How to get a Lifetime National Park Pass
The National Park Service offers a number of lifetime passes for free admission to national parks and other federal lands. They are available to anyone with a permanent disability, members of the military, veterans, Gold Star Families and people over 62 years old. These passes can be obtained in person at national parks and federal recreation areas across the country (nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm). The passes are also available online at the USGS store (store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes); however there’s a fee for processing and shipping. And although the national park pass application is pretty straightforward, specific documentation is required for each pass. With that in mind, here’s what you need to have in hand to get your lifetime national park pass.
America the Beautiful Access Pass
This free lifetime pass is available to US citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Applicants must provide documentation of a permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
A physician’s letter that states that the applicant has a permanent disability is the most common documentation provided. Documents issued by a federal or state agency are also accepted, but they must include the nature of the disability, and state that the disability is permanent. If the documentation is issued by the Veterans Administration, it must also include the percentage of the disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a notice of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a summary of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an award letter from the Veterans Administration.
It’s important to note that an accessible parking placard is not accepted as proof of a permanent disability for the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Additionally, using a wheelchair or other assistive device is not considered proof of a permanent disability.
A driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is also required to document residency or citizenship.
America the Beautiful Senior Pass
This lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older. The cost of the pass is $80. An annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost for this annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass.
This is probably the easiest pass to document, as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID are all accepted as proof of age and residency or citizenship.
America the Beautiful Military Pass
Last but not least, the free America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It’s also available to Gold Star Families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.
Accepted documentation for this pass includes a Department of Defense identification card, a veteran health identification card or a veteran ID card. A veteran designation on a state issued US driver’s license or identification card is also accepted.
Gold Star Families can self-certify that they meet the required criteria by downloading and signing a voucher at https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm. Once they arrive at the park they can exchange the voucher for an America the Beautiful Military Pass.
So plan ahead, and pack along the right documentation to get your national park pass.
