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Content current as of 06/16/26

Pay by Plate Parking

Downtown On-Street Parking Updates 

Changes Coming to On-Street Parking Payment Process on May 1, 2026 

Under the new system, all on-street parking payments through pay stations will be linked to a vehicle’s license plate number instead of a paper receipt displayed on the vehicle’s window. 

Why We’re Making Changes 

The new Pay by Plate system is designed to make parking easier and more convenient for customers. 

Instead of returning to your vehicle to display a receipt, customers will simply enter their license plate number when paying for parking at a pay station. This helps streamline the parking experience while reducing paper waste and maintenance issues associated with printed receipts. 

Pay by Plate has been used in Tacoma’s public parking garages and lots for several years. This change will create a more consistent parking experience across both on-street and off-street parking facilities

How We’re Doing It

As of May 1, 2026, customers parking at paid on-street parking spaces will enter their license plate number when paying at a pay station. 

Once payment is completed, it will be linked to the vehicle’s license plate number and verified electronically. Printed receipts will be an optional choice. 

What This Means For You

The new Pay by Plate system will make parking easier and more convenient for customers by: 

  • Eliminating the need to return to a vehicle to display a receipt. 
  • Allowing customers to move their vehicle and continue using any unused parking time for the paid session.  
  • Creating a more seamless parking experience across Tacoma’s public parking system. 
  • Reducing paper waste and maintenance issues associated with printed receipts.

Tacoma’s public parking garages and lots already use a Pay by Plate system. Extending Pay by Plate to on-street parking will create a more predictable customer experience whether parking on-street or in a public garage or lot. 

What Will Change?

Key changes include: 

  • Parking payments through pay stations will be linked to a vehicle’s license plate. 
  • Displaying a receipt on the vehicle’s window will no longer be required. 
  • Printed receipts will become optional. 
  • Customers will be able to move their vehicle and retain any remaining paid parking time, subject to posted parking regulations and time limits. 
  • Updated pay station instructions and signage will be installed throughout. Â