ENTRANCE PASS PROGRAMS National Parks Pass

National Parks Pass
The National Parks Pass is an annual pass that provides admission to any national park charging an entrance fee. The pass costs $50 and is valid for one full year from first use in a park. More than 80% of the proceeds from the sales of National Parks Passes go directly into supporting priority projects in national parks.

The National Parks Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private * vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the National Parks Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The National Parks Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions.

The National Parks Pass can be purchased three ways:

1) in any national park where an entrance fee is charged, and at participating park book stores operated by cooperating associations
2) online at www.nationalparks.org
3) by calling 1-888-GO-PARKS
Questions about your National Parks Pass order?
Email: parkspass@nationalparks.org or call toll free
1-888-GoParks (1-888-467-2757).

Golden Eagle
For an additional $15, a Golden Eagle sticker may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle stickers are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The Golden Eagle admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Eagle admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Golden Eagle is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. It is valid for entrance fees only. The Golden Eagle hologram is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.

Golden Age Passport
The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass for citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are age 62 or older to national parks monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Age Passport admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Age Passport admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.

The Golden Age Passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Passport is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.

A Golden Age Passport must be obtained in person at a federal area (National Park, Historic Site, Wildlife Refuge, etc.) where an entrance fee is charged. The cost of the cost of the Golden Age Passport is $10.00. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. You must show proof of age and residency, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.

Golden Access Passport
The Golden Access Passport is a free, lifetime admission pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Passport may be issued to U.S. citizens or persons who permanently reside (are domiciled) in the United States, regardless of age, and who have a medical determination and documentation of blindness or permanent disability.

The Golden Access Passport admits the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle. At parks that charge individual fees, the pass admits the pass holder, spouse, parents, and children. The pass also entitles other persons accompanying the holder, such as a care assistant. At parks that charge individual fees, the pass admits the pass holder, spouse, parents, and children.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Passport is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.

Golden Access Passports may be obtained only in person and upon proof of medically-determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.

Both the Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport can only be obtained in person at a federal area (National Park, Historic Site, Wildlife Refuge, etc.) where an entrance fee is charged.

If your National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access passport is lost or stolen there is no mechanism for replacement. A new pass must be obtained.

You can use our "Visit Your Parks" geographic search portal to locate a National Park Service area near you. We suggest that you telephone your nearest National Park Service site to inquire about pass availability and what documentation you need to provide before traveling.

* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.

updated 8/12/2004

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