Usc Transportation is excited to announce a significant step towards sustainability and efficiency: parking permits are going paperless! Starting in Fiscal Year 2026 (beginning July 1, 2025), we will transition to a completely paperless system. Forget about parking permit stickers or hang tags – your vehicle’s license plate will become your official USC parking permit.
This move to paperless permits by USC Transportation is designed to streamline the parking process and reduce our environmental footprint. Throughout the Spring semester, USC Transportation will provide detailed updates and instructions to the USC campus community regarding this transition. For an initial overview and answers to frequently asked questions, please consult our Going Paperless FAQ. Stay tuned for more information coming soon as USC Transportation prepares for this exciting change!
Managing Your USC Parking Permit
With USC Transportation moving to a paperless system, managing your parking permit is becoming even more convenient online. Here’s what you need to know about cancellations and purchasing permits.
How to Cancel Your Parking Permit
If you no longer require your parking permit, cancellation is easily done through our online system. To cancel your permit, simply complete our online cancellation form. With the move to paperless permits, there’s no need to return any physical permit. In fact, after June 30th, physical permits will no longer be issued by USC Transportation.
Refunds for cancelled permits are prorated based on the cancellation date. Please note that permits cancelled after the permit start date are not eligible for a full refund. Ensure timely cancellation to receive the appropriate refund.
How to Purchase a USC Parking Permit
Purchasing your USC parking permit is a straightforward online process through our dedicated parking portal. USC Transportation offers multiple payment options for permits purchased online, including major credit cards, USC pre-tax payroll deduction for faculty and staff, and charges to the USC fee bill system for students.
Sales for most Fall semester parking permits will commence online starting May 15th at noon. It’s important to remember that some high-demand parking areas still utilize a lottery-waitlist system. Online registration for the lottery waitlist opens on May 1st. Please note: Winning the parking lottery for a high-demand area grants you the opportunity to purchase a permit in that area; it does not mean the parking space is complimentary. Be sure to review the important dates and permit details below.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Unless specifically designated as “FALL ONLY,” most parking permits will automatically renew for the subsequent Spring semester. “FALL ONLY” permits do not automatically renew. The dates displayed on permits cover the entire academic year, but online portal dates and billing charges are presented on a per-semester basis for financial aid purposes. If you have a standard permit and will not need it for the Spring semester (due to vehicle changes, study abroad, graduation, etc.), you are responsible for CANCELLING THE PERMIT. Please refer to the cancellation process outlined above.
USC Transportation offers two primary methods for online parking permit purchases:
- Direct Online Sales: For locations with readily available parking spaces.
- Waitlist/Lottery System: For high-demand areas where parking supply is limited.
If your desired parking location has permits currently available, you can purchase your permit directly online starting May 15th at noon. You can access direct sale permits by clicking here. Log in to your USC Transportation account (or create one if you are a new user) and click the grey ‘Get Permit’ button to proceed.
| Fall / Spring Academic Year Permits (student) | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Commuter and Housing Parking Direct Sales Online (for both UPC and HSC campuses) | May 15th at Noon |
| Areas Available for Direct Sales | Lot/Structure |
|---|---|
| All UPC Structures (excluding McCarthy Way) | Downey, Jefferson, Royal, Shrine, Flower, Figueroa, Grand |
| ALL USC Housing lots excluding those listed on the table in the following section | See table below |
For high-demand parking locations where demand exceeds the available spaces, assignments are managed through a waitlist/lottery. To enter the lottery for your preferred location, you must add your name to the waitlist during the waitlist entry period, from May 1st to May 15th. After the entry period closes, entrants will be randomly selected and given the chance to purchase a permit.
To enter the parking waitlist for these limited-availability structures, click here to begin. After logging into your USC Transportation account (or creating one), you can select your desired waitlist locations.
| High-Demand Locations Requiring a Preference Lottery | Lot/Structure |
|---|---|
| All HSC Structures and Lots | |
| The following UPC Structures and Lots: CENTENNIAL A – CEN (FY20-21) CENTENNIAL B – CEN (FY20-21) CENTENNIAL TANDEM -CEN (FY20-21) FOUNDERS – FSA (FY20-21) FOUNDERS TANDEM- FSA (FY20-21) LOT 21 (FY20-21) LOT 27 (FY20-21) LOT 28 (FY20-21) MCCARTHY WAY STRUCTURE (FY20-21) TERRACE – TSA (FY20-21) TERRACE TANDEM – TSA (FY20-21) TROY – TRE TRH TRE (FY20-21) UNIVERSITY REGENT – URA (FY20-21) WINDSOR – WIN (FY20-21) | Centennial Apt Centennial Apt Centennial Apt Founders Apt Founders Apt Off Campus Gold Off Campus Gold Off Campus Gold On Campus Gold Terrace Apt Terrace Apt Troy Apt Univ. Regent Apt Windsor Apt |
USC Transportation is committed to providing efficient and sustainable parking solutions for the university community. The move to paperless permits is a key step in this direction. Visit the USC Transportation website for the most up-to-date information and resources.
