New ISU Parking Portal

Virtual parking permits, ticketing changes

Student with issues logging in?

Incoming Freshman and new students

Permits for Fall semester are not available until July. When we have current dates they will be posted at this link https://www.parking.iastate.edu/studentdates. Your account information will be imported closer to that date. 

Current Students

If you are currently registered for classes during the term for which you would like to purchase a permit and are unable to login, please email parking at parking@iastate.edu and we will look into the issue. 

Faculty/Staff with issues logging in?

If you have a NetID, you should be able to login as a Faculty/Staff member. Affiliates and Temporary employees will need to create an account, by clicking "Create Account", and contact the parking office to be placed in the correct permit group to purchase online. 

Purchasing permits

Faculty/Staff

Step by step instructions for how to purchase a permit, click here.

Students

Before trying to login and purchase a permit, please check the permit sale dates. Permits will not appear before the date they officially go on sale. For step by step instructions for how to purchase a permit, click here. 

How will permit renewal work with this new system?

In May, you will receive an email from the parking division containing a link to the parking portal on the parking division website. Information included will be name, university ID and office address.  The virtual permits available for purchase will show up on the permit page. Each permit holder will need to provide a current license plate number, make, color and year of the vehicle they want on their account. Employees can add up to five vehicles they drive to campus regularly. Permit holders must confirm or update their contact information and provide a valid license plate to have a valid virtual permit for the new fiscal year.

How many vehicles can I assign to my virtual permit?

Employees can register up to five vehicles for one virtual permit. However only one vehicle per virtual permit can be parked on campus at a time. Motorcycles can be included with the five vehicles and will not require a separate permit. Employees have the option to purchase a motorcycle-only permit.

Students can register a single vehicle on a residence hall or commuter virtual permit. Students living in residence halls who also -- or only -- use a motorcycle or motorized scooter will need to purchase a separate motorcycle virtual permit. Commuters are allowed to add their motorcycle to their commuter permit as long as only one vehicle is on campus. 

What if I don't have a Front/Rear License Plate? What if my License Plate is Obstructed?

Due to the lack of visible permits and the switch to Automatic License Plate Readers, it is critical that there is a fully unobstructed visible license plate facing the roadway that our enforcement officers travel down. Failure to do so may result in a Courtesy Ticket followed by a "Failure to Display" Citation worth $5 in fines. Some examples that would not be acceptable with this new system are:

1. Pulling into a parking spot with no rear license plate and the front license plate obstructed by another vehicle or object.
2. Pulling into a parking spot with a bike rack obstructing any view of the rear license plate.
3. Backing into a spot with no front license plate and the rear license plate being obstructed by another vehicle or object.

Can my partner and I register the same two vehicles on our two permits?

Yes. Permit holders will first need to register their main vehicle for their own virtual permit. If they occasionally switch vehicles with a spouse or partner, the other vehicle can be listed as a secondary for their permit. Employees will need to call the parking office (515-294-3388) or email parking@iastate.edu for assistance linking the two permits. If a permit holder tries to add a vehicle already associated with another permit, the system will reject it. Be prepared to confirm primary and secondary vehicles on each virtual permit.

What if I have a temporary or loaner vehicle?

You can fill out the Loaner Vehicle Request.  On this form you will need to provide your vehicle information: Plate/VIN (if no plate), make, model, color etc. We will also need to know the length of time you will be driving that vehicle. Depending on the length of time we can overlook the vehicle or issue a temporary permit, either virtual or physical if it is a VIN. You will be responsible for any citations received within the time frame you have provided. 

What should I do if I leave the university?

When a person leaves the university, all they will need to do is email the parking division. Any permit associated with the account no longer will be valid and a refund will be issued, if applicable.

I'm working more hours from home. Do I still need to purchase a general staff permit for the full year?

Employees still have the option to purchase daily passes for General Staff lots through the portal or at the parking division office, 27 Armory, for the days they come to campus.

Can I still purchase the Daily General Staff Scratch permits?

Yes, the daily scratch permits will still be available for purchase at the parking division counter. 

What if I leave for lunch and drive a different vehicle back? Will I get a citation for multiple vehicles on campus?

A citation will only be issued if both vehicles are found on campus simultaneously. Enforcement will check for the first vehicle before issuing a citation.  

What is LPR?

License plate recognition uses special scanning cameras to "read" the vehicle license plates in a lot, process that data immediately in a cloud-based system and flag license plates that either aren't registered in ISU's parking system or don't belong in that lot.

License plate information and pictures are stored for 30 days and then removed if there is no violation attached. Information about violations will be kept for two years.

Are all the hangtag permits going away?

No. Users requesting vendor and departmental permits will receive a hangtag permit that's valid in General Staff lots, vendor/departmental stalls and parking meters. There still may be some permits out there for visitors and special situations. If the LPR cameras alert parking enforcement staff of an unregistered vehicle in a lot, the parking officer will check for a hangtag before issuing a citation.

