The University of Iowa supports efforts to reduce congestion and curb vehicle pollution in the Iowa City area. Parking and Transportation offers or supports several transportation options to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles by staff, faculty, students, and visitors.
Walk, pedal, ride, roll, share
Students are encouraged to use alternative transportation or CAMBUS rather than drive.
Permit Types and Rates
Parking space on campus is limited but there are a variety of student parking options available for both permit and hourly use.
Student parking options are based on student classification (undergrad or graduate/professional) and where the student lives. All valid student permits receive a discounted rate for select parking violations.
- Academic year permits go on sale beginning Aug. 1 and are valid starting every year on Aug. 16 through May 15 of the following year.
- Summer permits go on sale beginning May 1 and are valid starting every year on May 16 through Aug. 15.
Click on the statement that best describes you to show what permit options are available to you.
Undergrad residence hall
Undergrad IC CV
Undergrad Commuter
- Student Day Permit
- Student Night and Weekend Permit
- Student Hancher Permit - includes NW privileges
- Student Finkbine Commuter Permit - includes NW privileges
- Student Hawkeye Commuter Permit - includes NW privileges
- Student Motorcycle Permit
- Bicycle Permit
- Student IC/CV U-PASS
View the full list of student permit types.
Graduate and Professional
- Student Day Permit
- Student Night and Weekend Permit
- Student Hancher Permit - includes NW privileges
- Student Finkbine Commuter Permit - includes NW privileges
- Student Hawkeye Commuter Permit - includes NW privileges
- Student Motorcycle Permit
- Bicycle Permit
- Student IC/CV U-Pass
- Law Students Only: Parking Options
View the full list of student permit types.
Payment Options and Parking Charges
All Student parking permits are billed every fall and spring semester. The first installment is billed at the time of purchase and the second installment is billed January 1. Summer permits bill one time for the summer session. You can choose to have the permit billed to your U-Bill or pay online while ordering your permit in the Parking Portal.
If you pay with a credit card for the Fall Semester, then the Spring Semester charge will automatically go to your U-Bill (January 1) as we do not keep credit cards on file. Summer permit fees are a one time charge.
Student U-PASSes are billed three times, at the original purchase time if ordered in the summer, then will be billed again on August 1, and January 1.
Motorcycle and U-PASS
Note: If you are purchasing a U-PASS or motorcycle permit you will need to stop into the West Campus Transportation Center or choose to have the permit or pass mailed to you.
Using the U-PASS requires presenting the pass when entering the bus. A motorcycle permit is only valid when displayed on your motorcycle. See the motorcycle parking page for more information.
Applying for Permits
Permit fees and bus pass costs are prorated from August 1st through July 31st.
Once you know what permit or lot you are eligible for you can log in to the Parking Portal with your Hawk ID and password to order. Your license plate number will be your permit, so make sure to have that information available when ordering.
Visit the Parking Portal Info page to learn more about navigating the parking portal.
Students will receive an email confirmation once parking credentials are valid. Parking permits take effect immediately once ordered and paid online.
Canceling Your Permit and Refunds
To cancel your virtual permit, you will need to complete the Cancel Permit Form. You will be charged for the permit until it is cancelled or expires.
You will receive a refund if cancelled before the end of the semester as we prorate by half month. For example, if you cancel your permit on the 1st through the15th of the month, your final charge will only be a half-month's charge. Permits cancelled from the 16th to the end of the month will pay a full month’s charge.
Report a Lost or Stolen Permit, U-PASS or Access Card
If you have lost your U-PASS or Access card, complete and submit the Lost Form. The lost item will be deactivated within the next business day. You will need to stop by the Parking Office to pick up a replacement permit, U-PASS or access card. A $20 fee will apply to all replacement access cards, permits and bus passes.