Access Pass

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 six 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 severely limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

Golden Access Passports are valid for a lifetime. However, your Golden Access pass can also be exchanged for a newer version of the pass for free. While these passes are still honored, exchanging them will help with standardization. Exchange in person at sites that issue passes.

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

Some examples of acceptable documentation include:

• Statement by a licensed physician. Statement must include:

1. that the "individual has a PERMANENT disability"

2. that it ''severely limits one or more aspects of their daily life"

3. 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:

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ACCEPTED
Notice of Award (SSDI)

 

Example:

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ACCEPTED
Summary of Benefits (VA)

 

Example:

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ACCEPTED
Award Letter (VA)
** Letter must denominate any disability percentage **

Example:

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NOT ACCEPTED
Notice of Benefit Increase (SSDI)

 

Example:

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NOT ACCEPTED
Handicap Placard/Application

 

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.

No. The USGS Store accepts all Credit and Debit cards but gift cards of any kind are not accepted.   

• 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. 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.

No. The Access Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites.

The Access Pass admits the pass owner 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.

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

• 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.

The pass program is managed by six 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.

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).