Fall 2026 and 2026–27 academic-year permits went on sale August 3, 2026 at 8 a.m. Fall permits are valid August 16, 2026–January 17, 2027; academic-year permits run through June 6, 2027.
Source ↗Car rules and parking at California State University, Long Beach
Cal State Long Beach allows first-year housing residents to buy the on-campus resident permit because the housing rule covers all campus residents. For 2026–27, it costs $311 for fall or $622 for the academic year and permits overnight parking in resident and general surface lots—but never in a parking structure.
Start with the eligibility details below, then weigh permit cost, timing, overnight access, and transit. Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗
At a glance
Parking snapshot
Resident permits are sold through the parking portal after the student's housing status is active. A separate, limited off-site overflow permit opened August 3 for the first five weeks of Fall 2026, giving commuters a lower-cost backup to the regular student product.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗On-campus resident permits allow overnight parking in resident and general lots. Overnight parking is strictly prohibited in every campus parking structure. Beachside residents must use the Beachside lot for overnight parking.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗The academic-year resident permit covers fall, winter, and spring and remains valid through June 6, 2027. Parking rules are enforced 24/7, including holidays, and the ban on overnight parking in structures still applies during breaks.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗Who qualifies
Eligibility details
On-campus first-year resident
Yes. CSULB Housing allows every on-campus resident, including a first-year resident, to purchase the resident product once the student's housing status is active.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗Commuter
Yes. General student permits are available to students and work in designated general lots and structures. A nonresident permit holder must remove the vehicle by 11:59 p.m. unless advance overnight approval has been granted.
Source ↗Upperclass student
Yes. Upperclass residents use the same resident permit, and upperclass commuters use the general student permit options available through the parking portal.
Source ↗Accommodation or exception
Accessible parking requires both a valid CSULB permit and a state-issued disability placard or plate. Students who need a parking-related accommodation can also work with the Bob Murphy Access Center.
Source ↗If you skip the car
Primary car-free alternative
CSULB operates free campus shuttles for students and employees, including service to Beachside housing during the fall and spring schedules. Long Beach Transit student passes cost $40 for 30 days or $100 for 150 days on the current transportation page.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗Test it against your routineCommon questions
California State University, Long Beach car and parking FAQ
Can freshmen living at CSULB bring a car?
Yes. CSULB Housing allows first-year campus residents to buy the on-campus permit once their housing status is active. The 2026-27 resident permit costs $311 for fall or $622 for the academic year.
How much is a CSULB resident parking permit?
For 2026–27, it is $311 for fall or $622 for the academic year. General student permits cost $259 for fall or $518 for the academic year.
Can CSULB residents park overnight in a garage?
No. Resident permits allow overnight parking in resident and general surface lots, but overnight parking is strictly prohibited in every parking structure.
When did CSULB Fall 2026 parking permits go on sale?
Fall and academic-year permit sales opened August 3, 2026 at 8 a.m. through the university's parking portal.
Trace the answer
Cited official sources
These verified university sources support the current claims above. Follow each link for the full policy.
Permit information and regulations ↗
The 2026–27 page lists current resident and general student prices, sale and validity dates, parking areas, overnight restrictions, enforcement hours, and accessible-parking rules.
California State University, Long Beach Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedFrequently asked questions about residential parking ↗
Housing explains how residents obtain permits, which terms the resident product covers, and where resident and Beachside vehicles may park overnight.
California State University, Long Beach Housing and Residential Life · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedOverflow parking for Fall 2026 ↗
The university describes a limited, first-come off-site permit for the first five weeks of Fall 2026 and its August 3 sale opening.
California State University, Long Beach Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedCampus shuttle ↗
The current shuttle page describes free campus and Beachside service and notes that regular service pauses during university breaks and holidays.
California State University, Long Beach Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedLong Beach Transit student passes ↗
The university lists current 30-day and 150-day discounted Long Beach Transit passes for students.
California State University, Long Beach Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedKeep comparing