How to Get a Residential Parking Permit in SoMa SF
Live in SoMa (94103)? Get your Residential Parking Permit (RPP) online via SFMTA. You need vehicle registration and insurance with your permit address. Households max out at 4 permits, except zones AA, EE, HV at 2. Permits expire each year by zone.
Check Your Parking Zone
SoMa falls under zones like A, B, or others. Find your zone on street signs or SFMTA's map. Zones set expiration dates. For example:
| Zone | Expires |
|---|---|
| A | 2/28 |
| B | 8/31 |
| C | 7/31 |
| D | 1/31 |
| E | 9/30 |
Full list on SFMTA site. Renew before expiry to keep parking without time limits.
Required Documents for Permanent Residents
Gather these before applying:
- Current California DMV vehicle registration in your name with the permit address.
- Current vehicle insurance declaration page (not insurance card) showing your name and address.
Your vehicle must register and insure at your SoMa home address. Upload scans or photos.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Go to SFMTA's Residential Parking Permit Application page.
- Fill out the online form. Skip license plate if sharing permit.
- Upload your registration and insurance docs.
- Pay the fee online. Costs vary; check current rates on site.
- Get digital permit to print or show on phone.
Apply by mail if needed. Email vintoplate@sfmta.com for short-term replacements.
Permit Limits and Rules
- Max 4 permits per household (one address). Apartments count separate.
- Exempts you from 2-hour residential limits.
- No permits for motorcycles.
- Short-term options: Up to 20 one-day or 32 weeks yearly per address.
New vehicle? Show purchase agreement or temp registration plus residency proof.
Special Cases
Students, caregivers, businesses have different rules.
- Caregivers: Medical or childcare affidavits needed yearly. Vehicle can't register in RPP area.
- Businesses: Lease, business registration, employee letter.
See SFMTA for forms.
Tips for SoMa Drivers
Street parking in SoMa stays tough. Check curb colors: Red means no parking, blue for disabled. Use SFpark app for spots. Move car every 72 hours max without permit.
Sidekick tracks your parking costs and zones. Enter your address to see RPP savings and ownership score. As of February 2026, SoMa owners save $500+ yearly with permits.
Renew early. Permits run yearly, so plan ahead. Questions? Call SFMTA or check their permits page.