Front Plates
License plates must be visible to the drive lane so that parking enforcement staff can scan each parking area efficiently. Those who want to back in or pull through a space must have a Purdue-issued "front plate" that is tied to the individual’s online Purdue Parking Portal profile or a state-issued license plate on the front of the vehicle.
State-Issued License Plates
Motorists who have state-issued rear license plates only, including Indiana, may purchase a front plate from Purdue Parking Facilities. Parking Facilities will link the assigned front plate number to the motorist’s online parking account.
Some states require a state-issued front license plate, and in this case, no additional steps are needed from drivers for Purdue parking compliance for backing in or pulling through an eligible space with a valid parking permit.
Purchasing a Front Plate
Parking Facilities offers front plates for sale at the production cost of $20, subject to change as the cost of materials change. This is not a required purchase for any permit holder. However, it is available as an option for those who wish to back in or pull through a space and do not have a state-issued front license plate. State-issued front license plates or Purdue-issued front plates are the only ones that will work with Purdue's license plate recognition (LPR) system. Front plates may only be purchased in person at the Parking Facilities office located at 700 Ahlers Drive. Debit and credit cards are the only accepted payment methods. Purchasers are responsible for the installation of a front plate on their vehicle.
Rules of Use
Front plates will only be sold to individuals who have a university permit associated with their vehicle. The $20 front plate is a one-time purchase and will remain valid for the length of time a Purdue parking permit is registered to a vehicle. Front plates are non-transferable and may not be shared. They do not constitute parking eligibility at any location other than Purdue University and do not replace state-issued license plates. Front plates of any kind do not provide parking eligibility for any angled parking on campus, as no one is allowed to back in to or pull through these spaces. They are only to be displayed on the front of a vehicle.