Medical permits will remain a hangtag because they are valid in multiple locations on campus. New requests for a medical permit will require individuals to come into the parking division and provide a state issued-DOT medical placard. Existing medical permit holders can renew online.

What are the payment options for my parking permit?

Payroll deduction will remain a payment option for employee permits. The new system accepts credit cards; however, paying through a U-Bill will no longer be an option for any permits.

What are the payment options for a citation?

The new system accepts credit cards if paid within 30 days online through the portal. After that time, any unpaid citations will go to the university's accounts receivable office. Citations can also be paid in person at 27 Armory.

Is the parking division tracking my time on campus?

No. The LPR system simply reads the license plate to verify parking permission for the area a vehicle is parked in. It's not monitoring which vehicles are not there. LPR data not associated with a citation is automatically deleted after 30 days.

Will campus visitors use the new portal?

Visitors will need to create and account in the portal to purchase a virtual visitor pass. Visitors are encouraged to apply in advance of their arrival on campus. More Visitor Information here. 

General Questions

Do I need to update my license plate and vehicle information when I get a new car?

Absolutely! Parking enforcement staff have no way of knowing that is your car if you haven't told us. If your new vehicle does not have plates yet, we will need the full VIN. Any time you get a new vehicle or new license plates you can update the information online the the ISU parking Portal, by using the Vehicle Update form or by contacting the Parking office by email at parking@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-3388. 

The ParkMobile App isn't working. How can I pay?

If you are having any issues using the ParkMobile App, try deleting the app from your device and reinstalling it. If you are still having issues, you may login and pay at https://ParkMobile.io in the web browser through your mobile device. You may also pay over the phone by calling 877-727-5989 (877 PARK 989). Coins and Smart Cards are still accepted at Iowa State University physical meters. 

Why did I get a parking ticket?

Parking ticket definitions can give some explanation for your specific ticket. The comments section on the ticket will give you additional information. If you still have questions or believe you should not have received a parking ticket you can appeal it online within thirty (30) days of original issuance date.

Is there any free parking on campus?

Iowa State Center lots offer free parking during the day in designated lots. No overnight parking is allowed. Availability may change due to event parking. Designated campus lots open up for free parking weekdays after 5:30pm until 7am and on weekends after 5:30pm on Friday until Monday at 7am. Read signs carefully as some lots required a permit all hours of everyday.

Can I get my ticket forgiven?

You may appeal your ticket online if you believe there is any reason you should not have received it. You have thirty (30) days from original issuance date to make your claim.

What do I do if the pay machine kiosk or meter appears to be broken or isn't accepting coins?

Check the "Troubleshooting Pay by Stall Machines" section.

How do I pay a parking ticket?

You can pay online through the ISU Parking Portal. You may also submit payment in the form of check or money order in the provided envelope to the Parking Office or pay at the Parking Office front counter with check or credit card. The parking office will no longer accept cash as of July 1, 2024. See Payment on our website for more information.

My car was towed. How do I get it back?

A car will be towed if it is parked in a 24 hour reserve stall, parked illegally or any other reason that would cause traffic issues. If you believe your car may have been towed, please call 515-294-4444 and someone either from Parking or the Police Department will assist you. If you need a ride to retrieve your vehicle, the HelpVan can assist you. You may also call Central Iowa Towing directly at 515-290-4188 and arrange your own ride there. You will need a valid Driver's License to release your vehicle and pay the tow fee. You will also have a parking citation. For more information about ISU towing click here.

Faculty/Staff

Can I get a refund for my parking permit if I choose to work from home?

Employees who purchased a parking permit do have the option to receive a prorated refund if they paid for their permit in full. Payroll Deduction stops automatically once a permit is expired. Please send an email to parking@iastate.edu to request to cancel your permit and a refund will be issued to the credit card used to purchase the permit.  Employees will still be required to display a permit or pay a meter when parking on campus. Employees may purchase virtual daily General Staff permits through the ISU Parking Portal or the scratch off daily General Staff permits, valid for one day only, from the ISU Parking Office.

Where can I park with my general staff permit?

General staff permits are only allowed in General Staff lots with the yellow sign. General staff permits are not allowed in any other lots or metered spaces without proper payment.

My parking lot is full. Where am I allowed to park?

General Staff

General Staff permit holders can park in the next available General Staff lot or pay for a metered space. DO NOT park in a Reserve lot or in a meter without paying. Your permit is not valid there and you will receive a ticket.

Reserve

Immediately notify the Parking Office. Someone from the office will direct you to the best place to park and send an enforcement officer to the lot.

You CAN park in a General Staff lot all day with your reserve permit.

DO NOT park in any other reserve lot without authorization. Your permit is only valid for the lot number designated on the permit.

Medical

If you are having trouble finding an open medical stall near your building see the Medical Stalls and Accessible Entrances Map or Medical Permits for more options to park.

Student

Is there any free student parking?

