News and Current Events
FALL 2025 ANNUAL PARKING PERMITS
Annual parking permits can be purchased on the parking portal at 9:00 am on each date listed on the schedule below. University faculty and staff who wish to participate in payroll deduction must purchase their permit online.
- Faculty/Staff, Doctoral, Graduate Assistant, Retiree - July 7, 2025
- Commuter Student, Student Apartment, Cardinal Court - July 14, 2025
- Returning Residence Hall Student - July 21, 2025
- First Year Residence Hall Student - July 28, 2025
- U-High/Metcalf Students – July 30
Over the counter sales begin July 29, 2025.
Most permits are virtual and linked to the vehicle’s license plate number. The following permits will still require a physical permit to be displayed: Reserved Space, Laboratory School, Business, Guest, Board of Trustees and Motorcycle. Permit pickup will begin July 29, 2025.
Student Storage permits are valid from August 1 to May 15 annually. All other permits are valid from August 1 to July 31 annually.
View Parking Map and Parking Permit Descriptions.
How to PURCHASE Your Parking PERMIT:
- Log into the Illinois State Parking Portal using Central Login: https://illinoisstate.thepermitportal.com/
- Select Buy Permit.
- Choose Permit Type from the available options.
- Add vehicle information and submit. (License plate entry instructions)
- Proceed to Pay Now and enter payment details.
- Once payment is processed, the Permit Details page will display transaction information.
Click for more detailed instructions on how to purchase your virtual permit.
How to CHANGE the VEHICLE assigned to your parking permit:
- Log into the Parking Portal
Click on Permits > My Permits to find your assigned license plate. - Verify Your Vehicle Information
Make sure the correct vehicle is linked to your permit. - Edit Your License Plate
Go back to Permits > Edit Profile
Scroll down, select the license plate assigned to your permit (DO NOT DELETE IT).
Update the plate number and vehicle details. (License plate entry instructions) - Save Your Changes
Click Save after editing.
Scroll down and click Save again at the bottom of the page. - Confirm the Update
Return to My Permits to verify that the new vehicle information is saved correctly.
Note: Delete any extra license plates from your profile and keep only the one assigned to your permit. Every time you need to update your vehicle, follow the steps above. Do not delete the license plate assigned to your permit.
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Rules and Regulations Brochure
A copy of the 2025 - 2026 Parking Rules and Regulations brochure can be downloaded here. Parking regulations are enforced year-round, including summers and semester breaks.
To download the campus parking lot map click here.
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Meter Malfunctions
Are you having difficulty making a payment at a metered space?
Drivers can pay our smart meters with coins, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Meters also allow payment by phone with the Park Smarter app and Text-to-Pay.
Do not park at an inoperable meter. Drivers experiencing technical difficulties are asked to choose a different payment method. Metered spaces must be paid before leaving the vehicle parked.
Meter, pay station or mobile app malfunctions must be reported at the time they occur, or the vehicle is in violation and subject to citation. Call our office at (309) 438-8391 to report an inoperable meter. After business hours, please leave a voice message.
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New Smart Meters at Illinois State University
New smart meters were installed on campus fall 2025. When you are visiting housing, dining, and other locations on campus, you now have more payment options at the meters!
Smart meters can be found in all campus metered locations. These meters accept coins, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay with the option of contactless payment. To pay at the meter, drivers will insert coins, card, or select contactless payment, select the amount of time, confirm their payment, and watch the display for authorization.
Drivers also have the option to pay by phone with the Park Smarter app. The Park Smarter app allows contactless payment by parking space. Please note, campus meters will no longer accept payments from the Passport Parking app. Those wishing to pay by app will need to download Park Smarter. The pay by space lot at the South University Garage also accepts payment with the Park Smarter app and at the two kiosks located in the stairways. Spaces must be paid before leaving the vehicle parked.
Campus parking meters are intended for short-term parking and all meters have time limits to ensure space availability. Metered spaces must be paid at all times. Drivers needing daily or annual parking can purchase a parking permit from the Office of Parking and Transportation.
How to Use the M5 Meter Video -
You're Invited!
Join the Parking Announcements Listserv. We would like to keep you informed of happenings on campus that may affect campus parking space availability. Illinois State University regularly hosts major statewide athletic tournaments, conventions, concerts and other events on campus. The Office of Parking and Transportation will attempt to notify the campus community of upcoming events that may impact parking and any parking lot closures that may occur. Sign up here.