Parking Services uses a License Plate Recognition system (LPR) for parking enforcement.  You will no longer receive a window sticker.  Please visit our LPR page for important information on how the changes may affect you.

All parking facilities, except parking meters and metered floors of parking garages, require a parking permit during enforcement hours. All lots have entrance signs stating the type of permit required and enforcement hours. 

Students and employees must purchase at least a base permit (commuter, stadium, or general) to be eligible to use a specialty permit.   

Buy a Permit

Types of Permits

Students at tailgate

Student Permits

Options include commuter, stadium, residence hall, restricted, night pass, disabled driver, two-week temporary, and one-day permits.  Find a permit.

Parking sign

Employee Permits

Options include general faculty/staff, restricted, night pass, disabled driver, two-week temporary, departmental, and one-day permits. Find a permit

Child in Rinard Greenhouse

Visitor Permits

Options include general visitor, contractor, sales and service vendor, Cardinal Pride (parents), and prepaid garage permits. Find a permit.

Car Driving on Street

Permits for Departments

Request visitor permits for department guests or events, and departmental permits. Learn more.

Shafer Tower

Retired Employees

Retired employees and emeritus faculty may receive a free lifetime parking permit. Learn more


Permit holder agrees that loss or damage of any kind which may occur to permit holder’s vehicle or its contents while parked on Ball State University property is permit holder’s sole responsibility.  Permit holder further understands and agrees that Ball State does not assume responsibility for any such damage or loss to permit holder’s vehicle, theft of the vehicle, theft of any part of the vehicle, or loss of personal items from the vehicle. 

More Information