Moving in DC? Plan Your Moving-Truck Permit and Signs

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The timing rules

• Signs go up at least 72 hours before arrival at spaces without meters, and at least 24 hours before at metered spaces. (DDOT: Temporary Parking Restrictions)
• Some applications need staff review. Leave about 14 days for review, plus time to print and post signs. This is a planning target, not an official deadline. (DDOT: Moving Trucks on Public Space FAQs (PDF))
• A moving truck can stay in public space for up to 2 days. A moving container can stay up to 5 days, limited to 2 containers. These are maximums; the dates on your issued permit control. (TOPS permit types: Moving Truck and Moving Storage Container)

Where it sits

• Signs go up at least 24 hours before the truck or container arrives at metered spaces. TOPS lists the meter numbers on your block, and meter fees are extra.
• Signs go up at least 72 hours before the truck or container arrives at spaces without meters.
• DDOT says an alley needs a permit too, but its guidance doesn't give a posting time for alleys. Confirm the posting requirement with DDOT before you set your dates: check the instructions in TOPS or call the Public Space Permit Office at (202) 442-4670.
• DDOT's permit covers public space: the street, alley and sidewalk. If the truck or container stays completely on private property, ask your building or landlord what they need. If any part of the move uses the street, the alley or the sidewalk to park, unload or stage, you need a DDOT permit. Moving trucks may not block or drive across a sidewalk.
• Trucks and containers can't park against posted rush-hour or street-sweeping restrictions. Pick other spaces on the block, or plan the move outside those hours. Your permit controls.

Steps

1. Apply for a public space permit in TOPS (DDOT's permit system). Many applications approve automatically; some go to staff review. (DDOT Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS))
2. Pay once it's approved. TOPS shows the total before you pay. (DDOT: Moving Trucks on Public Space FAQs (PDF))
3. Print the permit and the No Parking signs. Signs only print at a DDOT kiosk (permit office and police district stations) or the permit office, after the permit is approved, paid and issued. (DDOT: Temporary Parking Restrictions)
4. Post the signs by your sign deadline. Handwritten signs aren't accepted. (DDOT: Temporary Parking Restrictions)
5. Verify your posted signs. DDOT permits have required sign verification. Follow the verification instructions issued with your permit and shown in TOPS. (DPW sign verification notice printed with a DDOT permit (2018, background))
6. If your signs come down before the notice period ends, post them again right away. (DPW sign verification notice printed with a DDOT permit (2018, background))
7. On moving day, put a copy of the permit on the truck's passenger-side dashboard. (TOPS: Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants)
8. Take the signs down as soon as you're done. (DDOT: Temporary Parking Restrictions)

If a car is parked in your space

DDOT's FAQ says cars parked in a posted zone will be ticketed. Call 311 to request parking enforcement. Keep photos of your posted signs, your permit and your sign verification. Ticketing is mentioned in DDOT's guidance; a tow isn't promised, and neither is how fast enforcement arrives.

Cost

DDOT's moving-truck FAQ lists a $50 permit fee, plus parking meter fees if you use metered spaces. DDOT's moving-container FAQ lists $50 for up to 8 by 12 feet, plus $25 for each extra 6 feet of parking lane and any meter fees. TOPS also adds a 10% technology surcharge to base permit fees. We haven't confirmed the current amount inside TOPS yet. TOPS shows the real total before you pay.

If you live in a managed building, ask

• Do I need to reserve the elevator or a move time slot?
• When is the loading dock open, and can a truck my size fit?
• Do movers need a certificate of insurance?
• Is there a move-in or move-out fee or deposit?

Moving in Maryland or Virginia? Moving permits there come from your county or city, not DDOT.

Want the rules explained step by step? Read our guide: DC Moving Truck Permit: When to Apply and When Signs Go Up