Transportation and Parking
Commute Options
UCLA Transportation's Commute Options website has information and links to help you find out about subsidy programs and alternate suggestions for commuting to campus, including public transit, vanpools, bicycling and carpooling.
Campus Shuttles
Free shuttles loop through much of the campus Monday through Friday every 8 to 10 minutes during posted service hours. The combination of the Campus Express and Wilshire Center routes covers much of the campus and reach into Westwood Village.
Parking Permits
Students who will be commuting to campus by car each day will need to pay for a parking permit via UCLA Transportation. Students can purchase one of two general types of permits: a non-ridesharing permit (Commuter Permit, approximately $293 per quarter) or a ridesharing permit (Carpool Parking Permit, approximately $89-$246 per quarter). UCLA Transportation has simplified the student parking application and prioritization process. Students interested in purchasing parking permits simply access the online parking application with their UCLA logon ID and personalized parking options will be displayed. (Please note: Students must be registered for the current term to apply for parking, and parking fees are subject to change.)
- Parking rates and payment deadlines will be announced this spring. Students may purchase parking permits for Onboarding beginning in July and continuing throughout the Onboarding period.
- Currently, those living in the 90024 zip-code area do not qualify to participate in a carpool.
For detailed information; please visit the UCLA Transportation website.
Having a Car in L.A.
License Plates
Nonresident vehicle owners who move to California must register their out-of-state vehicles in California within 20 days of the date they accept employment or establish residency in California. You may obtain information, which explains California's registration requirements, by visiting the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Driver Licenses
If you are a visitor in California over 18 years of age and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid. If you become a California resident, you must obtain a California driver license within 10 days. For more information about applying for a California license, visit the DMV website.
International students are advised to obtain a license (which will also be required when purchasing and obtaining car insurance). You will need to bring your passport and I-20 upon applying for a license.
Car Insurance
Basic liability insurance is mandatory in California. Your auto insurance premium is based on a number of factors, including the amount of driving experience you have and your driving history in the U.S. Some insurers accept letters of recommendation from your previous international insurance company or Department of Motor Vehicles (or Transportation).
More in Getting Settled
Campus Resources
The UCLA campus offers a range of services related to issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.