Motorists with residential parking permits will now be able to renew their passes online — albeit for a price.

More than 80,000 residents have permits to park in their neighborhoods without time restrictions. Since the program started in 1976, residents have had to renew by mail or visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s headquarters.

Starting April 1, stickers can be requested online at www.sfmta.com. It will cost $2.50, on top of the $100 annual cost for the permit.

The program, created as a way to deter commuters from parking all day in free spaces, is only available to city residents.

wreisman@sfexaminer.com