Interagency Pass Program

The National Park Service is an important participant in the new Interagency Pass Program which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. The pass series, collectively known as the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, is shown below with a brief explanation of each.

 

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Annual Pass

Ching Fu, Bridger-Teton National Forest, 2018 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Annual Pass - Cost $80

This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale.

The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at https://store.usgs.gov/pass.

 

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - 4th Grade Pass

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - 4th Grade Pass - Free

This is an annual pass is valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year though the following summer (September-August). Documentation is required to obtain the pass. It is available for U.S. 4th graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age) with a valid Every Kid Outdoors paper pass. Paper passes can be obtained by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and can be exchanged for the Annual 4th Grade Pass at federal recreation sites that charge Entrance or Standard Amenity fees.

The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

Additional Details about the Annual 4th Grade Pass (USGS website)

 

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Lifetime Senior Pass

Yellowstone National Park/Lori Wilkinson

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Senior Pass. - Cost $80 (Lifetime) or $20 (Annual)

This is a pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

The pass can be obtained in person at the park or by mail. To obtain your senior pass through the mail submit a completed application, proof of residency and age. There is an additional $10 cost for passes purchased online or by mail. You can obtain an application here.

 

2020 America the Beautiful Interagency Military Pass

Ching Fu, 2018 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Military Pass - Free

This is an annual pass for current U.S. Miltary embers and dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard as well as Reserve and National Guard members. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: Comman Access Card (CAC) or Miltary ID. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Pass for U.S. Military (USGS website)

 

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Access Pass

NPS/Steven Koehler

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Access Pass - Free
This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free).

The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

The pass can be obtained in person at the park or by mail. To receive the Access pass by mail, mail the completed application along with proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability plus the $10 document processing fee. You can obtain an application here.

 

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Volunteer Pass

Ching Fu, 2018 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner

America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Volunteer Pass - Free

This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities in the National Park Service.

 

For the former pass program passes:

Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram
These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Annual Pass.

Golden Age Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Senior Pass

Golden Access Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass– Access Pass

All National Parks Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Eagle Hologram, Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be found at https://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html