USGS Store

• Annual Pass ($80.00 - anyone 16 years and older can purchase)
• Lifetime Senior Pass ($80.00 - valid for the lifetime of the pass owner; must be 62+ older, U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident)
• Annual Senior Pass ($20 - valid for one year from month of purchase; must be 62+ older, U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident)
• Access Pass (Free for lifetime with documentation of permanent disability, U.S. citizens and permanent residents)
• Volunteer Pass (earned with 250+ hours of volunteer service in public lands)
• Hangtags (used as way to display passes at areas without entrance booth staff)
• Annual Decals (for open-top vehicles to display at areas without entrance booth staff).

 

The passes are valid at more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s) (Day use fees) are charged by the following agencies:

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

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

PLEASE be sure to call a site and verify they are still issuing the passes BEFORE you make a special trip to obtain a pass.

• Passes may be obtained at hundreds of locations throughout the country, including many Federal recreation sites where they are accepted. See Site Locations that issue the Annual Pass.
• Annual Passes may also be obtained through USGS (888-275-8747, option 3), or http://store.usgs.gov/pass
• Passes ordered from USGS ship within 3-5 business days. 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

  If you need your pass within 10 days or less, it is recommended that you either purchase your pass at the first site you visit, or request expedited shipping services for your order.

Each Annual 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.

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.

Yes, generally the pass holder and up to 3 other bicyclists can enter for free. Be sure to check with the recreation site you plan to visit before leaving because there can be differences in the way a pass is honored at different sites.

Generally, no. When you are making your purchase, you should carefully consider which one of the fee and pass options best suits your needs.

National Parks will ONLY upgrade entrance or use receipts from National Parks to an Annual Pass, and will NOT UPGRADE entrance or use receipts from other land management agencies. Any upgrades must be done IN PERSON AT A NATIONAL PARK, within 7 days of the original entry receipt purchase date.

Currently, the other five land management agencies (USDA FS, BLM, FWS, Reclamation, USACE) do not upgrade day-use entrance receipts to Annual passes.

No. Due to privacy and logistical considerations, passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; a new Pass must be purchased.

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.

You can either buy another Senior Pass with proper documentation, or pay the applicable Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s) (Day Use Fees).

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

 

Yes, Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime.

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 Senior Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s) (Day use fees) are charged.

In addition, the Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior 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 Army Corps of Engineers http://www.usace.army.mil

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

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

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.

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.

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:

ACCEPTED

Notice of Award (SSDI)



 

Example:

ACCEPTED

Summary of Benefits (VA)



 

Example:

ACCEPTED

Award Letter (VA)

** Letter must denominate any disability percentage **

Example:

NOT ACCEPTED

Notice of Benefit Increase (SSDI)



 

Example:

NOT ACCEPTED

Handicap Placard/Application



 

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

Free admission at sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees for one full year from the month obtained (through last day of that month).

• Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter federally operated recreation sites across the country.
• Covers the pass owner and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee charged for children 15 and under.

The pass does not cover or provide a discount on expanded amenity fees such as camping, boat launch or interpretive fees.

Current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as most members of the US Reserves and National Guard. Proper military ID is required (CAC Card or DoD Form 1173).

There is not a pass specifically for veterans; however, many veterans qualify for one of the other discount passes offered as part of our pass program.

If you are 62 or older you qualify for a Senior Pass. You can buy a Senior Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office or by mail.

If you have a permanent disability you may qualify for an Access Pass. This is a free lifetime pass that you may obtain in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office or by mail.

You can receive your pass by presenting your Current US military ID at most Federal lands that charge an entrance fee. A list of sites that sell pass is available. Sites that issue the Annual Pass will generally also issue the free US military version as well. Please contact the Federal Land you will be visiting in advance to ensure that they have the pass available.

One pass covers everyone in a non-commercial vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle."

The Pass has two signature lines. The pass is not valid until it is signed, so the Current US military member or dependent must sign the pass with first and last name when the pass is issued. The second signature line is optional, but may only be signed by another Current US military member or dependent. One of the signers must be present when using the pass.

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

Yes, generally the pass owner and up to 3 other bicyclists can enter for free. Be sure to check with the recreation site you plan to visit before leaving because there can be differences in the way a pass is honored at different sites.

The Pass does not cover Expanded Amenity fees such as camping, boat launching, parking, special tours, special permits or ferries.
Also, some facilities and activities on Federal recreation lands (including those mentioned above) are managed by private concessionaires. The concessionaires charge for their services as any private company does and the Pass is not valid for their services.

At unstaffed Federal recreation sites you may 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.
• Every Kid in a Park Voucher
  A valid Every Kid in a Park voucher can be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle with the bar code showing if it hasn’t been exchanged for the Annual 4th Grade Pass.

Refunds will not be issued for passes purchased before the free passes became available.

Only U.S. 4th grade students (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age) with a printed voucher from the Every Kid in a Park website. Students may not receive a pass without a valid voucher.

Once your 4th grader has completed their web based activity on the Every Kid in a Park website, they will be awarded their voucher package for printing. Once your 4th grader arrives at the participating Federal recreation site they may exchange their Every Kid in a Park voucher for the Annual 4th grade Pass. A list of sites that issue passes is available. Please contact the Federal land you will be visiting in advance to ensure that they have the pass available.

 

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.

The Volunteer Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of issuance, expiring the last day of that month.

The Federal Volunteer Coordinator/Manager who authorizes that a volunteer has accrued 250 hours.

No. There is no specific timeframe in which volunteer hours must be accrued. Hours can be accrued over one, or several, calendar years.

Once the 250 hour requirement is reached, a pass is issued, and the volunteer's "pass hours"; are reset to zero and the count begins again.

No, your existing order will be processed.

The lifetime Senior Pass increased from $10 to $80.

The legislation also establishes an annual Senior Pass for $20. That pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Four annual Senior Passes purchased in consecutive years can be traded in for a lifetime pass.  Additionally, access to the majority of National Park Service sites remains free -- only 118 of 417 National Park Service sites have an entrance fee.

No.  All benefits of the current Senior Pass stay the same.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible for the Senior Pass.

Yes, travelling companions can also enter for free. The Senior Passes admit pass owner/s and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.).  Also, at many sites, the Senior Passes provide the pass owner (only) a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

Yes, the funds from all Senior Passes purchased in a national park will go to a National Park Foundation Endowment and a National Park Centennial Challenge Fund, both authorized by the Centennial Legislation.

All revenues collected from sales by the National Park Service of National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes, including the Senior Pass, that are in excess of $10 million will be deposited in the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund. The funds will be used for projects and programs approved by the Secretary of the Interior to the mission of the National Park Service and to enhance the visitor experience in National Park System units. Projects and programs will require at least a one-to-one match by non-federal donations.