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VTA requires those who wish to film, videotape or shoot still photos on VTA property while engaged in a commercial, non-profit activity or for educational purposes to have a license to film, video, or photograph.

VTA External Affairs Department issues licenses. VTA charges a fee based on the scope of the filming; the fee includes staff time as indicated in the Permit Fee Schedule (see below). Proof of liability insurance will be required prior to license approval. A VTA staff member will escort those without a license off VTA property.

Non-commercial, personal use photography and news media are exempt from the requirement to obtain a license.

If you are a paying passenger, then there is no specific prohibition to taking photographs in areas that are accessible to the public provided you do not interfere with passenger movement, appear to be a security threat, or involved in a commercial activity.

However, if you are taking photographs in an unauthorized area or are involved in a commercial enterprise, VTA staff or security may ask you to identify yourself and possibly escort you off VTA property if your activity requires a license.

• The approval process takes up to 10 days from receipt of application.
• A fee will be determined based on your specific filming request.
• VTA will not issue licenses until all fees are paid in full and a copy of your insurance certificate is received.

Download the Application to Film/Photograph, Insurance and Other Requirements and Application to Film/Photograph Request (see below).

Complete the application with details of the activity including date and location of filming requested, number of filming crew, equipment used, etc. Email or fax your application to market.development@vta.org or fax to (408) 321-7537.

Download Forms

• Application to Film/Photograph, Insurance and Other Requirements and Application to Film/Photograph Request (111KB PDF)
• Policy: Permission to film or photograph on VTA property (202KB PDF)
• Permit Fee Schedule (843KB PDF)