Residential parking permits now on sale for returning residential students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2026) — Student residential (R) parking permits are now on sale for returning University of Ketucky students with a 2026-27 campus housing assignment.

This priority presale window is available for students who had a residential housing assignment last academic year and is handled on a first-come, first-served basis through the close of business at 5 p.m. Friday, July 17. After that date, residential permits will go on sale to the broader residential student population.

Students should be aware that this returning residential permit sales window does not include individuals who held a residential periphery (RK) permit last year. Sales for periphery permit types will start later this summer.

Permit pricing information

Parking permits are priced based upon proximity and predictability. Most residential permits for the new academic year cost $504, which is the same rate as last year. Residential permits for the Shively Lot (R16) cost $336 for the academic year. Residential permits are only available for purchase for a full academic year (eight months).

Students who choose to purchase a residential (R) permit are required to park within their designated residential area. They may also park in the residential periphery (RK) area at Kroger Field.

Additional parking permit options are available for students who are seeking a less expensive alternative or who do not require or desire regular or proximate access to their vehicle. These include:

• Residential periphery (RK) parking is available at Kroger Field and can be purchased by the semester or the full academic year. RK permits costs $136 for the fall semester or $272 for the full academic year.
• Remote (X) parking is also available for $168 for the full academic year.

For details about residential parking options, including classifications, permit types and parking area locations, visit transportation.uky.edu/park/studentpermits.

Purchasing a permit

To purchase a permit online, log into your customer account. Returning residential students with confirmed housing assignments will be given the opportunity to purchase a residential permit, so there is no need to log in early or even the day that sales start. Simply purchase your permit prior to 5 p.m. Friday, July 17.

The appropriate residential parking permit(s) for your housing assignment will appear as an option for purchase. Housing assignments must be finalized before residential permit options can be displayed.

Purchases can also be made in-person at UK Transportation Services’ customer service center or over the phone by calling 859-257-5757. Have the make, model, color, state and license plate number for your vehicle available, as vehicle information is required before a permit purchase can be processed. 

The customer service center is located at 721 Press Ave., and regular office hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

All outstanding parking citations must be paid before a permit purchase may be processed. Citations may be paid online or over the phone.

Parking control details

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

Unsure if you need a vehicle? Permit renewal time also offers students an opportunity to consider other methods of transportation to, from and around campus. UK 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 transportation.uky.edu/sustainable-transportation.

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