San Diego Press Pass Program Ended: What Journalists Need Now
Program ended
By The National Press Association editorial team · Last reviewed: . Policies change, so confirm with the agency’s media office before you rely on this page.
The San Diego Police Department discontinued its Media Identification Card (or Press Pass) Program and the associated parking placards, effective February 13, 2026. The notice says the decision follows a review of current practices, state and federal law, and the evolving landscape of modern journalism. The notice says people who hold SDPD Media Identification Cards and parking placards do not need to turn them in, but the cards and placards stop being valid once they expire. Applications to renew an identification card will not be processed. (source: sandiego.gov, as of October 24, 2026)
When the program ended
February 13, 2026, according to the agency’s own notice. (source: sandiego.gov, as of October 24, 2026)
What changed
The notice says SDPD no longer issues parking placards to members of the media, and that news media should follow all parking laws and park safely while reporting. (source: sandiego.gov)
Laws the notice cites
- California Penal Code 409.5 & 409.6
Listed as the notice cites them; this guide does not interpret them. (source: sandiego.gov)
What the agency says journalists should do now
SDPD says it will give all officers information on the laws governing media access to disaster areas, First Amendment activities, and how to identify media. To help verify news affiliation, it encourages media members to carry an ID card from their news agency or organization, or a business card. (source: sandiego.gov)
Former programThe program as it used to work
This describes the former program. It is no longer available, and you cannot apply for it. The news-center page described the former Media Identification Card as “a privilege granted by the Chief of Police to those who have a regular need to cross police and/or fire lines.” (source: sandiego.gov, as of October 24, 2026)
Media contact
- Email: mediainquiry@pd.sandiego.gov
- Phone: 619-531-2900
- Media Services Unit
(source: sandiego.gov)
Official page
Read the agency’s own page: the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). (source: sandiego.gov)
What the sources say, and where they differ
Official pages do not always agree with each other. Where we found a difference, we say which source this guide follows.
The news-center page still shows the old program block
The agency’s news-center page still shows the old Media Identification Card description and application-form links in one block, and the notice that the program was discontinued in another. The signed February 13, 2026 notice is the newer statement and says the program is discontinued, so this guide follows the notice and does not treat the old block as current.
Sources: San Diego Police Department News Center (Media Identification Card notice) (retrieved October 24, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Does San Diego still issue press passes?
The San Diego Police Department discontinued its Media Identification Card (or Press Pass) Program and the associated parking placards, effective February 13, 2026. The notice says the decision follows a review of current practices, state and federal law, and the evolving landscape of modern journalism.
When did the San Diego press pass program end?
The agency’s own notice dates the change to February 13, 2026.
What happens to existing San Diego press passes?
The notice says people who hold SDPD Media Identification Cards and parking placards do not need to turn them in, but the cards and placards stop being valid once they expire. Applications to renew an identification card will not be processed.
What changed for journalists in San Diego?
The notice says SDPD no longer issues parking placards to members of the media, and that news media should follow all parking laws and park safely while reporting.
Which laws does the San Diego notice cite?
The notice cites California Penal Code 409.5 & 409.6.
What should journalists do now in San Diego?
SDPD says it will give all officers information on the laws governing media access to disaster areas, First Amendment activities, and how to identify media. To help verify news affiliation, it encourages media members to carry an ID card from their news agency or organization, or a business card.
Who can journalists contact about media access in San Diego?
The agency lists: Media Services Unit; phone 619-531-2900; email mediainquiry@pd.sandiego.gov.
Answers restate the sourced facts on this page.
NPA membership is separate from San Diego credentials
A National Press Association membership is a private association credential. It is not government-issued, it is not a replacement for the program described above, and it does not guarantee access anywhere. It can serve as identity verification and supporting documentation alongside your published work. It is free to apply.
Apply for a free NPA membershipSources
Every fact above is linked to the page it came from. Policies change, so confirm with the agency’s media office before you rely on this page.
- San Diego Police Department News Center (Media Identification Card notice) (retrieved October 24, 2026)
- SDPD Media Identification Card Program Termination Notice (memo, February 13, 2026) (retrieved October 24, 2026)