Permits are required all hours of everyday in all ISU Residence Hall lots. The Iowa State Center offers free parking for commuters during the day, but overnight parking is NOT allowed. There are various meters and pay by stall spaces on campus for students to pay for a place to park.  Many staff and metered areas open up for free parking on the weekends and after 5:30pm daily, but require the proper permit starting at 7am the following morning. Read signs carefully as some stalls and lots are enforced all hours all days.

Why do students have to pay for parking?

The Parking Division is self-funded, which means none of your tuition funds go towards parking. The Parking Division is responsible for snow removal and maintenance on all of the lots where permits are required. Maintenance includes crack filling, seal coating, painting, signage, meters among other projects. The money received from permit sales, meter fees and parking fines are used for all of the above including general office supplies and paying employees.

Is parking free during the summer?

Normal parking rules are enforced all summer long. Students are still required to have a permit in Residence Hall lots and Commuter lots 68, 29 and 119. Check the student permit section for available permits.

How can I get a job at the ISU Parking Division?

Students can apply for employment through our Student Jobs tab on our website. We are always accepting applications.

Can I use a visitor permit if I get a new car or driving a temporary car?

NO. Students are not visitors and are NOT allowed to possess a visitor permit. If a vehicle driven by a student is displaying a visitor permit, it will be fined accordingly and possibly towed. See Rules and Conditions for more detailed information.

Where can I park to use the Maple, Willow, Larch Recreation Fields?

Weekdays before 5:30 p.m. you can pay for a stall in Lot 100 by Lied Recreation Center and walk across the bridge to the fields. On weekends, starting Friday at 5:30 p.m. to Monday 7:00 a.m., Lot 100 and select stalls in the nearby General Staff Lots offer free parking. The Residence Hall Lot 63 requires a Lot 63 permit all hours of everyday. Vehicles parked in Lot 63 without the proper permit will receive a citation all hours of everyday.

Where can I park with my Residence Hall permit? Can I park in another Residence Hall lot to visit a friend?

Each Residence Hall permit is only valid for the lot designated on the permit. For instance, if your permit is for Lot 112 at Frederiksen Court, you are ONLY allowed to park in lots 112A,B,C,D,F,G,H,K around Frederiksen Court. If you want to visit a friend living in Maple, Willow or Larch, you are NOT allowed to park in their Residence Hall Lot 63. This goes for ALL Residence Hall permits.

You may ride the bus, pay to park at a nearby meter or pay by stall lot, or wait until after 5:30 p.m. or weekends when select General Staff parking stalls open up to visitors.

Where can I park to eat at a Dining Center?

You should walk or ride the bus to the dining centers on campus whenever possible as parking is usually limited to a small group of meters, which are usually full during peak times. Some areas, like Conversations, Seasons Marketplace and East Side Market, have 30 minute loading zones for quick pick up. Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. parking is limited to meters and pay by stall spaces. Vehicles parked in any other space, without a proper permit, will be ticketed.

Visitor

Where can I park when visiting campus?

Check the Where to Park tab for more detailed information. Visitors have many options for parking including meters, pay by stall lots, visitor permits and free parking during specific times in select lots.

I received a ticket while visiting campus. What are my options?

There are many options depending on your situation. Check Visitor Tickets for more details.

Where can I park for tailgating and going to the ISU Football games?

ISU Athletics manages the Football Parking areas around the stadium for donors and general public parking. Parking is available in some campus staff lots on the weekends. Read signs carefully as some stalls and lots are enforced all hours all days. Your vehicle needs to be in a parking stall. Your vehicle may be ticketed and towed if blocking an emergency lane or blocking a lane of traffic.

Where can I park when attending a campus event?

Follow any instructions given to you from the event coordinator. If you did not receive any specific instructions, check our Visitors tab to learn where to park and how to get a visitor permit. Parking Tip: Plan ahead and know what your options are for parking BEFORE arriving to campus. Your vehicle may be ticketed and towed if parked incorrectly without a proper permit.

Can I use a credit card to pay meters or pay by stall lots?

Yes! You can pay with your credit card using the ParkMobile app or pay a guest through the ParkMobile Guest Portal. Acceptable forms of payment in the physical meters are cash coins, ParkMobile or Smart Card. The physical meters do not accept credit cards at the meter but ParkMobile is available. 

Construction/Vendor

Can I park for free while working on a construction project?

All vehicles on ISU Campus require permits to park in campus lots. Each project has a specific parking plan designated by Facilities Planning and Management. Read our Construction Contractor Parking page or contact your representative to learn your options. Contact info can be found here for Capital Projects or projects under $100,000.

Am I required to pay when parking at meters or pay by stall lots?

Yes, you are not exempt from paying meters or pay by stall spaces while working on campus. Some permits will allow you to park for a limited time in meters and pay by stall spaces for free, if you are eligible. See Construction Contractor Parking and Vendor Permits to learn what permits are available for your project or business purposes.