Please Note: BART is not issuing photography permits at this time. We expect to resume issuing permits on April 1, 2010. We thank you in advance for your understanding and interest.
WHEN A PERMIT IS REQUIRED:
BART requires those who wish to videotape, film or shoot still photos on BART property while engaged in a commercial, educational or non-profit activity to have a photography permit. The Media & Public Affairs Department issues these permits. BART charges both a $250 application fee ($25 for students) and a location fee, which varies depending on the scope of the shoot. Additionally, BART charges for staff time. A BART Police Officer or BART staff member will escort those without a permit off BART property.
WHEN A PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED:
BART is a Bay Area icon. As such, it attracts more than a few amateur photographers. If you are a paying passenger making your way from point A to point B, then there is no specific prohibition to taking photographs in areas that are accessible to the public provided you do not appear to be a security threat, involved in a commercial activity or harassing other riders. If, however, you appear to be taking photographs of potentially sensitive areas or obviously involved in some commercial enterprise like an advertising agency, BART employees, especially BART Police Officers, may approach you and ask you to identify yourself and possibly take further action against you.
IF YOU REQUIRE A PERMIT:
If you want a permit, please download both the application as well the insurance requirements and fee policy below. Before you fill it out, please note the following:
1) BART must receive both your application and application fee in the form of a certified check or money order no less than 15 business days (excluding BART administrative holidays) before your first proposed shoot date. There can be no exceptions to this rule for two main reasons. First, we need the time to process the application. Secondly, if we must assign staff members to your production, they will most likely work on an overtime shift. Some of BART's union contract contractually bound the District to give employees advanced notice of overtime shifts.
2) BART will not process your application until after we have received your application fee, which must be in the form of a certified check or money order. The application fee is $250 (Students pay $25).
3) BART will not discuss whether your application will be approved until after you have submitted the application fee.
4) Please follow the directions on the application carefully so you know where to send your application and where you send your fee.
5) BART will not issue permits until all fees, including location fees and staff time fees are paid in full via certified check or money order.
6) BART will not issue permits until it has received an acceptable copy of your insurance certificate.
Download the Insurance Requirements for Film/Video and Photography (.pdf)
Download the Photography Fee Policy and sample fee schedule (.pdf)
