Attendant-Assisted Parking (Stacked Parking)
Do all NIH parking lots have Attendant-assisted Parking?
No. There are no plans to make all NIH lots Attendant-assisted parking. The following NIH Employee Parking Garages are Attendant-assisted parking: MLP-6, MLP-7, portions of MLP-8, MLP-9, and Lot 10H.
- What is Attendant-Assisted Parking?
Attendant-assisted parking, unlike valet parking, if self-park spaces are open, employees will park and lock their vehicles. Once the self-parking spaces are full, attendants will direct employees to established parking locations where employees will leave car and ignition key, and receive a claim ticket. Vehicle keys will be secured by attendants using key security locks. As self-park spaces open, attendants will move stacked cars into open spaces. Departing stacked employees will present ticket and attendants will unsecure key and move any blocking vehicles.
- What hours will the attended lots be operational?
Projected attendant operating hours for the employee lots are 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday. MLP-11 garage entrance booth will remain open until 11PM for keys pick-up (After 11pm keys secured for pickup next business day). Employees can self-park and lock car at any time there are available spaces in the lots (before, during and after operation hours).
- Are the Attendant-assisted contractors insured?
When you leave your key with Mid-Atlantic Parking Services, they are fully responsible for the vehicle as well as any items secured to the car (i.e., radios, telephones, etc.). They are not responsible for personal property left in the car; in fact, they will remind you to remove and/or store any personal belongings before leaving the car. The company is licensed and bonded.
- What should I do in the event of loss/damage/theft from my vehicle while parked in an Attendant-Assisted Parking Facility?
In the event of a theft from your vehicle, contact the NIH Police at 301-496-5685 to file a police report. If you are reporting a crime in progress within a parking facility, use one of the "Blue Light Emergency Telephones" that are located throughout the various levels or by contacting the NIH Police emergency telephone number 115.
- Visitor Parking
- I am a visitor coming to the NIH Campus for meetings, training, conferences, etc. Must I pay for parking?
Yes, visiting drivers must park in visitor lots or metered parking areas. Parking meters are strategically placed around campus and there are two visitor parking lots. The MLP-11 garage is next to the Gateway Center. The cost to park in a visitor garage is $2.00 per hour for the first 3 hours, and $12 for 4-12 hours. For exact locations of these metered lots, please refer to the Campus Maps.
- Can employees park in the paid visitor parking?
Yes, employees may park in the paid visitor parking at their own expense. No reimbursements will be provided.
- Can ICs get parking vouchers for use at the Paid Visitor Parking?
Yes. ICs can purchase vouchers that can then be given to visitors to cover the cost of parking in the paid parking lots. There will be no free visitor parking on the campus, except for disability visitors with appropriate tags or hangers. The ICs can purchase pre-validated stamps for their visitors by calling 301-594-7275. The rates are $2.00/hr for the first 3 hours and $12.00 for 4-12 hrs. The usual Government purchasing mechanisms will be honored (e.g., credit card, purchase order, etc.).
- What are the hours/days during which the parking meters are to be used?
The hours of operation for metered parking spaces is 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Likewise, the attendant assisted lots are in operation from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
- If I am a patient or visiting a patient at the Clinical Center, where can I park?
Patients, patient visitors, and authorized users can park for free in the ACRF-P1 level. Patients with severe mobility issues may utilize valet parking at the Clinical Center's north entrance.
- Is there a difference between the Transportation Desk at the Clinical Center and the NIH Parking Office?
Yes. The NIH Parking Office assists employees, contractors, fellows and volunteers with transportation needs.
The Transportation Desk at the Clinical Center (301-496-1161) assists patients and their families arrange for cabs and shuttles to appointments and airports.
- I am a visitor with a state-issued disability placard, where do I park?
Visitors with a state-issued disability placard may park in visitor parking areas and "red topped" meter parking spaces. Meters with a red head are reserved for disability parking only. All visitors who are not patients at the Clinical Center must park in visitor parking areas and pay the appropriate fees.
- General Questions
- Do Contractors receive parking permit on the NIH Campus and Rockledge I/II?
Contractors assigned to the Main Campus, Rockledge I/II, and equivalent to full-time employees are eligible to obtain a parking permit, provided their Administrative Officer has approved them for parking benefits in the NIH Enterprise Directory (NED).
- Where can I park my scooter?
Vehicles displaying a scooter, moped, or off-highway vehicle permit, and that occupy a single rack space, are permitted to be parked in the bicycle racks throughout campus. Vehicles displaying motorcycle license plates are not permitted to park at bicycle racks and other bicycle parking areas.
