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 four ways:
National Park Foundation
P.O. Box 34108
Washington, DC 20043-4108
Golden Eagle
For an additional $15, a Golden Eagle hologram 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 holograms 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
(for citizens or permanent residents
of the United States who are age 62 or older)
The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass 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. There is a one-time $10 processing charge to obtain the Golden Age Passport. 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, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.
Golden Access Passport
(for citizens or permanent residents of the United States who
are blind or permanently disabled)
The Golden Access Passport is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks,
monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that
charge an entrance fee. The Golden Access 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 Access
Passport admits the pass signee, spouse, 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. A Golden Access Passport must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Passport by showing proof of medically determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.
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" portal to locate a National Park Service area near you. We suggest that you telephone your local 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.