Guide for Purchasing Chicago City Stickers and Parking Permits

Chicago residential parking can be a ‘sticky’ situation.   In late 2010, the City of Chicago decided to end their contract with SecureMark Decal Company despite having 4 years remaining on their existing contract.  The reason, over 77,000 defective residential parking permits that didn’t stick. If you are one of the people who have come across this issue, you can request a duplicate sticker at no cost through the following options.

You can call the Chicago City Clerk at 312-742-9200 or 312-744-6774 or email cityclerk@cityofchicago.org for a free replacement.

Many Chicago residents aren’t aware that they can easily reserve their parking permits online.  Annual parking stickers can be purchased directly through the City Clerk website. If you have a renewal number (not required) just enter it and your last name.  If you don’t have a renewal number, you can select “Without Renewal Notice” and then click submit.  Using this online approach will save you the time and hassle of having to go to the dreaded DMV.

Daily Residential Permits can also be purchased online.  These permits allow you to park for a 24 hour period in the area within a specific zone number.  Take note that it can take up to two weeks to get these permits mailed to your house if you purchase on-line.  If that is too long you can visit your local alderman’s office to get these passes ASAP.   Your alderman’s office is determined by the ward you live in.

You can use this tool to determine which ward you live in.  Once you find your ward you can do a Google search or input your ward here to find its address and phone number.  Make sure to bring a piece of mail or ID with your address information, or you won’t be able to purchase.  It will cost you $16 for 30 passes on-line, and your passes will be valid until June 30^th of 2011.