Transportation

Students can commute to campus by driving, carpooling, taking the bus, riding a bike, and walking. 

Driving

If you plan to drive a car while in the U.S., you must have a driver’s license.  California law states that if you are visiting and have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you may drive in our state as long as your license remains valid. However, it is recommended that you apply for a CA driver’s license as soon as possible if you plan to drive in CA as a student.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the agency that registers all vehicles in California and issues driving licenses. Visit the DMV website to view the California Driver Handbook, forms, and instructions on how to apply for a California driver’s license. An appointment is required.

Important Tips

Wait at least 10 days after you enter the United States to apply for the license. The 10 day wait allows time for all the government databases to update with your arrival information. If you apply too early, your application will be delayed or denied.  If you are a continuing student, please remember to wait 10 days from your most recent entry to the U.S.

Check all of your immigration documents to make sure your information is correct. Data integrity is very important because if you have different information on different forms, it will cause delays. You will need to bring your Passport, SEVIS I-20 form, I-94 form, and proof of residency to your appointment. Learn more about the residency requirements on the DMV website. 

Exception to the SSN requirement.  Usually individuals applying for a CA driver’s license are required to have a social security number (SSN). However, the Social Security Administration only issues SSN numbers to F-1 visa holders who have been authorized to work. If you have not been authorized to work, you are exempt from the SSN requirement.

CA Driver’s License Checklist                

• Schedule an appointment to the written test
• Bring all the documents you need to take the written test
• Pass the written test and receive your driver’s permit
• Schedule an appointment to take the driving test
• Take the driving test
• Pass the driving test and receive your temporary license
• Wait for your official license to arrive in the mail

Parking

The cost of a semester-length parking permit is $60.00 ($30.00 during summer semester).
Daily parking permits are $4.00, payable at the kiosks located in the student parking lots.

The California State Identity Card

If you are not planning to drive, the DMV also issues the California Identity Card with your photo and date of birth information on it. This is an easily recognizable form of identification used for cashing checks, proving your age, etc. Plan on making an appointment before going to the DMV. To do so, visit the DMV website.

Walking

If you live close to campus, consider walking. It is good for the environment and your health.

Biking

Bicycle racks are installed at many convenient locations on the Santa Rosa and Petaluma campuses. Be sure to buy a good quality bike lock and always lock your bike before you leave it. BikeLink lockers are also available for secure bicycle parking for a fee at various locations on the Santa Rosa Campus. 

Public Transportation

Taking public transportation is a great option to save money and reduce your impact on the
environment. Access route maps and schedules online:

• Sonoma County Transit Routes
• City of Santa Rosa Bus Routes
• Petaluma Transit Routes
• SMART Train Schedule

College students ride free on Sonoma County Transit in 2019! The Subsidized Fare Program for college students requires that they have a college-issued identification card indicating they are currently enrolled as a student in a Sonoma County college. This includes Santa Rosa Junior College (all campuses) Sonoma State University, University of San Francisco (Santa Rosa campus) Empire College, Bauman College, and other institutions in which a campus is located in Sonoma county.

Carpooling

Save money and park in reserved parking by carpooling. Preregister your carpool with District
Police. For more information, access the District Police General Information website.

FREE Clipper BayPass now available in spring!

SRJC students enrolled for Spring 2023 are eligible for a FREE Bay Area transit pass, which is good through summer 2024!

As part of this program, students are eligible for a free transit pass called a Clipper BayPass. This pass allows access to all bus, rail, and ferry services in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area that accept Clipper. The full list of public transportation services offered through the Clipper BayPass, and answers to many questions can be found at santarosa.edu/clipper-baypass-faq. The program is available to the first 5,000 students to sign up.

Students can pick up their Clipper BayPass from the following locations:

• Santa Rosa Campus
                Student Information Desk,1st Floor, Bertolini Building
                Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM 
• Petaluma Campus
                 Welcome and Connect Center, Building 500, Room 101
                 See website for hours: petaluma.santarosa.edu/welcome
• Southwest Center
                 Student Services Office
                 Monday - Thursday 10:00AM - 5:00PM
                 Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Register Here