- Do bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles need permits? Where can I park?
Permits are not required for bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles. Parking for motorcycles is available throughout the campus, usually in the corners of parking lots. Bicycle and scooter parking are typically around the outside of the buildings but can be found in parking garages too. Although we do not require parking hangers for motorcycles and scooters, we do ask you to observe the same regulations as permit holders and do not abuse the parking privileges.
- I have a Government vehicle, where can I park?
You may only park in spaces marked "Government Vehicles Only." You may also look on the Office of Logistic website to view questions about your government vehicle.
- I cannot start my car! Can I leave my car overnight and call a tow truck?
Please call the NIH Police on their non-emergency line at 301-496-5685 and let them know what is wrong with the vehicle, make and model of your car, and also where the vehicle is parked. When you call AAA or your insurance company to have a tow truck retrieve your vehicle, make sure you specify that you will need a low-bed truck since our parking garage entrances less than 7 feet in height.
- I forgot to move my parking hanger into the car I drove today, will I be ok?
No. You must request a temporary permit by emailing nihparkingoffice@nih.gov to obtain a permit for the day.
NOTICE: Temporary permits will only be provided to employees with Bethesda Campus worksite. All other employees must park in visitor parking areas.
- I have to work overnight, is my car safe in the garage?
Yes. You may leave your car in a parking space for up to 24 hours but the vehicle must be moved after that. Failure to move your vehicle may result in a citation being issued from the NIH Police.
- How much does a parking hanger cost?
Parking is provided to eligible employees at no cost. Obtaining a parking hanger is easy - employees can log into our CAPS system and choose "Enroll in Parking." Although our parking for employees on campus is free, employees who are in leased buildings may have to pay for parking. Please check with your Administrative Officer or Building Manager for more information about parking at your leased facility.
- I was just in CAPS and was asked a lot of questions about my vehicle, why?
NIH is mandated by Executive Order 13514 to reduce the Federal Government's greenhouse gas consumption (including employee commuting) by 2020. We are gathering data to show our reduction and in order to accomplish this, we need your home address and information about the vehicles you drive to work. This information will also help us with the Electric Vehicle Pilot program.
- I recently used your CAPS system to renew my parking permit. Why was there not an option for me to pick the permit up in the parking office?
As with everything, we strive to make employees' experiences better. If you would like to suggest this feature, or if you have any other suggestions, please email the NIH Parking Office and let us know how we can improve.
- I am a construction contractor performing work on the main campus, where can I park?
The NIH authorizes our Parking Services Contractor to sell monthly parking permits for various lots around the NIH Campus. Please see our Construction Contractor page for more information.
- I work off-campus, I am attending a meeting/training on the NIH Campus, where do I park?
NIH employees attending meetings, trainings, or seminars who work off campus are strongly encouraged to use the NIH Shuttle Service to commute to campus. If employees need to drive to the campus, there are several visitor parking areas available. No temporary permits are available for employees with worksites off-campus.
Visitor parking is available at the following locations: Gateway parking garage (MLP-11) and at metered parking areas around campus. For exact locations of these lots, please refer to the Campus Maps.
- I have a temporary disability, how can I get a temporary Gold disability permit?
Employees who would like to request a temporary disability parking permit should fax a Handicap Parking Application to OMS at 301-402-0673. Once OMS approves the request, OMS sends approval forms directly to the Employee Transportation Services Office/NIH Parking Office for issuance.
For more details, please see OMS contact information here.
- What is the garage heights on the NIH Bethesda Campus?
MLP-6 (Lincoln Dr.)
| 6' 9"
|
MLP-7 (Medlards Dr.)
| 6' 7"
|
MLP-8 (Lincoln Dr.)
| 6' 8"
|
MLP-9 (Convent Dr.)
| 7'
|
MLP-10 (North Dr.)
| 7' 2"
|
MLP-11 Visitor Garage (NIH Gateway Dr.)
| 7'
|
Natcher Bldg. 45 (Center Dr.)
| 7' 6"
|
ACRF BLD 10 - P3 (Memorial Dr.)
| 6' (small section 5' 7")
|
- I’ve been approved for a Red Permit, but my worksite is off-campus. Can I still get a Red Permit to park on the Bethesda Campus?
No, Effective March 31, 2025, employees with off-campus worksites are no longer eligible for a parking permit at the NIH Bethesda Campus, in alignment with new policies related to the return-to-office mandate.
This change does not impact your current parking privileges at your off-campus location. Due to limited availability, no exceptions will be granted, and we are unable to issue temporary permits to employees based off-campus.
