America The Beautiful - Senior Pass or Golden Age Passport

Vegetation of White Sands by US-Parks

Overview of the Senior Pass

Where can I get a Senior Pass?

You can buy a Senior Pass in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office. See Site Locations that issue the Senior Pass.

You can buy a Senior Pass via mail order from USGS. Mail-order applicants must submit a completed application, proof of residency and age, the $20.00 ($10.00 fee for the Senior Pass, and an additional document processing fee ($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.

What is the Senior Pass?

A $10.00 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.

At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

See Senior Pass Benefits section.

Who qualifies for the Senior Pass?

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years or older. (You must have turned 62 before you can buy the pass).

NOTE:

Owning property or paying taxes in the U.S. does not automatically qualify you for a Senior Pass. You must be a permanent U.S. resident, or a U.S. citizen with identification such as U.S. Driver's License, Green Card or U.S. Passport.

Are Golden Age Passports still valid?

Yes, Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime.

If my spouse was the pass owner and s/he passes away, does the Senior Pass automatically transfer to me?

No. The Senior Pass is not transferable.

Where can I use my Senior Pass?

The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Senior Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s) are charged.

Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA Forest Service
National Park Service

In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior Pass for entrance or camping discounts.

Why is the US Army Corps of Engineers accepting Senior Passes but not selling them?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was not included in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, which gave agencies the authority to create the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Although the Corps will not sell or issue the passes, the Corps will accept the Senior Passes or Golden Age Passports as proof of eligibility for age-related discounts. More information may be found at: http://www.CorpsLakes.us/fees.

Senior Pass Use

Who is admitted with a Senior Pass?

The Senior Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) Note: Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership.

If I have more than four people in my car, how many passes do I need?

One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle".
At "per person"; sites, the applicable fee will be charged for each additional person.

My family is traveling in two vehicles; will one Senior Pass let all of us into the site?

No. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass.

What about motorcycle drivers who purchase a Senior Pass?

A Senior Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle.

What if I forgot to bring my Senior Pass?

You can either buy another Senior Pass with proper documentation, or pay the applicable Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s).

What if my Senior Pass is lost, stolen or damaged?

If lost or stolen, you'll need to buy another one.
If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification.

How do I show my pass at a site that doesn't have an entrance station?

At Federal recreation sites that don't have entrance stations you need to display your pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers via one of the two following methods:

HANGTAGS

A pass can either be displayed on your rearview mirror using a free hangtag or on your dashboard with the signature side showing. Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and is not valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass.

DECALS

If you own an open-topped vehicle (jeep, motorcycle, etc.) you may obtain a free decal to attach to your vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don't have a staffed entrance station.

Decals are issued on annual basis, even for owners of lifetime Senior/Access passes
Decals are NOT valid for entry at staffed entrance sites - you MUST show your pass
Decals must be obtained in person and you must show the following: your Pass, driver's license and vehicle registration. The name on all three documents must match.
All sites that issue passes issue free hangtags

Can I use my Senior Pass at state parks or local city/county recreation sites?

No. The Senior Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit http://www.recreation.gov for information about Federal recreation sites.

Senior Pass Benefits

Does the Senior Pass include any discounts at Federal Recreation sites?

At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).

What are the discount guidelines?

The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Senior Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands.

In general discounts are honored as follows:

Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass owner's party.
Campsites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
Group Campsites and Facilities: (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass owner receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.
Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass owner receives a discount if one is offered.
Transportation Systems: (Inquire Locally)
Concessionaire Fees: (Inquire Locally)
Special Use Permit Fees: (Inquire Locally)

Does my Senior Pass provide any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites?

No. The Senior Pass does not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores.