With nearly 13,000 students at Duke, we are continually making strides to provide the best and easiest ways to park on campus. While we can't guarantee every student a parking space, we provide parking to students based on where they live or study. Parking permit fees are charged to your Bursar account on an annual basis.

Consider Alternative Transportation

As a student, you're allowed to bring a vehicle to campus, however, other modes of transportation are available and may be preferable:

  • Biking is encouraged, and designated parking is available. Registering your bike has its advantages.
  • Duke Transit Bus and Van Service is free to students. 
  • City and regional buses are available at no cost to students; Sign up with Umo.

Student Permit Information

Students enrolled in fall semester classes are eligible to purchase a parking permit that is valid from Aug. 16 of the current year to Aug. 15 of the following calendar year. If you expect to graduate in spring or summer, you are not eligible to purchase a permit for the following academic year. We receive expected graduation information from the Registrar's Office.

Many student permits are multi-year permits, where you keep the same permit for the duration of your time here at Duke. The first 2 digits of your permit indicate the year in which it will expire (ex: 28 means the permit will expire on August 15, 2028). Your parking fee will be automatically billed to your student account annually in June and is subject to change each year.

Please note: First-year students and students living in Duke-assigned off-campus locations, can purchase permits valid for only 1 year (ex: Swift & Blue Light Living).

Bringing a Vehicle to Duke

If you decide to bring a vehicle to Duke, you'll need to purchase the appropriate permit. Before you do so, please note:

  • You may not drive a car to class, as parking near academic buildings is restricted to valid permits. Mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters are good alternatives and must be parked in appropriate locations.
  • Review parking policies prior to purchasing a permit.

We encourage you to purchase your permit before you arrive on campus.

  • First-year undergrad students are only eligible for Smith Warehouse South (SGS).
  • Undergrads who live on West Campus or off-campus are eligible to park in the Blue Zone (BLU).
  • If you live at 300 Swift or 301 Swift Avenue, you are eligible to purchase a Swift (S) permit.
  • If you live at Blue Light Living, you are eligible to purchase a Blue Light Living (BLL) permit.
  • Graduate and Professional students have the option to purchase Science Drive Garage (SDG) or Parking Garage 3 (PG3) based on their academic program.
    • If you have an annual permit in a facility or lot other than Science Drive Garage or Parking Garage 3, you may continue to park there as long as the permit is renewed by the original registrant.

Your annual permit is assigned to you and cannot be shared, gifted, or sold.

Before You Buy an Annual Parking Permit

  • Your parking fee is billed to your Bursar account annually and is subject to change each year. Parking rates are available on our website.
  • Your permit is only valid in its assigned facility, but grants access to most parking areas evenings and weekends.
  • Your permit will be mailed within five days of purchase.
  • Your permit cannot be shared, and is associated with your vehicle make, model and license plate.
  • You must display the permit whenever your vehicle is parked on campus (including during academic breaks and holidays).
  • You are responsible for any fines incurred by a vehicle displaying your permit. Fines are charged to your Bursar account.

Purchasing an Annual Permit

  • If you have a Duke NetID and password, a vehicle license plate number, and a local address where your permit can be mailed, you may go online to purchase your permit.
  • Sales for 2025-2026 permits for most students begin June 11, 2025.
  • We encourage you to purchase your permit by July 26 so that you will receive it prior to arriving on campus for the fall semester.
  • Visit FlexPort to purchase a permit.

Special accommodations may be made for people with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Studying Abroad

If you're studying abroad and will need a parking permit when you return to campus, permits will be available by visiting FlexPort at a prorated cost.

Additional Questions

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact our office.