News and Current Events
2025-2026 ANNUAL PARKING PERMITS
Annual parking permits can be purchased online on the parking portal or in person at the parking office.
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 View your permit details. - Make sure the correct vehicle is linked to your permit.
- Add, Edit, or Delete the vehicle. Be sure to enter your plate number in the proper format. (License plate entry instructions)
- Click Save after adding/editing.
- Return to My Permits to verify that the new vehicle information is saved correctly.
Every time you need to update your vehicle, follow the steps above. Click for more detailed instructions on how to update the vehicle 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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New Smart Meters at Illinois State University
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. 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 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 -
Meter Malfunctions
Are you having difficulty making a payment at a metered space?
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 for technical assistance or to report an inoperable meter. After business hours, please leave a voice message.
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You're Invited!
Join the Parking Announcements Listserv. We would like to keep you informed of happenings on campus that may affect campus parking. Sign up here.