Are reciprocity and the residential parking permit the same thing?
Reciprocity is what allows a temporary resident the right to retain his/her out-of-state vehicle registration when he/she is temporarily living in the District. Since District law requires that anyone domiciled in the District for more than 30 days must obtain a DC driver’s license and register their vehicle, reciprocity exempts a temporary resident from this law. Reciprocity is not related to the ability to park. Residential Parking, which is regulated by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), allows a DC registered vehicle, or a vehicle with reciprocity, to be parked without restriction in the permit area of the residential address. In order to be eligible for a Residential Parking Permit (RPP), your street must be zoned for RPP as indicated by a two-hour residential restriction sign on your block.
