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• Not all Federal recreation sites charge entrance fees.
• Not all Federal recreation agencies participate in the program. For example, the Tennessee Valley Authority site does not issue the passes, yet they might honor the Senior and Access Passes for camping discounts. (Inquire locally).
• Some facilities and activities on Federal recreation lands are managed by private concessionaires. The concessionaires charge for their services as any private company does.

Most sites now accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have cash with you as backup.

A suite of annual and lifetime passes that provides U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to access Federal recreation lands. Up to 100% of the Pass program's proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.

The Senior Pass has been $10 since 1994.

The legislation states that the cost of the lifetime Senior Pass be equal to the cost of the annual America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which is currently $80.

The current passes are lifetime passes and will remain valid.

Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. If lost or stolen, a new pass will need to be purchased.

The annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies.

·       National Park Service

·       U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

·       Bureau of Land Management

·       Bureau of Reclamation

·       U.S. Forest Service

·       U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees.

Senior Passes can be purchased at any federal recreation site that charges an entrance or standard amenity (day use) fee. Proof of age and residency is required. A complete list of sites where the pass is available can be found at https://store.usgs.gov/sites/default/files/PassIssuanceList.pdf

They can also be purchased online or through the mail from USGS. An additional $10 processing fee will be added to the price. For more information go to https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

The first $10 million collected by the National Park Service in each fiscal year from Senior Pass sales will be deposited in the Second Century Endowment managed by the National Park Foundation.  The foundation is the congressionally authorized philanthropic partner, or official charity, of the National Park Service. Funds within the Second Century Endowment will be expended on projects and activities approved by the Secretary of Interior to further the mission and purpose of the National Parks Service.

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

See Senior Pass Benefits section.

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

• 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.

A Senior Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle.

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

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.

Whether you buy the pass for yourself, or as a gift, the Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, expiring the last day of that month.

• 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.

An Annual Pass permits entrance for two motorcycles IF the two people who sign the pass arrive at the same time on two motorcycles, regardless of the number of people on each motorcycle.

The Annual 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.

Anyone 16 years or older may purchase the pass; children under 16 are always admitted free. Each Annual Pass can have up to two "owners".

No. The Annual Pass does not cover discounts on any Expanded Amenity or Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fees such as: camping, RV hook-ups, boat launching, backcountry permits, parking at Mount Rushmore, guided cave tours at Wind Cave National Park, or parking at some historic monuments or homes.

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 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

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 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.

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.

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)

The pass permits entrance for the two individuals that sign the Pass on two separate motorcycles. Identification must match the signatures of the pass owner(s). If only one pass owner is present the pass will admit only one motorcycle.

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 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.

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 Standard Amenity fee (Day use fee), or must have (or purchase) a second pass.

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. If a volunteer works more than the 250 hours a year they still earn only one pass per year.

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.

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.

The Volunteer 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.

Volunteer hours may be accrued on lands managed by the following:

• 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 http://www.usace.army.mil