Indiana University Bloomington Parking Operations is implementing key updates for the 2025-26 academic year.

License plate recognition technology, a virtual permit system that uses license plates as parking permits, will move into the second phase of implementation at IU Bloomington.

Drivers should park their vehicle with the license plate facing the driving lane. Drivers who do not have a front license plate but want to back into parking spaces or pull through them must display an IU license plate recognition plate on their vehicle’s front bumper. The plate can be purchased in person at the Office of Parking Operations.

Parking hangtags are still necessary and must be used for most parking garages. All vehicles registered with IU must display a hangtag during the transition away from them.

Parking Operations is also launching virtual Campus Housing permits and installing a new access gate for Lot 256.

Beginning this year, CH permit holders will transition to a fully virtual permit system. This marks the first time that eligible students will not receive a physical hangtag. The initial rollout will be limited to a smaller group of permit holders to allow Parking Operations to monitor performance and address any issues before expanding the program more broadly, ensuring a smooth experience for all users

IU has completed the installation of a new access gate at Lot 256, which serves the Kelley School of Business and the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The gate is scheduled to be operational by Aug. 25 and will control entry from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Access permissions for Lot 256 will mirror those used for gated campus parking garages, including vendor permits for service providers. An intercom system will connect directly to building facility management, allowing for real-time access support for authorized vehicles that may not have gate credentials. However, Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services will not be granted access to Lot 256 under the new system.

These changes reflect IU Bloomington’s ongoing commitment to modernizing campus infrastructure and improving operational efficiency.