Smart Card - Downtown Des Moines

What is a SmartCard?

SmartCards are similar to debit cards. A person can insert the SmartCard into a parking meter and buy time on the meter, up to the maximum limit of the meter (2, 3, 4, or 10 hours). If there is time left on the meter when the person returns, they can reinsert the same SmartCard and have the remaining value on the meter refunded back to their SmartCard.

Do I have to insert the same SmartCard into the meter in order to get a refund?

Yes. Meters will only return the remaining value on the meter back onto the SmartCard that originally placed time on the meter.

How do I know which meters will accept my SmartCard?

There is a yellow SmartCard label on the front of all parking meters that accept the SmartCard. The yellow SmartCard label is clearly visible from the street so you can easily know which meters accept the SmartCard before deciding where to park.

Where can I purchase a SmartCard?

The City of Des Moines has provided three automated SmartCard vending machines where cards can be purchased for $5.00 and value placed on the card using, cash ($20, $10 & $5 bills only - coins, $1 &$2 are not accepted), MasterCard and VISA (credit or debit). SmartCard vending machines are located at:
→ 3rd and Court Parking Garage office
→ 9th and Locust Parking Garage office
→ City Hall lobby, located at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive

What happens if I lose my SmartCard?

Because the SmartCard has value, it should be safeguarded. There are no refunds for lost, stolen or mutilated cards.

For more information on SmartCards, please call the City of Des Moines at 515-283-4973.