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Content current as of 07/23/26

Mobile App Payment Options for Parking

Expanded Multiple Mobile Payment Apps

Starting July 20, 2026, the City of Tacoma has expanded mobile payment options for paid parking. Customers will have more flexibility when paying for parking by phone and will be able to choose from multiple approved mobile payment apps. 

Look for updated signs. New parking signs will be installed throughout Downtown parking areas to identify the mobile payment options available for on and off-street parking in Tacoma. 

Example of new payment sign for on-street parking outlining the various app and payment methods

Why We’re Making Changes

The City is expanding mobile payment options to make parking easier, more flexible, and more customer-friendly. 

Many people already use mobile parking apps in other cities. By offering multiple payment options, customers will often be able to use an app they already have on their phone instead of downloading a new one specifically for Tacoma parking. The change will also support a more consistent and convenient parking experience throughout Tacoma’s public parking system. 

Available Mobile Payment Options

All payment options provide the same parking session, rates and parking rules. Customers may use whichever approved payment option they prefer. Additional payment options may be added in the future as they become available. 

Which Payment Option is Right For Me?

If you want to...Best Option
Pay with cash or credit cardPay Station
Use an appParkMobile or Passport
Pay without an appText to Pay

What This Means For You

The expanded mobile payment options will make parking easier and more convenient by: 

  • Providing more ways to pay for parking by phone. 
  • Allowing customers to choose the app that works best for them. 
  • Reducing the need to download a specific app just to park in Tacoma. 
  • Supporting Tacoma’s Pay by Plate parking system. 
  • Maintaining the same parking rates, rules, and time limits regardless of payment
At a Glance 

✔ Choose from multiple approved mobile payment apps

✔ Use the app that works best for you 

✔ Pay stations will continue to be available 

✔ Same parking rates regardless of payment method 

✔ Pay by Plate will continue to work across all payment options 

As of July 20, 2026:

  • Multiple approved mobile payment apps available 
  •  Customers can choose from available payment apps
  • Payment will continue to link to license plate 

How Mobile Payment Will Work 

  1. Park your vehicle in a paid parking area. 
  2. Look for posted parking sign.
  3. Choose one of the approved mobile payment apps shown on the sign. 
  4. Enter the parking zone information displayed on the sign. 
  5. Enter your vehicle license plate number. 
  6. Select the amount of parking time you wish to purchase. 
  7. Complete your payment through the app and follow all posted parking rules and time limits. 
  8. You’re ready to go! No receipt display is required. 
Need Help or Have a Question?

Republic Parking Northwest manages Tacoma’s public parking system on behalf of the City of Tacoma and can assist with parking operations, payment questions, and customer support. 

For questions about parking operations, payments, or customer assistance, please contact Republic Parking Northwest: 

FAQs

Customers will have several ways to pay for parking, including the ParkMobile app, Passport Parking app, Text to Pay, and parking pay stations. If you’re already using the Flowbird app, you may continue using it during the transition. The City will continue expanding payment options over time and will announce new options as they become available. 

Yes. Existing Flowbird users may continue using the app during the transition period. Although Flowbird will not appear on the new parking signs, it will continue to be accepted while the City transitions to its new mobile payment options. Additional information will be shared before any future changes to Flowbird. 

No. Customers may use any of the approved mobile payment options or continue paying at a parking pay station. 

Any approved mobile payment option may be used. All payment methods provide the same parking session, parking rates, and parking rules. Customers can choose the option that works best for them. 

Text to Pay allows customers to pay for parking without downloading an app. Simply text the number displayed on the parking sign to receive a secure payment link on your phone. 

Yes. Parking pay stations will continue to be available for customers who prefer to pay in person using cash or a credit card. 

Occasionally, a pay station may be temporarily out of service due to maintenance or technical issues. If this occurs, customers may use another nearby pay station or pay through one of the mobile app options. 

Please report any meter troubles through the link below so we can get it repaired. 

Report On-Street Machine or Signage Problems 

All payment methods (including mobile apps, Text to Pay, and pay stations) work with Tacoma’s Pay by Plate system. Parking enforcement verifies payments electronically using your vehicle’s license plate number. 

If one mobile payment option is unavailable, customers may use another approved app, Text to Pay, or pay at a nearby parking pay station. Technology hiccups do happen from time to time. If you continue experiencing issue with an app, please alert Republic Parking Northwest: 

The City is expanding payment choices to make parking easier and more convenient. Offering multiple payment options gives customers more flexibility and allows many people to use a parking app they already have on their phone. 

Yes. Regardless of which approved payment option you choose, the parking rates, time limits, and parking regulations are the same. 

Look for the posted parking signs near your parking space. They will display the approved payment options available for that parking location.Â