National Park Guide for Disabled Veterans

How Disabled Veterans & Military Can Get Annual & Lifetime National Parks Passes

Many U.S. veterans, active duty service members, disabled veterans, and Gold Star Families are eligible for free or lifetime passes that grant access to national parks and thousands of federal recreation sites across the country. These passes are part of the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.

1. Understand the Available Pass Types

Military Annual Pass

  • Free for current U.S. military members and dependents.

  • Valid for 1 year and covers entrance and standard amenity (day-use) fees at National Park Service and other federal recreation sites.

Military Lifetime Pass

  • Free for U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Family members.

  • Covers entrance and day-use fees for life at national parks and many other federal recreation areas.

Access Pass (Lifetime)

  • Free for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a medically determined permanent disability (including disabled veterans).

  • Also covers entrance and day-use fees, and often includes discounts on expanded amenities (e.g., camping) at many federal recreation sites.

2. Gather Required Identification & Documentation

Before applying, assemble the documents that prove your eligibility:

Military Annual Pass:

  • Bring one valid ID such as:
    • Unexpired Common Access Card (CAC)
    • Unexpired DD Form 1173
    • Unexpired Next Generation Dependent ID

Military Lifetime Pass:

  • Bring one valid veteran ID such as:
    • Department of Defense ID (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Gen USID)
    • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
    • Veteran ID Card
    • State driver’s license/ID with veteran designation

Access Pass (Disabled Veterans):

  • Photo ID (state driver’s license, passport, etc.)

  • Disability documentation showing permanent disability (VA award letter, Social Security or VA disability documentation, or a physician’s statement). Some parks allow signing a Statement of Permanent Disability affidavit on site instead of documentation.

3. Choose How to Get Your Pass

You can get your pass in person at a federal recreation site (recommended) or by mail/online:

A. In Person (Recommended)

  • Visit a national park, wildlife refuge, forest, or recreation area that issues passes.

  • Present your ID and documentation to the ranger or staff at the entrance station or visitor center.

  • You’ll receive your pass on the spot. This avoids shipping wait times.

B. Order Online (Mail Delivery)

  • Visit the USGS Online Store and find the pass you qualify for:

    • Military Pass

    • Military Lifetime Pass

    • Access Pass

  • There is typically a small processing fee for passes ordered online (even for free passes).

  • The physical pass will be mailed to you, which can take several weeks.

4. Using Your Pass

Once you have your pass:

  • It covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day use) at national parks and many federal lands managed by:
    • National Park Service
    • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    • U.S. Forest Service
    • Bureau of Land Management
    • Bureau of Reclamation
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

  • The pass admits the passholder and accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle, or the passholder plus 3 adults where per-person fees are charged.

  • The pass does not cover additional fees like camping, tours, or special permits unless noted (e.g., Access Pass may provide discounts).

Tips & Notes

✔ You can often get your pass on your first visit to a park — you don’t have to order it ahead of time.
✔ Once issued, your lifetime passes are good forever and replace annual entrance fees.
✔ Passes are non-transferable and require valid ID when presented.
✔ Disabled veterans may also qualify for the Access Pass, even if they already have a military pass — which can provide additional discounts at some sites.
✔ Gold Star Family members have eligibility for the Military Lifetime Pass through a self-certification process.