles to perform his/her job is also required.

Where can I park with a Business parking permit?
Most streets in Hoboken without meters are designated on one side as permit (white sign) and the other side Resident permit only (green sign). With a Business permit, you may park on the permit (white sign) side of these streets during your regular working hours (see next question for more on this), except during posted street cleaning periods or temporary/emergency restrictions.

When can I use my Business parking permit?
Business permits are meant only for use when at work; not for staying in or returning to Hoboken after working hours to park on-street for personal reasons..

For how long is my Business parking permit valid?
Your Business parking permit is valid until the end of September. For example, if you purchased your permit on March 3rd, 2011, the permit would be valid until September 30, 2011.

Where do I put my Business parking permit?
Place your Business parking permit on the dashboard of the permitted vehicle so that it is clearly visible from the outside.

What if I don’t have a pay stub yet?
If you are just beginning a new job based in Hoboken, you may received a Temporary parking permit for a maximum of 45 days while you await your first pay stub. If after that time you do not return to the Utility or still do not have a pay stub, you may no longer park on-street in Hoboken.

How many Business parking permits can my business get?
Businesses are limited to a maximum of twenty (20) Business parking permits. Request for more must be submitted in writing and reviewed by committee for approval.

How do I apply for a Business parking permit if I am a resident?
Individuals able to establish residency per the requirements of Temporary parking permit may request a Business parking permit for services that require parking near their home. The term of the permit is the duration of the work order or contract, or a maximum of one (1) year, whichever is less.

Why can’t I find parking even though I have a Business parking permit?
There is simply not enough curb space to provide parking for everyone who chooses to drive to work in Hoboken. Your Business parking permit allows you to park in permit parking areas (white sign), but does not guarantee you a spot. You are encouraged to consider the many transit options available in Hoboken, or walk or ride a bicycle to work if you live nearby. If you must drive to Hoboken and find that you are regularly having trouble parking on street, Business parking permit holders may purchase discounted “coupons” at the Utility to park in city-owned Hudson Street and Midtown parking garages, which are a short walk from most locations in Hoboken. Under no circumstances may Business parking permit holders park at a meter for more than two (2) hours.

Why do I see Business parking permits on the resident side of streets?
All businesses are entitled to apply for the privilege to park on the resident (green sign) side of non-metered streets between the hours of 8AM and 6PM when many Hoboken residents are away at work. The decision to grant this privilege is made by committee review based on a limited number of spaces available and is typically reserved for special uses such as non-profits and academic institutions. If granted, there is an additional fee for the endorsement indicating that the permit is authorized to park in resident areas during these time periods.

What options do I have for parking immediately in front of a residence?
Residents or businesses can purchase Temporary No Parking Signs and Meter Bags for moving, special events, contractor work, etc. You can purchase signs that reserve a specific on-street space for you in 4, 8, 12, and 24-hour increments. Call or come in to the Utility for details.

Other Parking Products Available to Hoboken Businesses:

Discounted Employee Garage Coupons: If you are a Hoboken Business permit holder and tired of driving around looking for on-street parking, consider purchasing a booklet of 10 parking coupons to park in Hoboken municipal garages for $5/12 hour period (A booklet of 10 is $50). That’s $3.00 less per day than feeding the meters (which is illegal, by the way!) and it preserves valuable on-street parking for your customers! By participating in this program, you can save over $375/year as opposed to parking at metered spaces. So be smart and be thrifty, tell your staff to leave the meters for your customers and park in the municipal garage with $5 coupons for sale at the Hoboken Parking Utility!

“Park & Shop” Validation Coupons: If you are a registered Hoboken business, you can purchase validation coupons at one-half the face value to pass out to your customers who park in municipal garages. When they get back to the garage, they simply insert the coupon after their ticket to reduce the parking fee by the amount displayed on the coupon. This system works just like the validation machines except you don’t need to worry about billing invoices being sent to your business by the Utility. “Park & Shop” coupons can be purchased by business owners at the Hoboken Parking Utility during regular business hours.

Bicycle Delivery Incentive Program: We know how difficult it is to deliver by car in Hoboken, but you might not realize that delivery by bicycle is significantly easier and a whole lot less expensive. And if you think bicycle delivery is not practical for your business, consider that almost every restaurant and many other businesses in New York City deliver by bicycle every day in all seasons and weather! To encourage businesses to switch from car delivery to bicycle delivery, the Utility is developing an incentive program and seeks your input. If you are interested in helping to develop this program, please contact Ian Sacs, the Director of Transportation and Parking, at i.sacs@hobokennj.org.

Failure to adhere to these rules will cause your vehicle to be booted and you will be fined.