What The Access Pass Covers
The Access Pass admits pass owners and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas. Where per-person fees are charged, it admits the pass’s owner and up to three adults. Children under 16 are always admitted for free. If your group is spread across two vehicles, the Access Pass will only count towards one vehicle. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee or must have a second pass.
You can use your pass at sites operated by the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation, whenever entrance or standard amenity fees are charged. The Access Pass is valid only at participating federal recreation sites, and not valid at state parks or local city and county recreation sites. In addition, some parks, like the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass, might honor the pass even if they are not a part of one of the above organizations. When in doubt, call ahead to the site you plan to visit and inquire about pass acceptance.
South Carolina State Parks
scmikeburton via Flickr
The South Carolina “Park Passport” entitles the owners to free and unlimited entry into all South Carolina State Parks that charge an entrance fee. The hangtag pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be transferred from one vehicle to another. The pass can be bought online or by visiting a South Carolina state park office.
A “Palmetto Pass” is also available to senior citizens, blind, or disabled residents of South Carolina and offers the same access as the Park Passport at half the price.
Texas State Parks Pass
The Texas State Parks Pass is good for one year and includes:
- Unlimited free entry to 89 state parks for you and your guests
- Discounts on camping , park store purchases and equipment rentals
- Other special offers.
A Texas State Parks Pass costs $70 and is issued to one person . You can buy a second pass for someone who lives at the same address as you for $25.
You cannot purchase a pass for someone else. If you want to give a pass to another person, please purchase a gift card instead.
For more information, read Texas State Parks Pass Details.
Buy a Texas State Park Pass on our reservation website or at any state park, or call 389-8900 to order a pass . Secondary passes can only be purchased at a park.
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Have A Disability How To Get Your Free Access Pass To National Parks
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability that can be used at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest lands.
The Access Pass admits the Pass owner and any passengers traveling with him/her in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the Pass owner and three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. The Access Pass may also offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping. Discounts offered by the Pass vary widely across the many different types of recreation sites. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. Anytime a Pass is used, photo identification will be requested to verify Pass ownership.
How to Obtain an Access Pass
- A U.S. State or Territory issued Drivers License, Identification or Birth Certificate or
- A U.S. Passport or Passport Card or
- A Permanent Resident Card .
Obtaining a Pass Through the Mail:
To obtain an Access pass through the mail, you must complete an application, provide a photocopy of proof of citizenship or residency, documentation of disability and pay the processing fee. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars for processing the application .
Obtaining a Pass in Person:
Who Is Eligible To Get A Free Military Lifetime Pass As A Member Of A Gold Star Family
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a qualifying situation, such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
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The Official Fee Schedule
The official fee schedule provides fee information for daily entrance, museum and overnight accommodation at Florida State Parks. Fee ranges for activities are provided.
For specific information, visit the individual park’s webpage or call the statewide information line at 850-245-2157.
* Fees are subject to change without notice.
State Regional Center Certification
- Please attach a letter from the State Regional Center, dated within 1 year of application, certifying that the applicant is receiving services.
Regional centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have offices throughout California to provide a local resource to help find and access the many services available to individuals and their families. For additonal information visit the DDS Website here.
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National Park Access Pass
To qualify, the person must have a diagnosed permanent disability. If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. One is that you can go to a participating location and apply for it in person.
Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. It will either have to be a note from a physician or notice that you are receiving SSDI income.
You can also apply via the mail, which is nice. DO NOT use this option if you need your pass in 15 days or less.
What you are applying for is called an Access Pass.
Discounted State Park Permits
A valid Minnesota state park permit is required for all vehicles entering Minnesota state parks. All permits are valid for one year from the month of purchase.
If your vehicle has been issued Minnesota disability license plates or a rear-view mirror hang tag, or if you have a Federal Access Pass, you can get a reduced rate special annual vehicle permit with proof of disability and proof of vehicle ownership.
Permits may be purchased:
- In person at any state park, the DNR License Center , or metro REI stores.
- with a call to the DNR Information Center, toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR .
If you qualify for the reduced rate year-round permit but do not have a vehicle, you may purchase a permit wallet card for the same price as the discounted permit sticker, to be carried with you rather than affixed to a vehicle. Call and leave a voicemail for the permit fulfillment center at 218-595-7118, or fill out an application and mail to 3206 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN 55616.
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How Does A Member Of A Gold Star Family Get A Free Military Lifetime Pass
Before visiting a national park site, Gold Star Family members must download and print a voucher to present to park staff, exchange for an Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, or place on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites . By downloading and signing the voucher, Gold Star Family members are self-certifying that they meet the required criteria as identified in sections 3.2 and 3.3 ofDepartment of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
Gold Star Family members can obtain a free Military Lifetime Pass online through theUSGS Online Store. There is a processing fee for passes ordered through the USGS Online Store.
Introducing The Access Pass
The Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents of any age who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that impacts one or more major life activities. You don’t need to be 100% disabled to qualify for this pass.
You may be wondering what qualifies as a permanent disability. The permanent disability can be a 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, or working.
How to get the pass: You can apply for the Access Pass at a federal recreation site or through the mail. If you apply through the mail, you’ll need to pay a $10 processing fee.
You’ll need to provide documentation that proves permanent disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include:
- A statement from a licensed physician outlining that the disability is permanent and impacts on or more areas of life, and the nature of your limitations.
- A document issued from a Federal agency, such as the Social Security Disability or the Veterans Administration.
- A document issued by a state agency.
The Access Pass gives you free lifetime access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Up to three additional adults can also get free admission, along with the pass holder.
