You can obtain an Access Pass in person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site or office. See Site Locations that issue the Access Pass.

Access Passes may be obtained via mail order from USGS. Mail-order applicants for the Access Pass must submit a completed paper application, proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability), and pay the document processing fee of $10 to obtain a pass through the mail. Once the application package is received, the documentation will be verified and a pass, with the pass owner's name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant.

Access Pass applications are usually processed and shipped within 10-12 weeks from the day they arrive at USGS. Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected:

    • USPS - typically 5-10 business days
    • FedEx Ground - typically 3-5 business days
    • FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days
    • FedEx Overnight - typically 1 business day

A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) - that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.

At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

See Access Pass Benefits section.

The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities.

A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities.

Some examples of acceptable documentation include:

• Statement by a licensed physician   (Statement must include: that the individual has a PERMANENT disability, that it limits one or more aspects of their daily life, and the nature of those limitations.) ;
• Document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income;
• Document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.

Some examples of documentation that is accepted and not accepted:

Example:

[[{"fid":"255","view_mode":"preview","fields":{"format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"SSDI Award","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"SSDI Award"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"6":{"format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"SSDI Award","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"SSDI Award"}},"attributes":{"alt":"SSDI Award","title":"SSDI Award","class":"media-element file-preview","data-delta":"6"}}]]
ACCEPTED
Notice of Award (SSDI)

 

Example:

[[{"fid":"257","view_mode":"preview","fields":{"alt":"VA Benefit Summary","title":"VA Benefit Summary","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"2","format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"VA Benefit Summary","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"VA Benefit Summary"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"alt":"VA Benefit Summary","title":"VA Benefit Summary","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"2","format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"VA Benefit Summary","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"VA Benefit Summary"}},"attributes":{"alt":"VA Benefit Summary","title":"VA Benefit Summary","class":"media-element file-preview","data-delta":"2"}}]]
ACCEPTED
Summary of Benefits (VA)

 

Example:

[[{"fid":"258","view_mode":"preview","fields":{"alt":"VA Award","title":"VA Award","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"3","format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"VA Award","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"VA Award"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"alt":"VA Award","title":"VA Award","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"3","format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"VA Award","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"VA Award"}},"attributes":{"alt":"VA Award","title":"VA Award","class":"media-element file-preview","data-delta":"3"}}]]
ACCEPTED
Award Letter (VA)
** Letter must denominate any disability percentage **

Example:

[[{"fid":"260","view_mode":"preview","fields":{"alt":"SSI Benefit Increase","title":"SSI Benefit Increase","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"4","format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"SSI Benefit Increase","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"SSI Benefit Increase"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"4":{"alt":"SSI Benefit Increase","title":"SSI Benefit Increase","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"4","format":"preview","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"SSI Benefit Increase","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"SSI Benefit Increase"}},"attributes":{"alt":"SSI Benefit Increase","title":"SSI Benefit Increase","class":"media-element file-preview","data-delta":"4"}}]]
NOT ACCEPTED
Notice of Benefit Increase (SSDI)

 

Example:

[[{"fid":"263","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Handicapped Placard","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Handicapped Placard"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"5":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Handicapped Placard","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Handicapped Placard"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Handicapped Placard","title":"Handicapped Placard","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"5"}}]]
NOT ACCEPTED
Handicap Placard/Application

 

Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime however, if they physically wear out you will need to obtain a replacement Access Pass with proper identification.

Yes. There is not an age requirement for this pass.

Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees.

The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, USACE, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Access Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees (Day use fees) are charged.

In addition, the Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass for entrance or camping discounts.

• Bureau of Land Management http://www.blm.gov
• Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov
• Fish and Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov
• USDA Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us
• National Park Service http://www.nps.gov
• US Corps of Engineers http://www.usace.army.mil

The Access Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) 
Note: Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership.

• One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle".
• At "per person" sites, the applicable fee will be charged for each additional person.

No. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass.

An Access Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle.

You will be required to pay the applicable Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s).

• If lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for another one.
• If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification.

At Federal recreation sites that don't have entrance stations you need to display your pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers via one of the two following methods:

HANGTAGS
A pass can either be displayed on your rearview mirror using a free hangtag or on your dashboard with the signature side showing. Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and is not valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass.

DECALS
If you own an open-topped vehicle (jeep, motorcycle, etc.) you may obtain a free decal to attach to your vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don't have a staffed entrance station.

• Decals are issued on annual basis, even for owners of lifetime Senior/Access passes
• Decals are NOT valid for entry at staffed entrance sites - you MUST show your pass
• Decals must be obtained in person and you must show the following: your Pass, driver's license and vehicle registration. The name on all three documents must match.
• All sites that issue passes issue free hangtags

No. The Access Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit http://www.recreation.gov for information about Federal recreation sites.

At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Access Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands.

In general discounts are honored as follows:

• Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass owner's party.
• Campsites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
• Group Campsites and Facilities (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass owner receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.
• Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass owner receives a discount if one is offered.
• Transportation Systems: (Inquire Locally)
• Concessionaire Fees: (Inquire Locally)
• Special Use Permit Fees: (Inquire Locally)

No. The Access Pass does not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores.