Parking FAQ

My car is in for service and I have a loaner. What should I do?

You can obtain a temporary permit at the Parking Services office. You'll need to present your Wildcard. There is no charge if you are an annual permit holder.

I have a new car. How do I get a replacement permit?

Remove the permit from your old car (a razor blade scraper will work well). Bring the old permit (or pieces) to the Parking Services office. You can register your new car and we'll issue a replacement permit. The fee is $7.00.

I have a new car, but I have a car pool permit. How do I get a replacement permit?

Remove both permits from your two vehicles (a razor blade scraper will work well). Bring them, along with your car pool hang tag, to the Parking Services office. You can register the new car, and we'll issue you a new set of permits and hangtag. Both original permits and hang tag must be returned, as car pool permits are issued in sets of two stickers and hangtag, all with the same number.

I sold my old car and can't get the old sticker back. What should I do to get a replacement permit?

If you have a car pool permit, remove your one remaining permit and bring it to the Parking Services office along with your car pool hang tag. If you have a single car permit, come to the Parking Services office. You'll need to fill out an affidavit verifying that you can't return the permit before we can issue a replacement permit.

I don't need to park on campus anymore. Can I get a refund for my parking permit?

Yes. You'll need to remove the permit from your vehicle (a razor blade scraper will work well) and return it to the Parking Services office. If you're faculty or staff, we'll cancel your payroll deduction. If you're a student and you return your permit before the fifth day of spring quarter, we'll credit your student account. No student refunds or credits are issued after the fifth day of spring quarter. There are no refunds on Ryan Field, temporary or daily permits.

My car was booted. What should I do?

Don't move the car. Call the Parking Services office. In order to get the boot removed, you'll have to pay any outstanding ticket fines and the boot fee. You can pay with a credit card, cash, or, if you're a student, you can bill your student account. Once your payment is accepted, the boot will be removed. If you don't call the Parking Services office and claim your car by 4:00 pm, the car will be towed to North Shore Towing, 2527 Oakton St., and you'll have to claim it there. You will be responsible for paying the towing fee and any storage fees to North Shore Towing.

How can I appeal a ticket?

You can download an appeal form from the Parking Services web site (www.northwestern.edu/up/parking) or pick up an appeal form in the Parking Services office. Fill out the form and return it to the Parking Services office. We'll forward the appeal the appeal University's Parking Committee, an independent body of faculty, staff and students. The Parking Committee will notify you of their decision by mail, usually in about one month. Appeals must be submitted within ten (10) days of receiving the ticket. Appeals received after the ten (10) day period will not be accepted. Appeals received that are not on the Parking Ticket Appeal Form will not be accepted.

How can I order visitor permits for my department?

Send us an e-mail (parking@northwestern.edu) or a fax (467-3613). Include a CUFS # and object code. Permit orders can be mailed to you or picked up in the Parking Services office. Departments are limited to 30 visitor permits per quarter. Faculty, staff and students are prohibited from using visitor permits.

Can I reserve a parking lot for a special event?

No. Parking is limited on campus, and lots must be kept open for faculty, staff and students that have purchased parking permits.

I paid for a parking permit, but I can't find a parking space close to my destination. What should I do?

No one is guaranteed a parking space. Center campus lots can quickly fill to capacity, however there are lots on the north and south ends of campus that rarely fill.

I'm attending a football game. Where can I park?

Game day parking is coordinated by the Athletic Department. Please see the Athletic Department link on this web site.

I am visiting campus. Will I need a parking permit?

You will need a permit if you'll be parking on campus Monday-Friday between 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Visitor permits are available at the Parking Services office at the daily rate. Your host at NU may also be able to supply you with a visitor permit.

Today is a holiday. Do I need a permit?

Permits are required on all days that the University is open for business. Please refer to the University calendar for a list of the nine (9) official University holidays.

I have an evening/weekend class or am attending an evening/weekend event. Do I need a permit?

Parking is free in most campus lots after 4:00 pm weekdays and all day on weekends. Parking enforcement begins at 7:30 am weekdays.

Is my Chicago campus permit valid on the Evanston campus? Is my Evanston permit valid in Chicago?

The Chicago campus full time permit (purple sticker) is valid in all Faculty/Staff lots on the Evanston campus. It is the only permit that is valid on both campuses. The Chicago campus part time permit (green sticker) is not valid on the Evanston campus. No Evanston campus permit is valid on the Chicago campus.