Indianapolis Parking Permits

This page is a one-stop shop for information related to parking permits and logistics for Purdue University in Indianapolis. Information about West Lafayette parking permits is available on this page.

Indianapolis location parking operations are managed by Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis Parking and Transportation Services.

IU Indianapolis Parking Resources

• IU Indianapolis parking maps and locations
• IU Indianapolis parking permit options and prices
  • Required: Set up IU Indianapolis CrimsonCard before purchasing a permit
  • Establish IU username and passphrase (Review the Purdue in Indianapolis expandable content)
• IU Parking Portal
• IU Indianapolis License Plate Recognition (LPR)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Contact IU Indianapolis Parking and Transportation

Information about various parking permits is outlined below.

Departmental Validations

When departments have visitors and wish to cover parking garage costs through validation tickets, the steps below should be followed.

Applicable garage rates will be assessed based on the duration the visitor remained parked in the garage. 

1. To set up a new validation account, departments should complete this form (PDF). Enter "Purdue" in the Department/Office fields. Save and send the completed form to validate@iu.edu. 
   • This form only needs to be completed one time per department. A validation number will be assigned to that department and provided through email to the contact. The validation number should be entered on the form in step 2 (below) any time validation tickets need to be ordered or reordered.  
2. After a validation number has been assigned, the department should complete this this form (PDF) and include the validation number to order or reorder validation tickets. Save and email the completed form to validate@iu.edu.
3. The department will will receive a monthly invoice for the validations used during the previous month. Departments can pay online via credit card using the link provided on the invoice or mail a check to the address indicated on the invoice.  

Faculty/Staff

While parking permits expire annually on June 30, current 2024-25 permits will be extended through July 6, 2025. New 2025-26 parking permit sales are available now and can be purchased in the IU Indianapolis Parking office located on the second floor of the IU Campus Center (420 University Blvd., Indianapolis) in Suite 205 or through the online IU Parking Portal. An IU Username and Passphrase is required to order online. Vehicle information is also needed to comply with IU Indianapolis Parking License Plate Recognition (LPR) regulations.

A payroll deduction option is available. The recurring credit card payment option has been discontinued.

Parking permit reciprocity for individuals who are working at both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations is available. Individuals should purchase a permit through the location assigned as their primary location by Human Resources. Either parking office can confirm a classification if needed.

• IU Indianapolis faculty and staff parking permits will be accepted in "A" surface lots and non-gated parking garages at the West Lafayette location when displayed from the vehicle's rearview mirror. Refer to the downloadable parking map (PDF) for eligible spots. IU Indianapolis parking permits are not valid in the gated parking garages or other locations.
• Additional details are available below under the Reciprocity headings. 

Students

Parking permits have different expiration dates based on the type and duration of permit. New parking permits for students will go on sale Aug. 1. Full payments or billing through the Bursar's Office will be available. More information will be sent through email closer to the permit sale date.

Purdue students in Indianapolis have reciprocity with parking at the West Lafayette location with no additional action needed after purchasing an IU Indianapolis permit. Permits will be accepted in "C" permit parking lots, shown on the downloadable parking map (PDF). Please refer to the information in the next sections about Reciprocity for more information.

At this time, students in West Lafayette do not have parking reciprocity at the Indianapolis location. Free shuttles between West Lafayette and Indianapolis will be available to assist with travel and parking needs between locations.

Reciprocity

Indianapolis as primary location

After purchasing an IU Indianapolis parking permit, faculty, staff and students who will also be working or attending classes at the West Lafayette location do not need to take further steps to ensure West Lafayette parking eligibility. IU Indianapolis parking permits that are displayed correctly and in eligible locations will automatically be accepted by West Lafayette parking enforcement staff.

Purdue Parking is available to assist with questions and may be contacted for further assistance.

West Lafayette as primary location

West Lafayette (WL) faculty and staff must have a valid WL parking permit to be eligible for reciprocity.  Faculty and staff may purchase a permit through Purdue's parking portal, then contact Purdue Parking at 765-494-9497 or parking@purdue.edu to also request an IU Indianapolis permit. Learn more about the types of permits available below.

Based on preference, reciprocity permits will be eligible to be picked up at the IUI Parking and Transportation Services office, Purdue Parking office or can be mailed through campus mail.

The West Lafayette location uses virtual parking permits with license plate recognition while the Indianapolis location uses physical parking permits for enforcement.

Students: At this time, students in West Lafayette do not have parking reciprocity at the Indianapolis location.

Purdue Parking is available to assist with questions and navigating permit reciprocity logistics may be contacted for help.