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Permit Eligibility

Eligibility Basics

Parking permits are available to faculty, staff and students who meet the following criteria:

  • Live outside of the exclusion zone for the Chicago campus (if you are interested in a 24-hour commuter permit).
  • Have departmental approval for parking privileges through their department or school's space allocation.
  • Do not have any unpaid (or non-appealed) University parking violations.
  • Work a minimum of 20 hours/week.
  • For faculty and staff: have at least 50% of their salary paid by Northwestern University.

Necessary Documentation

To purchase a parking permit, you are required to provide:

  • Your valid Wildcard
  • Your valid driver's license
  • Current vehicle registration (make sure it is not expired)

Exclusion Zone Boundaries

The Chicago campus exclusion zone boundaries are defined as:

  • North Ave. to the north
  • Halsted St. to the west
  • Van Buren St. to the south

Any person living within the exclusion zone boundaries is not eligible for a commuter permit. The zip codes included in the exclusion zone are: 60610, 60654, 60661, 60606, 60604, 60603, 60602, 60601 and 60611.

Addresses that are not eligible for permits are on:

  • North Ave. between Lake Shore Dr. and Halsted St.
  • Halsted St. between Van Buren St. and North Ave.
  • Van Buren St. between Lake Shore Dr. and Halsted St.

Local addresses are secured from your official university records. Human Resources submits faculty and staff addresses, and each school's Student Services Office submits student addresses. If your address information is outdated or incorrect, it is your responsibility to have it corrected. Permits will not be issued until this information is current.

Proof of residency may be requested.