Northern Illinois University

Parking Services

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get a parking permit?

You may purchase a parking permit online or in person at Campus Parking Services, located at 121 Normal Road just south of the NIU parking deck. A vehicle registration form will need to be completed and please note that payment is due at the time of purchase.

 

What information do I need to get a parking permit?

The vehicle registration form requires personal information such as name, address, and phone number. You also need to supply your vehicle make, model, and license plate number. See Buying a Permit.

 

What are the criteria for commuter students, resident students, and DeKalb resident students?

Commuter students: those residing outside the city of DeKalb, do not have a DeKalb address, who live more than 5 blocks from a Huskie Bus line bus stop. A DeKalb post office box does not qualify as an address for the purposes of Campus Parking Services.

Resident student: a student living in university-owned housing.

DeKalb resident student: a student who lives in DeKalb or has a DeKalb address, but does not live in university- owned housing.

 

Should I notify Campus Parking Services when I get a new vehicle or license plate?

Yes, please call or e-mail Campus Parking Services to update your account information.

 

What if my permit is lost or has been stolen?

Report a lost or stolen permit to Campus Parking Services immediately. Complete a Parking Permit Loss Report . This report will be forwarded to the NIU Department of Public Safety and assigned a case number. A temporary or replacement permit can issued at the time the report is filed. If you find your lost permit, contact Campus Parking Services immediately at (815) 753-1045. See Replacements for more information.

 

What if I leave NIU and my permit has not expired?

You may return your permit to Campus Parking Services as a refund may be due - see Refunds.

Do not give or sell your permit to anyone as you will be responsible for any tickets incurred with your permit.

If you are no longer affiliated with NIU, you are not eligible to have a parking permit. All parking permits are property of Campus Parking Services.

 

What if I forget to display my permit and I get a ticket?

If you have a valid NIU parking permit and parked in the correct color-coded parking lot, then your "No NIU Registration" ticket can be reduced to a $2 "Permit Not Displayed" fine only if the ticket is presented to Campus Parking Services within 10 days of of the ticket issue date.

 

What if I don't pay my parking tickets?

If you are a student of NIU and your payment for a ticket is not received within 21 days, the ticket will transfer to your Bursar account.

If you are faculty/staff and do not pay your parking fines, the fine amount plus a fee will be deducted from your paycheck.

If you are not affiliated with NIU, you may be subject to tow and your outstanding balance sent to a collection agency.

 

How do I appeal a ticket?

In order to be considered by the Parking Appeals Committee, appeals must be submitted to Campus Parking Services within 10 calendar days of the citation date. Appeal forms are available online or in person at Campus Parking Services and the Department of Public Safety.  For additional information, please read about the appeals process here

 

What if I have a guest or need a permit for a short time?

Temporary permits for faculty/staff and students are available for purchase by the day, week or month.

Guests to central campus are encouraged to park in the visitor pay lot located on Carroll Avenue.

See Visitor and Temporary Permits.

 

What if my vehicle breaks down?

During business hours contact Campus Parking Services to have your vehicle put on the disabled log. You will have 24 hours to move your vehicle. Any tickets incurred during this time should be appealed. 

If after business hours, please contact the NIU Department of Public Safety at 815-753-1212.

 

What if the meter I parked at is not functioning properly?

Notify Campus Parking Services with the lot location and meter number. You will be instructed by a customer service representative on what to do if you have received a ticket.

 

Who tows cars off of campus?/What if my vehicle is towed?

Campus Parking Services and Public Safety can tow cars off of campus for various reasons. If your car has been towed contact Campus Parking Services or Public Safety for further information.

 

I received a bill for a ticket in my name, but it's not mine, what should I do?

Contact Campus Parking Services at (815) 753-1045 with the billing information and a customer service representative will help you.

 

What if I have special parking needs?

Contact Campus Parking Services for your options.

 

I'm a graduate assistant. What type of parking am I eligible for?

If you do not live in university-owned housing, you are eligible for a yellow permit (even if you live in DeKalb). Campus Parking Services will verify your GA status before you are eligible to purchase your yellow permit. You are not eligible for a blue permit.