UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma County
Article

Agricultural Access Verification Card Program (Ag Pass)

  • May 28, 2026
  • By Tori R Norville

Agricultural Access Verification Card process summary

Each person must carry their own photo Agricultural Access Verification Card to access an evacuation zone.

Here are three steps for your individual photo Agricultural Access Verification Card:

  1. Training:
    1. Sign up for a Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Training (Spanish or English) held at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau or online via Extension Foundation. There is a limited number of trainings available. Plan ahead.
      1. Farm Bureau Tickets
      2. Online Self-paced Training link - currently only offered in English, Spanish coming soon!
        1. Course fee: $25
        2. When registering, ensure the name you list on the registration matches the name on your government issued photo ID.
          1. Please fill out the registration information with Extension Foundation in order to access the class.  Course Title is "Ag Pass for Emergencies in California"  
    2. You will receive a training certificate at the end of your training. You need the certificate for your application (Step 2) and when you pick up your card (Step 3).
  2. Application: approximately a 2-week process; plan ahead:
    1. Each person who wants access needs to get their own Agricultural Access Verification Card. This includes each employee who is a direct, full-time employee.
      1. Note: Each direct, full-time employee needs to get their own Ag Access Verification Card by:
        • submitting their own application with a Letter of Authorization Form that is completed and signed by their employer.  Each direct, full-time employee will upload the Letter of Authorization to their online application.
    2. Fill out your individual online Application for Sonoma County Agriculture Access Verification Card.
    3. Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) will validate the qualifications of commercial ag operations.
      • UC Cooperative Extension of Sonoma County will review livestock applications and send validation to AWM.
    4. AWM will validate your Agricultural Access Verification program participation by referencing your eligibility forms. Provide one of the following program eligibility forms:
      1. Executed agricultural land lease documentation
      2. Internal Revenue Service Schedule F (Form 1040) attesting to the applicant’s Profit or Loss from Farming
      3. Operator Identification number or Restricted Materials permit issued by the Agricultural Commissioner
      4. Certified Producer Certificate documentation for direct marketing of agricultural products
      5. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Organic Registration for an Agricultural Operation
      6. Documentation from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency attesting that the applicant is a commercial livestock producer
      7. Current registration of a livestock brand with CDFA Bureau of Livestock Identification
      8. (These are the ONLY accepted eligibility forms. Some eligibility forms require an in-office appointment at AWM for a document review.)
        1. Current list of Program Eligibility forms from the AWM.
  3. Card: based on open appointments; plan ahead:
    1. When AWM validates your application, you will be notified to make an appointment at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office where you will have your photo taken and receive your photo Agricultural Access Verification Card.
    2. Bring the following to your appointment at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office:
      1. your fire safety training certificate and
      2. your government issued photo identification.

NOTE: Your Agricultural Access Verification Card expires 42 months after receiving your training certificate. Limited trainings and appointments are available. Plan ahead.

Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Access Verification Card and program.