As an alternative, employees traveling between sites are encouraged to use NIH shuttle services, when available, or speak with their Administrative Officer (AO) for guidance on local travel and reimbursement options.
- I am unable to log in to CAPS, what should I do?
If you continue to experience issues logging in, please contact NIH Helpdesk at 301-496-4357.
- Common Parking Violations & Penalties
NIH enforces strict parking regulations. Common violations and their associated penalties include:
Displaying a fraudulent or invalid parking permit
1st offense: Warning to 3-month suspension
2nd offense: 3 to 6-month suspension and vehicle towing
3rd offense: 6-month to 1-year suspension and vehicle towing
Illegally parking in unauthorized areas (e.g., reserved spaces, handicap spots, fire lanes)
1st offense: Warning to 3-month suspension and vehicle towing
2nd offense: 3 to 6-month suspension and vehicle towing
3rd offense: 6-month to 1-year suspension and vehicle towing
Altering or forging an NIH parking permit
1st offense: 3 to 6-month suspension and vehicle towing
2nd offense: 6-month to 1-year suspension and vehicle towing
3rd offense: 2-year suspension and vehicle towing
Double parking or misusing a parking space
1st offense: Warning to 1-week suspension
2nd offense: 1-week to 3-month suspension
3rd offense: 3 to 6-month suspension
These penalties are outlined in the NIH Parking Policy, Manual Chapter 1410
- Where are the disability parking spots?
Disability parking spaces are located closest to the buildings and elevators in parking garages.
Employees must display an NIH "Gold" Disability permit to park in disability employee parking.
- I notice a lot of illegally parked cars or vehicles without hangers in the garages, whom do I inform?
Contact the NIH Police on non-emergency line at (301) 496-5685 and inform them of the location of the violation, as well as the offending vehicle's license plate, make, model, and color of the car.
- Who is my Administrative Officer?
From time to time, a person is turned away from the parking office because information is incomplete in their NED profile and/or something is wrong in their NED account. Your supervisor is the best person to ask but you may also log on to the NIH Enterprise Directory, where your AO and supervisor are listed.
- Where do I obtain an NIH ID Card?
The Parking Office does not handle identification cards or matters regarding PIV, facility access, or background checks. For more information on ID badges, please visit the NIH Division of Police's ID Badges page.
- I am an extended visitor here to drop off someone, how do I obtain a parking permit?
As an extended visitor you are not entitled to park on campus. Your extended ID badge is only valid for campus access. Please refer to NIH's Extended visitor policy for more information.
- Parking Member Questions
- I just purchased a new car, sold my old car, or need to update my license plate. How do I let you know?
The best way to modify vehicles associated with your parking hanger is to log in to CAPS. After logging in, please choose the "Modify" button, where you can edit your vehicle and other information.
- I am at the CAPS home page. What is my username and password?
Your username and password are the ones you use to log into your NIH computer. If you use PIV card to log into the computer and you can't remember your username and password, please go to and follow the steps listed on the website.
If you are a contractor or tenant and do not have access to NIH usernames and passwords email the NIH parking office nihparkingoffice@nih.gov.
- I use my mom/husband/child’s state-issued disability placard, can I apply for a Gold Disability Parking Permit?
No. State-issued disability certificates must be under an employee's name to qualify for a Gold Disability Parking Permit. There are no exceptions.
- Can I park for free at a meter with my Gold Disability Parking Permit or state-issued disability placard?
No, there is no free parking at meters or visitor parking lots.
- I have a state-issued disability placard and I work off-campus, but occasionally go to campus for meetings. Do I need a Gold Disability Parking Permit to park in the Gold disability spaces?
Yes, off-campus employees who park on the NIH Bethesda campus are required to display a Gold NIH Disability Parking Permit if parked in parking spaces reserved for employees.
- The Office of Personnel Management has announced a delay. Do I need a temporary parking pass to park on campus for the day?
No. Any day the Office of Personnel Management has announced anything other than "Open," restrictions on general parking spaces are suspended for that day.
- Have the reserved times for Carpool spaces changed?
Yes. All Carpool spaces are now reserved for Carpool Permit holders until 11:00 am.
- I need a temporary disability "Gold" permit, how do I apply?
Employees who require a disability parking permit for temporary reasons (e.g., broken leg, recovery from surgery), must present either a valid DMV-issued temporary disability certification or an approved NIH Temporary Parking Request Form. This form must be signed by Occupational Medical Services (OMS), which is located in Building 10, 6th floor.
This is accomplished by an employee requesting a temporary disability parking permit through OMS. If approved, OMS will provide NIH Form 26-9 directly to the ETSO (NIH Parking Office). Once processed, the employee will follow-up with ETSO to obtain the permit. The permit's expiration will not exceed the stated expiration date on the temporary authorization.
