FAQ

This answer varies and it can be determined once you know how the sites you are visiting charges their entrance fees. Children under 16 are always admitted free. 

For sites/parks that charge PER VEHICLE - up to 15 people can enter the park if they are all riding in a non-commercial vehicle and the pass holder is in the vehicle.

For sites/parks that charge PER PERSON - up to 4 adults can enter the park with one annual park pass which includes the pass holder.

Non-Commercial Vehicle: Passenger car, van, pick-up truck, converted school bus, recreational vehicle, vehicles with trailers, etc., used to enter a Federal recreation site for non-commercial purposes.

Whether you buy the pass for yourself or as a gift, the Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, expiring on the last day of that month. 

For example, if you purchase the Annual Pass on any date in August 2024, then your pass will be valid until August 31, 2025. When you receive your pass, you will see a hole has been punched in the card on August and notice the expiration year to the right says 2025; this means the pass is valid until the last day of August 2025.  

Unfortunately, we do not issue Senior, Access, Military, Veteran, or 4th Grade Passes as they require additional verification steps by the USGS. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident age 62 or older, have a permanent disability, are a current U.S. Military member, Gold Star Family member, veteran or are a student in the 4th grade, you may qualify for other passes. For more information contact your local participating Federal recreation site or visit the webpage https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.

No. There is no digital version of the pass available, it’s a physical card that you must present when entering the National Parks. Likewise, photocopies of your physical pass saved on an electronic device WILL NOT be accepted.  

International visitors can purchase the pass without restrictions and the pass can be shipped to locations outside the U.S. prior to your trip.

Yes, annual passes can be given as a gift. Our website makes it really easy for you to give the gift of an Annual Pass to someone special. You can gift a physical pass easily in one of two ways.

1. At checkout use the mailing address of your recipient. 
2. If you expect to see your loved one in person, you can order the pass as normal and give it to your loved one directly. 

Passes are issued unassigned, so a name won't be printed on the pass itself. Instead, passes are claimed once an individual signs on the back of the card.

Please note our website does not sell Senior Passes. Senior Passes require additional verification steps by the United States Geological Survey. Therefore, we do not offer Senior Passes as a gift option.

Unfortunately, due to privacy and logistical considerations, all passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; a new pass must be purchased.

You won't be able to use a purchase confirmation or receipt to enter a park. The physical pass needs to be presented when entering a park. 

Our website does not sell Senior Passes. Senior Passes require additional verification steps by the United States Geological Survey.

Both annual and lifetime passes need to be purchased directly through the USGS. Click the link below to find the information and documentation you will need to apply for a Senior Pass, including the application:

https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes