Residential, commuter permits to go on sale for all students

LEXINGTON, Ky (July 17, 2026) — Student parking permits for 2026-27 will be available for all eligible University of Kentucky students starting next week. 

Sales begin:

• Residential students (must have confirmed housing assignment): 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 21
• Commuter Students: 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 22

To purchase a permit online, log into your customer account. Some permit types may sell out quickly. It does not benefit you to log in before sales start at 9 a.m. Everyone who logs in at the start time is treated the same, and early visitors do not receive priority. During high volume online traffic, you may be placed in a virtual queue. Do not refresh your browser or open multiple windows. Staying on the page is the best way to maintain your place in line. The queue page will update as your turn gets closer.

The appropriate residential or commuter permit types will appear as options for purchase. All students are also eligible for either a residential periphery (RK) or commuter periphery (CK) permit.

Purchases can also be made in person at UK Transportation Services’ customer service center, 721 Press Ave.,  or by phone at 859-257-5757. Customer service center hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Before you buy, have the following information handy: 

• Vehicle make, model and color
• License plate information, including the state and complete plate number
• Method of payment

Vehicle information is required before a permit purchase can be processed. In addition, all outstanding parking citations must be paid before a purchase can be made. Citations may be paid online or over the phone.

Permit pricing information

Parking permit costs are priced based upon proximity and predictability.

Residential: Standard residential permits for the new academic year cost $504, which is the same rate as last year. There are two exceptions:

• Residential permits for the Shively surface lot (R16) cost $336 for the academic year.
• Residential permits for graduate students who live in the Shawneetown/Greg Page area (R19) cost $252/year.

Residential periphery (RK) permits cost $272 per year or $136 per semester.

Commuter permits cost $336 for the academic year and are only available to those with 60 or more credit hours. Commuter periphery permits are available for all commuters and cost $272 for the academic year or $136 per semester.

Permits can be returned to the UK Transportation Services office for a prorated refund at any time before the expiration date.

Authorized parking areas

Students who purchase a residential (R) permit are required to park within their designated residential area. They may also park in the residential periphery (RK) areas at Kroger Field: Blue Lot, Green Lot, College Way lots, Commonwealth Drive Lot and Wildcat Court lots.

Students who purchase a regular commuter permit are also required to park within their designated commuter area. They may also park in the commuter periphery (CK) area at Kroger Field.

For details about parking options, including classifications, permit types and parking area locations, visit the student permits page.

Parking control details

2026-27 parking permits are valid beginning Saturday, Aug. 22, and must be displayed upon arrival. Permits will also be activated for entry and exit from gated parking structures beginning that day.

Additional options

Unsure if you need a vehicle? Permit renewal time also offers students a good opportunity to consider other methods of transportation to, from and around campus. Transportation Services offers several attractive incentives to encourage both employees and students to consider sustainable options, such as biking, busing, walking or ride hailing. For details about these programs, visit the Sustainable Transportation section of the website.

For information concerning parking and transit operations on campus, sign up for e-news, follow Transportation Services on X @UKParking and on Instagram.