- I lost my NIH Parking Permit, how can I obtain a new one?
If you cannot find your NIH permit or it is lost, simply submit a “Report Lost Hanger" through the CAPS system. A new permit will be mailed to your home address, and a temporary 2-week permit will be emailed to you for immediate use. To apply,
NIH Commuting and Parking Services Member Portal.
- My car was stolen and my permit was in the car, how can I get a new one?
- When I log into CAPS, my home address is incorrect on the first screen. How can I update it?
To update your information in NED,
log in and follow the instructions or contact your AO for assistance. Additionally , the CAPS system allows you to enter a home address to be updated locally through your requested transaction.
- I am starting at the NIH and my orientation is on Monday, where do I park?
New employees starting at the NIH must park in the MLP-11 (Parking Garage) outside the Gateway Center. Once you find your orientation meeting place, ask for a validation form to waive the cost of parking in the garage on your orientation day. While at orientation you will receive more information about parking and other commuting benefits.
- Return To Work Guidance
- My CAPS profile indicates I have an outstanding permit. What should I do?
- I am a contractor and don't see the option to enroll in parking in CAPS. What should I do?
Please contact your Administrative Officer to have them authorize parking for you in the NED system. In NED, they should remove "remote status" (if applicable), check "authorized for parking," and add your worksite building and room number. Keep in mind that it may take 24-48 hours for these changes to be reflected in the CAPS system.
- Where do I park on the NIH Bethesda Campus?
Parking is very limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can view the NIH Employee Parking Map here: NIH Employee Parking Map.
We also recommend utilizing the NIH Transhare program, which offers a maximum transit benefit of $325 for your commute. For more information, visit: NIH Transhare Program.
- I can't find my NIH Parking Permit, what should I do?
If your NIH permit is lost or missing, submit a “
Report Lost/Stolen Hanger" through the CAPS system. A replacement permit will be mailed to your home address, and a temporary 2-week permit will be emailed to you for immediate use. To apply, visit the
NIH Commuting and Parking Services Member Portal.
If the permit was stolen, you will need to provide a police report number with your request.
- I can't find parking on the NIH Campus, what should I do?
There are man
y alternative commuting options:
NIH Transhare Program: Eligible employees can get up to $325 for transit benefits, which can be used for public transportation or similar services.
NIH RideShare Program: This is a great option for carpooling. You can search for potential carpoolers using the CAPS system and contact others who live and work near you. Carpoolers also have access to reserved parking spaces in every lot/MLP until 11:00 AM.
Vanpooling: For those who want to create a vanpool with at least 5 people, the NIH Transhare Program offers up to $325 to cover the cost of your seat. Vanpooling comes with the perk of reserved parking spaces, and vanpool coordinators can use the RideShare system to connect with others.
Guaranteed Ride Home: If you use any of the above commuting options, you can sign up for a guaranteed ride home through Commuter Connections. This ensures that you have a reliable backup transportation option in case of an emergency.
These programs are great ways to reduce the stress of commuting while saving money and potentially improving your work-life balance. Have you used any of these options, or are you considering them?
- I have an Off-Campus Purple Hanger, can I use it at Rockledge I/II and the Bethesda Campus?
No, Effective
March 31, 2025,
off-campus permits will no longer be valid and
cannot be used at Rockledge or the NIH Bethesda Campus. These permits are
obsolete and may be
discarded.
If you are visiting the NIH Bethesda Campus, please park in designated visitor parking areas.
For Rockledge parking information, please contact the Institute or Center (IC) you are visiting for guidance.
- I am no longer a remote worker. How do I obtain an NIH Parking Permit?
First Step: Log into the NIH Commuting and Parking Services Member Portal and enroll in Parking. If you do not see this option, proceed to the second step.
Second Step: Contact your Administrative Officer to authorize you for parking in the NED system. In the NED system, remove "remote status (if applicable)" and add your "worksite building and room number". Please note that updates to your status may take up to 24-48 hours before they are reflected in the CAPS system.
Once your NED status is updated, log into NIH Commuting and Parking Services Member Portal and you should see the option to enroll in Parking.
TEMPORARY PARKING PERMIT NOTICE
Effective March 31, 2025, temporary parking permits for the Bethesda campus will be available ONLY to employees with an on-campus workstation listed in NED.
Employees assigned to off-campus locations will NO longer be eligible for temporary permits and must use designated visitor parking areas. For information on local travel reimbursement or parking validation, please contact your Institute/Center (IC).