Car rules and parking at Auburn University

First-year students can bring a car.

Start with the eligibility details below, then weigh permit cost, timing, overnight access, and transit. Source

Last checked Confidence highStatus Editorially reviewedSources 4 official pagesReport a change →

At a glance

Parking snapshot

Permit timing

Preferred choices were accepted June 15–July 17, 2026; resident notifications were July 21, commuter notifications July 23, overflow opened July 27, and selected students had through August 7 to claim.

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Availability

Preferred permits are randomized and waitlisting does not guarantee a selection. Auburn states there is enough overflow parking for students who do not receive preferred parking.

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Overnight parking

Not confirmed—check the official parking office

Not confirmed
Break-period parking

Not confirmed—check the official parking office

Not confirmed

Who qualifies

Eligibility details

On-campus first-year resident

Resident students enter a random selection for preferred Village, South Donahue, or Hill parking; residents of the Quad, Concourse, 160 Ross, 191 College, and the Union are eligible only for resident overflow.

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Commuter

Commuters enter a random preferred-parking selection, but freshmen cannot join preferred commuter waitlists and instead use commuter overflow when available.

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Upperclass student

Preferred commuter selection is open to eligible commuters other than freshmen; freshmen are specifically excluded from the PC1, PC2, PC4, and PC5 waitlists.

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Accommodation or exception

Students with permanent disabilities must obtain Office of Accessibility documentation for an Auburn medical permit; temporary parking upgrades require supporting accessibility documentation.

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If you skip the car

Primary car-free alternative

Tiger Transit provides 22 routes serving major campus buildings, residence and apartment complexes, and other Auburn locations; a separate overnight safety shuttle serves on-campus trips.

Source 1Source 2Test it against your routine

Common questions

Auburn University car and parking FAQ

Can freshmen have cars at Auburn University?

First-year students can bring a car. Resident students enter a random selection for preferred Village, South Donahue, or Hill parking; residents of the Quad, Concourse, 160 Ross, 191 College, and the Union are eligible only for resident overflow.

How much is a parking permit at Auburn University?

$150 / year. The numeric annual field uses the overflow option available after preferred selection. Auburn states completed parking assignments are nonrefundable.

When do Auburn University parking permits go on sale?

Preferred choices were accepted June 15–July 17, 2026; resident notifications were July 21, commuter notifications July 23, overflow opened July 27, and selected students had through August 7 to claim.

Is a car worth it at Auburn University?

It depends on your routine and permit access. The official sources identify Tiger Transit provides 22 routes serving major campus buildings, residence and apartment complexes, and other Auburn locations; a separate overnight safety shuttle serves on-campus trips. as a car-free option. Use the decision tool to weigh your own travel needs.

Trace the answer

Cited official sources

These verified university sources support the current claims above. Follow each link for the full policy.

01

Admissions FAQ

Admissions explicitly says freshmen may have cars when registered with Parking Services and parked in designated areas; it also describes Tiger Transit.

Auburn University Office of Undergraduate Admissions · Checked 2026-08-01 · verified
02

Student Vehicle Registration

The 2026 page lists resident and commuter lotteries, freshman commuter limits, prices, claim dates, and overflow availability.

Auburn University Parking Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verified
03

Parking Accessibility

Auburn medical permits require disability documentation; temporary upgrades and permanent student permissions route through the Office of Accessibility.

Auburn University Parking Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verified
04

Night Security Shuttle Service

The night shuttle carries students and staff between on-campus locations during published overnight hours.

Auburn University Campus Safety and Security · Checked 2026-08-01 · verified

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