City of Newcastle - Parking Permits

Parking Permits

City of Newcastle offers two types of parking permits to residents living in designated permit precinct zones.

Resident parking permit

Residents without or with limited access to on-site parking may be eligible for a resident permit, allowing them to park in signed areas within their precinct.

Visitor parking permit

Visitor permits provide guests with the same privileges as a resident permit however, they are transferable between vehicles and are only valid in permit holders precinct.

How they work

Resident and visitor parking permits exempt you from timed and metered parking within your designated precinct, where signage states 'Permit holders are exempt'.
These exemptions apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
All other road and parking regulations still apply.

Application information

Essential Information

Precinct parking zones and exclusion areas

Not every property in the Newcastle Parking Permit Precinct is eligible for a permit.

If your property is in a parking precinct but was approved or converted to residential use after 21 April 2009, parking permits are not available for your property.
There are permit exclusion zones in the Central Business District and parts of Hamilton.

Eligibility

Resident permit

Resident parking permits are linked to an individual property, resident, and vehicle.

You may qualify if:

your primary residence is in a permit parking precinct
the property was built or converted to residential use prior to 2009
you are a permanent resident of the Newcastle Local Government Area (not a guest)
the property has no on-site parking or space that could reasonably be converted to parking
your vehicle is registered in NSW and either in your name or confirmed for full private use by your employer
your vehicle is a registered motor vehicle under 4.5 tonnes and less than 7.5 metres in length.

Permits are not available for a trailer, caravan, truck, bus, or tractor.

Visitor permit

Visitor permits are linked to a property and resident, but not to a specific vehicle.

You may qualify if:

your primary residence is in a permit parking precinct
the property was built or converted to residential use prior to 2009
you are a permanent resident of the Newcastle Local Government Area (not a guest)
your vehicle is a registered motor vehicle under 4.5 tonnes and less than 7.5 metres in length.

Permits are not available for a trailer, caravan, truck, bus, or tractor.

Permit allowances

Permit allowances depend on the parking available at your property.

No on-site parking: Eligible for up to two residential permits and one visitor permit
One on-site space and two cars: Eligible for one residential permit and one visitor permit
One on-site space and one car: Not eligible for a residential permit, but may receive one visitor permit
Two or more on-site spaces: Not eligible for residential or visitor permits

Displaying your permit

Resident Parking Permits are adhesive and must be placed inside the windscreen on the passenger side, positioned clearly and unobstructed for visibility from outside the vehicle.
Visitor Parking Permits are non-adhesive, designed for use across multiple vehicles. They must be placed on the dashboard on the passenger side, in a location that is clearly visible and not obstructed.
For motorcycles and scooters, a permit holder is recommended to ensure the permit remains secure and visible.

What you need to provide

This section will help you prepare a complete application; however additional information may be requested after our initial review.

All applications

Additional documents for Resident permits

Pension card

If you hold a pension concession card, you are entitled to a reduced fee on resident permits. There is no pensioner discount for visitor permits.

Include a copy of your pension card with your application to qualify.

Registration papers

Current registration papers are compulsory, they must show

The vehicle is registered in your name
The vehicle is registered at the permit property address.

You can get a digital Certificate of Registration from Service NSW.

Not the vehicle owner

Out of state vehicles and Defence Personnel

Out of state

Vehicles registered in another state are eligible to apply for a resident parking permit; however, the permit will only be valid for three months. After this period, the permit will be cancelled if the vehicle's registration has not been transferred to New South Wales (NSW) plates.
Customers may apply for a permit using their interstate registration. Once the vehicle has been transferred to NSW registration, they must submit a replacement application form along with the new registration papers. A replacement fee will apply.

Defence Personnel Exemption

Defence Force members are exempt from the three-month registration transfer requirement under federal legislation, due to the nature of their postings across different locations.
When applying for a resident parking permit, Defence personnel must provide either:
A letter from their commanding officer, or
Their Defence ID card
Along with their vehicle registration papers and other supporting document requirements.

Application fees

Application fees vary based on several factors. To get a quote, simply click the 'Apply Now' button below. You'll be guided through a few quick questions, and we'll provide a tailored fee estimate before you proceed.

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

As part of the application process, you'll be prompted to register or sign in to your account.
Your account makes it easy to submit applications and requests, track their progress, view outcomes, and make payments all in one place.
You can find more information and step-by-step guidance on creating a registered user account, as well as access to support services, on our Registration Enquiry article.

Apply Now

Next steps

Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it, along with a receipt for your application fees.
Our Team will review your application and the supporting documentation you have provided to ensure you are eligible. If additional information is required, we will reach out to you.

Application approved

Resident permit

Once your parking permit is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email. From that point, you can begin parking in designated permit holder areas within your precinct.
Your vehicle registration will be added to our system, which lets Parking Officers know your vehicle is covered by a valid permit.
You'll receive a physical permit in the mail, or you can nominate to collect it from our office.
Important: Until you receive the approval email, you must follow all parking signs as if you do not have a permit.

Visitor permit

You'll receive a physical permit in the mail, or you can nominate to collect it from our office.
Important: Until you receive the approval email, you must follow all parking signs as if you do not have a permit.

Application denied

Parking permits may be refused if you do not meet the eligibility criteria.
As part of the assessment process, the Parking Team may inspect your property to determine if off-street parking is available.
If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the decision.
If your application is denied, a 100% refund will be provided. This refund will be paid back to your original payment method.

Temporary permits

Time frames

Allow 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed.

Understanding the renewal process

2-3 months before expiry you will be mailed a renewal notice. At this time, renewals are only sent by post but a copy can be emailed if requested. Review the renewal form: if all information is still valid sign and return the form to us.
Once received, we will send a request for payment. Once payment is received the renewal will be processed and will send the permit to you via post or drop the permit off at Customer Service if being collected.
The renewal notice states that forms must be returned and fees paid 3 weeks before permits are set to expire. A confirmation email will not be sent to permit holders giving approval to park prior to receiving a permit, the physical permit must be displayed.

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Parking Permits

Parking Permits

Parking Permits

Resident parking permit

Visitor parking permit

How they work

Application information

Essential Information

Precinct parking zones and exclusion areas

Eligibility

Resident permit

Visitor permit

Permit allowances

Displaying your permit

What you need to provide

All applications

Proof of residency

Additional documents for Resident permits

Pension card

Registration papers

Not the vehicle owner

Out of state vehicles and Defence Personnel

Application fees

Related articles

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

Next steps

Application approved

Application denied

Temporary permits

Time frames

Understanding the renewal process