If you qualify for this pass, take the time to apply — it could enable you to spend more time outdoors without negatively impacting your budget.
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National Parks Disability Access Pass
JLPH/Getty Images
The access pass is a lifetime pass, formerly known as the Golden Access Passport, that provides access to recreation areas managed by five federal agencies. It also provides the pass owner a discount on some amenity fees such as camping. The Access Pass is free, and it is valid for the lifetime of the pass owner. Golden Access Passports obtained prior to the 2007 name-change also share this lifetime validity.
The pass may be issued to US citizens or permanent residents that have been medically determined to have a permanent 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. The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on a percentage of disability. To qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities.
The Access Pass is free and can be obtained in person at one of these federal recreation sites, through the mail following the instructions on the National Park Service website, or ordered online via the US Geological Survey website. Note that if you order your pass through the mail or online, you will have to pay a $10 service fee.
Qualifying For The Access Pass
To prove a permanent disability, some examples of acceptable documentation include:
- Statement by a licensed physician
- 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
Children with permanent disabilities can also qualify for an Access Pass, which will also allow caregivers to enter the federal recreation sites for free when accompanying the child. Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership.
If you forget your pass at home, you can either obtain another Access Pass with proper documentation or pay the standard fee.
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What Is The Access Pass
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 – 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 .
See Access Pass Benefits section.
Disabled Discount And Distinguished Veteran Passholders
All Disabled Discount or Distinguished Veteran pass benefits have been extended for an additional five years and do not require renewal at this time. There is no action necessary.
The California State Parks staff are aware of the expiration date extension and you may continue to use your existing pass.
The Reserve California camping reservation system has been updated to reflect the pass expiration extension. To receive your benefits, you must make your reservation from the account linked to your pass . If you experience any issues with receiving your benefits, please email your purchase information to for assistance.
This extension is a one-time occurrence. Although these are lifetime passes, the California State Parks has renewal requirements to ensure the integrity of the pass program. Future renewal requirements will be shared prior to the next renewal date. The updated schedule is below:
|
YEAR PASS |
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How Do I Prove I’m Permanently Disabled
Some examples of acceptable documentation include:
- Statement by a licensed physician
- 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.
How To Buy Passes
Buying with a VSP Gift Certificate or web reservation account:If you need to pay with a Virginia State Parks gift certificate or have an online reservation account, use this link to pay .
Buying for someone else: When buying a pass for someone else online, we need their name and contact information for the annual pass. The pass will be mailed to them. Use this link and enter their information in Step 1. You will need to submit your mailing address information for the payment in Step 2 .You can also buy the pass at one of our parks and provide the pass holder’s name and email address. You will be handed the pass, so you can then send it to them.
Both systems email you a confirmation which serves as your temporary pass until your plastic hang tag arrives in the mail.
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Utah State Parks Annual Day
2022 Annual Day-Use Pass Expires on Dec. 31, 2022
The Utah State Parks Annual Day-Use Pass allows day-use access to Utah state parks for the individual who purchased it and seven other individuals in the same vehicle. Seniors 65 years of age and over may purchase a pass at a discounted rate.
You can purchase an Annual Day-Use Pass online using the link above, or in person. These in-person purchase locations include staffed state parks, region offices, and the Utah DNR Bookstore in Salt Lake City. Please note: these locations are only available for annual pass purchases during their individual business hours.
DNR Bookstore Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm.
This pass is not valid for Jordan River OHV State Park or This is the Place Heritage Park and does not cover the $2 causeway fee for Antelope Island State Park. Camping access and camping discounts are both NOT included in the purchase of this pass. Purchase does not guarantee entry if the park is temporarily closed due to capacity being reached.
2022 Veterans With Disabilities Honor Pass
Beginning May 4, 2022, the Honor Pass will be available for veterans who:
- Are a Utah resident
- Were honorably discharged from their military service
- Have a service-related disability and can provide a current summary of benefits letter issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs
Check out the pickup list for a listing of sites where you can pick up your pass!
Annual Entrance Pass Options
Individual Annual Entrance Pass – $60, plus tax.
- The Individual Annual Entrance Pass provides day-use park entry for a single, named passholder.
- Additional people accompanying the passholder are admitted at $2 per person, except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where the standard admission fee applies.
- The named passholder must be present to use this pass.
Family Annual Entrance Pass – $120, plus tax.
- The Family Annual Entrance Pass provides day-use park entry for up to a total of eight people entering as a group,* except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where the family pass is good for admission of up to two people, including the passholder. The Family Annual Entrance Pass provides a 33% discount at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
*A group is defined as:
- All the occupants of one vehicle , including the passholder.
- Up to two motorcycles, including the passholder.
- Up to a total of eight people entering on foot or bicycles, including the passholder.
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Where Can I Get An Access Pass
You can obtain an Access Pass on store.usgs.gov/access-pass by uploading an ID and documentation of permanent disability and paying the processing fee of $10. Please upload identification that indicates that you are a citizen or permanent resident, such as a drivers license, passport, green card, or birth certificate. The ID needs to be in the name of the person obtaining the pass, not a parent in the case of a child.
You can also obtain an Access Pass in person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site or office. See for sites that issue the Access Pass.
Access Passes may be obtained via mail order from USGS. Mail-order applicants for the Access Pass must submit a completed paper application, proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability , and pay the document processing fee of $10 to obtain a pass through the mail. Once the application package is received, the documentation will be verified and a pass, with the pass owner’s name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant.
Access Pass applications are usually processed and shipped within 5 business days from the day they arrive at USGS. 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