Application Process

Permit Type:

Commuter Parking

  1. Make sure you meet the parking eligibility criteria.
  2. Contact your parking administrator.
    • Students: Contact the Student Affairs Office of your individual school
    • Faculty and Staff: If you do not know your departmental parking administrator, contact University Services at (312) 503-1103
  3. Your parking administrator will submit an approval form (pdf) if parking is available.

    The form will be submitted to University Services verifying that you may purchase one of their allocated parking spaces.

    Once the form has been processed, you will receive your parking application via e-mail.

  4. Bring the following items to the University Services Chicago Office:
    • A valid driver's license
    • A valid Northwestern identification card (WildCARD)
    • Current vehicle registration or current car insurance card for you vehicle

Paying for Parking

  1. Students:
    • Parking permits can be purchased with cash, check or student account billing (in which case the charge will appear on the current quarter's tuition statement); credit cards are not accepted.
    • Parking is available on an annual, academic year or quarterly basis. Annual permits are not available after December 31. Quarterly permits are not pro-rated; students must pay the entire quarterly parking fee regardless of when that permit is purchased.
  2. Faculty & Staff:
    • Parking must be paid through payroll deduction; fees are deducted pre-tax from an employee's paycheck each month.

Evening and Weekend Parking

  1. Complete the online Parking Application

    Or download the Parking Application (pdf). See a sample of a completed form.

    When you are completing the form, please note:

    • Vehicle plate information and proof of registration (or insurance) must be included in the application. New parkers must include proof of insurance (photocopies of insurance are acceptable).
    • Enter the Evening and Weekend parking rate for which you are applying.
    • Print legibly when completing the form.

    Return the completed form to University Services Chicago Office:
    710 N. Lake Shore Dr.
    Abbott Hall, Room 100
    Chicago, IL 60611-3078
    Fax: (312) 503-9243

    Once the form has been processed, you will receive your parking application via U.S. Mail.

  2. Your parking permit will be activated at LOT-D (321 E. Erie St.) within 24-hours.

    Parking access is available from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday; and 24-hours on the weekend and University holidays.

    Please keep your permit receipt in your vehicle at all times.

    New Parkers: We recommend that you pick-up your parking receipt and decal(s) at University Services Chicago Office to receive complete instructions.