Parking downtown is easier than ever. If you’re looking for the added convenience of downtown parking, consider purchasing a parking permit. Purchasing a permit takes less than 5 minutes in person or online. If you are purchasing 4 or more permits, please give advance notice by calling (231) 922-0241 or emailing us at parking@traversecitymi.gov. An employee will be available to assist you in person or by phone 7 AM-10 PM Monday through Saturday and 8 AM-6 PM on Sundays.

Permits are valid in designated permit lots Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM and overnight. 


Parking Structure Permits

  • Valid for Larry C. Hardy and/or Old Town Parking Structures only
  • You may purchase up to 12 months at a time.
  • Permits are non-refundable, any may not be loaned, sold, or otherwise transferred in any manner.
  • Garage permits are not valid in surface lots.
  • Hands-free access is available via AVI (automated vehicle identification) permit hangtag.

Enhancements for Permit Holders
All permit parkers will have the option to 1) setup a card on-file for monthly auto-renewals, 2) auto-renewals will have the option for AVI (toll road like tags) tags for hands-free access, and 3) access to generate their permit number to a QR code for temporary access.


Downtown Surface Lots Permits

  • Valid for surface lots T and V.
  • You may purchase up to 12 months at a time.
  • Permits are non-refundable, and may not be loaned, sold, or otherwise transferred in any manner

Other Permits

Info coming soon

Purchasing a Parking Permit

Before purchasing a parking permit we suggest reviewing our permit parking program and Parking Permit Map.

Purchase Your Permit Online

You can also download the forms below and email to our office so we can expedite your permit purchase:

Single Permit Purchase Form

Multiple Permit Purchase Form

For Parking Related Questions, please contact us.

Permit Auto-Renewals

Month-to-month surface and garage permit holders are eligible to save a credit card profile for auto-renewal, making it easier to keep permits active without in-person or phone renewals. Permits set up for auto-renewal will automatically renew each month by charging the card on file, and you will keep the same permit until it is canceled. Garage permits will also transition to hands-free access using AVI (automated vehicle identification) technology , offering a seamless entry experience. You will receive a renewal notification three days before your card is charged, followed by a receipt once the payment is processed. All notifications are sent via email.

How do I request a permit for auto-renewal?

  1. You must have an active credit card profile on your account. You can add a profile by coming to the office so staff may help or you can add a profile through the online portal.
  2. You will be issued a new permit that will not have an expiration date. Your credit card profile will be linked to the permit. Garage permits have the option to go through the online portal, but surface permits must do this in-office or over the phone as they are only available to existing permit holders with an eligible status.
  3. You will receive a reminder upcoming charge letter via email 7 days before your credit card is charged. If you do not plan to renew, you will need to cancel your credit card profile to terminate your renewal.
  4. Your credit card will be charged 2 days prior to the expiration date, and you will receive a emailed receipt. If your card was not charged and you wish remain permit eligible, you can pay the balance prior to expiration in-office or over the phone.
  5. The monthly renewal process steps 3-4 will continue each month until terminated. Permits are non-refundable, and auto-renewals should be terminated prior to being charged. Lost/stolen permits are available for replacement at the current rate.

Click this link for additional information.

Permit FAQ

Where can I park with my surface permit?

Your surface permit is honored in any of our designated surface permit lots.

I have a parking structure permit. Where can I park?

Two types of parking structure permits are available for purchase: 1) Hardy & Old Town – permit is available for use in both the Hardy and the Old Town parking strucutures, and 2) Old Town – permit is available for use in the Old Town parking structures only.

Do I have to display my permit when I park?

Yes. Your permit must be displayed at all times when parking in the surface lots and in the parking garages. Please ensure your permit number is facing your windshield.

Do you offer discount rates on permits, or discounts for buying multiple permits?

Unfortunately, a discount is not available for permits. Permits are sold monthly, and you may purchase up to 12 months at a time.

I purchased an annual permit, and will not need it over the summer. Do you offer refunds?

No. Permits are non-refundable. You can transfer them to another individual.

I lost my AVI (automated vehicle identification) hangtag to access the garage. How do I obtain a new one?

The replacement cost of an AVI tag is $10. The lost permit will be deactivated and marked as lost. The existing time purchased will be transferred to the new hangtag. You will need to purchase the replacement AVI hangtag at our office.

What hours are permit lots enforced?

Permit lots are enforced Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM.  These lots are open to the public after 4pm on weekdays and all day on Saturday and Sunday.

“Parking by Permit Mon-Fri 7 AM-4 PM” Do I have to pay?

If you are parking after 4 PM Monday-Friday or anytime on the weekends, you do not need to pay and may park in these lots for FREE.

My permit or bike locker has expired, do you give a grace period?

Grace periods are not offered for permits or bike lockers. You will need to renew prior to or on the date of expiration. If your permit has expired, you permits or bike locker are restricted to a waitlist, you will forfeit your renewal eligibility.

May I give my access card to another person for use?

Parking permits are non-transferrable. Per local ordinance 480.05 Access controlled parking facilities …any person to whom an access control device is assigned may employ the device to gain access to a public parking facility only if he or she is an occupant of the entering vehicle, and further that no person shall permit more than one vehicle, admitted by the same access control device, to be parked in a public parking facility at the same time.

What information is required to obtain a parking permit?

Per local ordinance 485.03 Required information for obtaining a parking permit. In order to be eligible for a parking permit, the following shall be supplied by the registered vehicle owner: 1) Motor vehicle registration issued by the State of Michigan Secretary of State’s Office, 2) Other relevant information requested to verify eligibility.

Waitlist FAQ

What is a waitlist?

The waitlist is implemented when the permits or bike locker sale thresholds are reached. Any individual who would like to be considered once space is available is encouraged to add themselves to the list. There is currently a bike locker waitlist.

How is the waitlist managed?

Sign-up is based on request date and space is awarded based on the oldest request date.

Is the waitlist available in the Parking Portal?

Yes, you can add yourself to the waitlist, view your position and cancel you request on the portal.

Will I be notified when a space is available?

Yes, we will notify you through the email on your account as this is the fastest communication method. Be sure to mark emails from parking@downtownt.com as “safe” to avoid being sent to spam.

You will have 14 days from the award date to respond and purchase your permit or bike locker. Failure to respond within the award period will result in forfeiting your waitlist position, and you will need to be re-added to the waitlist.