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Permit costs vary based on the permit types. Typically, if you plan to be on campus for one day, it’s cheaper to pay the short-term parking hourly rate. If you come to campus two or more days weekly, semester permit options may be less expensive overall.

Take our parking quiz to see our recommended permit options for you.

No. Your permit is associated with a particular lot(s) or deck. There is not a specific space in that lot or deck that is assigned to you. For the reserved lots and parking decks, the number of permits sold ensures that you will have a space in the lot or deck under regular conditions.

No. A parking permit is for a designated area (e.g., Lot I permit holders can park at a non-restricted parking space in Lot I at all times), and each permit has specific regulations about where it can be used. For details on all parking permits and their associated regulations, please visit: Where is my permit valid?

A vehicle that requires a license plate must be included as a vehicle on a parking permit.

If only driving a motorcycle, a specific motorcycle permit should be purchased online at parking.gmu.edu. Motorcycles and scooters requiring license plates should park in designated motorcycle areas around campus.

An electric scooter does not require a parking permit but must be parked at a bike rack.

Please note: electric vehicles – scooters, skateboards, bikes, etc – cannot be stored or charged indoors in a residence hall or any Mason building. If you register your scooter or bike with Parking and Transportation, you may charge them at designated outdoor outlets. Please see bike.gmu.edu for details (scroll down on the biking resources tab).

Spring 2025 parking permits are available online at parking.gmu.edu beginning January 6 for seniors and graduate students, January 7 for sophomores and juniors, and January 8 for freshmen.

Permits rarely sell out completely immediately, although reserved lot and parking deck permit types do tend to sell out quicker. Permits based on availability are available to purchase throughout the semester, as are daily, weekly, and monthly options.

To purchase a permit:

• Sign in to the parking portal with your George Mason credential
• Select your permit options. To view a full list of semester permit options, visit parking.gmu.edu.
• Associate the permit with your vehicle.
• Make a payment with Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check.

The permit will be activated immediately after your purchase.

No. Parking permits are only available on a by-semester basis.

Resident students may have one car on their virtual permit.

Non-resident students may have up to two cars on their virtual permit, but only one vehicle may be parked on campus at a time.

There is transportation to the Mason Square, SciTech, and Fairfax campuses, but when you arrive, you generally get around campus by walking.

On the Fairfax campus, you also have access to

• Patriot Bike Checkout Program (Free)
• Capital Bikeshare ($25/yearly student membership)
• E-scooters (cost)
• Mason Shuttles (Free): The West Campus Route travels between the West Campus and East Campus and travels around Patriot Circle as part of its route. 

Mason Shuttles is free with your Mason ID so it would be cheaper to use rather than purchasing a parking permit.

We also encourage carpooling among our students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity for permit rebates, carpool zones, and complimentary parking permits. To assist in finding a ride or sharing a ride, visit MasonCommutes.com.