Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

• How do I obtain a parking permit?
  • You can obtain a parking permit at the Campus Parking Services office located at 121 Normal Road, DeKalb, IL. Students can purchase parking permits online from the parking web site. A vehicle registration form will need to be completed, and payment will be 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 will also need to supply your vehicle information (make, model, license plate number).
• What are the criteria for commuter student, resident student, and DeKalb resident student?
  • Commuter student: those residing outside the city of DeKalb, those who do not have a DeKalb address, or those 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 who lives in university owned housing.
  • DeKalb resident student: a student who lives in DeKalb or has a DeKalb address, but who does not live in university owned housing.
• Should I notify Campus Parking Services when I get a new vehicle or license plate?
  • Yes. Keeping your account up to date is your responsibility and is in your best interest, as well. You can either call or e-mail Campus Parking Services to update your account.
• What should I do if my permit is lost or has been stolen?
  • You should report your lost or stolen permit to Campus Parking Services immediately. You will need to complete a "Parking Permit Loss Report" . This report will be forwarded to the NIU Department of Public Safety to be assigned a case number. A temporary or replacement permit can be issued at the time the report is filed. In the event you find your lost permit, contact Campus Parking Services immediately at (815) 753-1045.
• What should I do if I leave NIU and my permit has not expired?
  • You should return your permit to Campus Parking Services. A refund may be due.
  • 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 retain 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?
  • A "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 happens 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.
• What do I do if I want to appeal a ticket?
  • Appeals must be filed within 10 calendar days of the citation date. Appeal forms are available at Campus Parking services and on-line on the parking web site under forms.
• 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.
  • Permits are available for guests when the visitor pay lot on Carroll Avenue is not convenient. When you or your guest has a temporary parking need, contact Campus Parking Services to learn about available options. Guests to central campus are encouraged to park in the visitor pay lot located on Carroll Avenue.
• What do I do if my vehicle breaks down?
  • 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.
• What do I do 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 do I do if my vehicle has been towed?
  • Campus Parking Services and Public Safety can tow cars off of campus for various reasons. If you feel 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 work with you to resolve the situation.
• What should I do if I have circumstances that requires special parking needs?
  • Contact Campus Parking Services for your options. You will be instructed by a customer service representative on how to proceed in obtaining special parking permission for medical and non-medical needs.
• I'm a graduate assistant. What type of parking am I eligible for?
  • If you are a graduate assistant and do not live in university owned housing, you are eligible for a yellow permit (even if you live in DeKalb). Campus Parking Services will need to verify your GA status before you are eligible to purchase your yellow permit if you are a DeKalb resident. You will not be eligible for a blue permit.

Updated 5/21/07