Apply for a visitor parking permit (scratchcards)

When clearly displayed in a vehicle, scratch cards enable your visitor to park in a residents permit bay.

Before you start

We request payment with your application to ensure that we can process successful applications as quickly as possible.

Should your application be refused we will let you know why and will refund any payment back to the card you paid with. If you paid by cheque the cheque will be destroyed securely.

Check your eligibility

• Your property must be within a Controlled Parking Zone.
• You must not have another resident visitor parking account, such as Pay As You Go, or already have more than the permitted scratch card allowance.
• Your property must be your 'usual place of abode', (for example, you must normally spend at least four days each week living and sleeping at the premises). Having an office, shop or hotel in the zone does not entitle you to resident visitor parking.
• Your property must be eligible for a permit under the Town and Country Planning Act.

What you will need

Before you begin your application you will need to ensure:

• you are eligible and have read the legal guidance;
• you have proof of address*;
• you have proof of age* (if over 60 years old)
• you have a valid credit or debit card to make payment.

*Only required for new applications

Accepted proofs of address

If you have a Richmond Account, you can link your Council Tax account and use this to prove your address. You will need to know your Council Tax account number to do this, which can be found at the top of your Council Tax bill.

You can also upload a scanned or digital copy of one of the following:

• Current Council Tax bill
• Current driving licence
• Legal letter of completion (valid 3 months from move in)
• Tenancy agreement (valid 3 months from move in)
• Utility bill (dated within 3 months)

Accepted proofs of age

If you are over 60 years of age you are entitled to a 50% discount on your visitors parking permit scratchcards.

You can upload a scanned or digital copy of one of the following proofs:

• Older Persons' Freedom Pass
• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Pension book or statement

Sending proofs by post

If you do not have access to a scanner or a digital camera, you can still apply online but you will need to post a copy of your proofs to: Parking Permits, PO Box 466, Twickenham TW1 9JT.

You must clearly mark all items with your online application reference number, which you will receive once you submit your online application (for example AFEXXXXXX).

Only send in copies of proofs as these will not be returned, they will be securely destroyed.

Submit your application and pay

We request payment with your application to ensure that we can process successful applications as quickly as possible. You will need a valid credit or debit card in order to complete your online application.

Should your application be refused we will let you know why and will refund any payment back to the card you paid with.

To find out how much you will need to pay for your permit, see visitor parking permit costs.

Equalities Act 2010: should you have a disability and require a reasonable adjustment to complete either making a payment or an application for a parking permit, please call 020 8891 1411.

Paying by cheque or postal order

To pay by cheque or postal order, you will need to download and complete an application form (pdf, 167 KB) (pdf, 192 KB). You must return this along with a cheque or postal order, payable to 'LBRuT' and all required proofs to Parking Permits, PO Box 466, Twickenham TW1 9JT.

All posted applications must be signed. Unsigned forms or those without proofs will not be processed, we will send these back to you requesting the missing information. This will delay your permit.

Failed payments

Bounced cheques or failed card payments due to insufficient funds will invalidate any permit(s) issued and will incur a £10 administration fee. If there is a technical problem with your application or you are not sure if your payment as been made, contact our Web Team at web.team@richmond.gov.uk.

What happens next

During your application you can choose whether you want your scratchcards posted to you, or if you wish to collect it in person.

Delivery by post

If you opt to receive your scratchcards by post, they should arrive within 10 working days. If you have not received them after this time, you can contact us on 020 8891 1411 during office hours, or email parkingpermits@richmond.gov.uk.

Collecting in person

If you opt to collect your scratchcards in person, we will notify you when they are ready to collect by phone or email. This is normally within 10 working days but can be longer for libraries.

You will need to provide proof of your name and address and will be asked to sign a collection confirmation slip. If you do not collect your scratch cards within 14 days of the notification date, then they will automatically be posted to your home address via standard Royal Mail delivery.

When you get your new permit

When you receive your scratchcard booklet you will need to ensure each scratchcard is validated and displayed correctly. Failure to do so could result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Read our guide to find out how to use your visitor permit scratchcards.

Start my application