Learn about permit requirements and process for demonstrations, transportation, film, & events
Whether looking for a location for your commercial or planning a special event, if you plan to do business or provide services at one of the facilities in the county airport system, you may need a permit. All of the information about permit requirements and how to obtain one can be found below.
Transportation NetWORK Companies
The airport has operating agreements for Uber, Lyft and Wingz. Drivers do not need to apply for permits. Please contact your manager for instructions on where to pick up fares.
Ground transportation providers are required to complete an application, undergo a safety inspection, and obtain a transponder to operate at Sacramento International Airport. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors' Sacramento County Department of Airports Ordinance and related Rules and Regulations are listed below. For more information, contact us
Regulations are listed below:
A permit is required to demonstrate on any airport property. Permits must be submitted at least three business days in advance of the planned demonstration or solicitation. For more information on demonstration permits please contact us.
All four airports in the Sacramento County Department of Airports are available for commercial filming and photography. For more information about the film permit process and filming guidelines, please contact us. Film permits must be submitted at least 10 working days in advance of the planned filming or photography date.
Special activity permits are required for large group transportation access to Sacramento International Airport. Permits are also required for other types of special activity not related to private vehicle drop-offs and pick-ups. For more information on special activity permits, please contact us.
The Infrequent Operator Permit (IOP) is intended for companies that infrequently operate at the SMF airport. The Infrequent Operator Permit must be obtained by the company and the operator must comply with all Airport Rules and Regulations. Individual drivers may not obtain Infrequent Operator Permits. All ground transportation providers that do not have an SMF GT Permit must obtain a temporary Infrequent Operator Permit (IOP) for each vehicle and must pay the associated fee of $20.00 per vehicle. Each IOP is valid for twenty-four (24) hours from the indicated date and time of the scheduled trip on the IOP form. All IOP fees are non-refundable, even if the trip is canceled.
The Infrequent Operator Permit also provides companies that have a current SMF GT permit, the temporary ability to operate a vehicle that does not have an AVI tag. The same process, cost, and 24-hour expiration will apply to this case. The IOP permit is not available to companies with an SMF GT permit on suspended status or in the appeals process.
The instructions to purchase an “Infrequent Operator Permit”
Select the line-item IOP - 20.00 (Infrequent Operator Permit) from the item drop-down list.
Enter the company name, vehicle license plate number, date, and time of the scheduled trip in the reference box. i.e. Reference: North Transportation 7793P3 06-03-2023 1:00 PM.
You may add vehicles to the cart by clicking “Add another item.”
Add reference information for each vehicle as described above.
Click on the Pay Now link.
Complete the payment process.
Print the receipt and place it on the vehicle dashboard while on airport property.
Email a copy of the receipt to Air-GT@saccounty.gov and place "IOP" in the subject line.
Here is the link to the IOP payment portal. Purchase Infrequent Operator Permit
If you have any questions, email Air-GT@saccounty.gov and place IOP in the subject line.
