Palma makes resident parking digital – ORA stickers are phased out

Digital parking: what will change from next week

From next Tuesday, Palma residents can renew their parking permits only digitally. The familiar blue ORA stickers on the windshield will belong to the past. Instead, the permit will be linked to the license plate and checked electronically during inspections – either by attendants or with cameras on selected streets.

Who needs to act now?

The city administration has set a clear timetable: by 31 January 2026 the roughly 16,200 expected renewals should be completed. That's about as many as last year, according to the transport offices. Practically speaking, this means there will be increased demand at the citizen service offices in the coming weeks – especially at lunchtime when employees take breaks, or late afternoon when parents pick up their children from school.

If you live in neighbourhoods such as Santa Catalina, El Molinar or around the Plaça de Cort, it's worth checking the opening hours of the Oficina de Atención Ciudadana on Avinguda Argentina. Applications are processed there – although the online option is explicitly available if you prefer to do everything from your sofa.

No more stickers – and what this means in practice

For most drivers this is a relief: no sticker that fades or falls off over time. But the technical side has two faces. On the one hand, the city saves paper and administrative effort. On the other hand, some people question how reliable license plate scans are in bad weather or when plates are improperly attached.

Inspectors will accompany the transition over the next months, and the city emphasizes that there will be transitional arrangements. Those who apply for renewal on time should have no reason to fear a fine – we met neighbours who had already been reminded by e-mail and found the change quite pragmatic: "Less paperwork, better for us," said a resident from Es Molinar while walking her dog Gordo.

Security and data protection concerns

Of course, digital systems raise questions about data protection and camera usage. The administration stresses that only the necessary data for parking permits will be processed and that systems are encrypted. Nevertheless, concerns are audible: some older residents still prefer personal help at the citizen service office because they feel unsure with digital forms.

If something goes wrong: the city has set up a hotline and promises to review affected cases manually and quickly. A short call or an e-mail should suffice, instead of issuing a warning straight away.

Practical tips to finish

Those who need to act now should check that their vehicle documents are up to date and that the license plate is entered correctly on the application. Having a photo of your driving licence or vehicle registration ready saves time. And if you happen to be at the Portixol market anyway: take care of it there – the citizen service point is often closer than you think.

The transition is a step towards simplification, but as with all things digital: not everyone adopts changes at the same speed. Patience in the first weeks is therefore a good companion – and a bit of neighbourly help never hurts: those who are tech-savvy can assist older neighbours with the online application.