What a Lifetime National Park Pass Is and Who Can Get One

A Lifetime National Park Pass is a single payment that lets you and up to three adults in your vehicle enter any U.S. national park for free for the rest of your life. You do not need to renew it or pay annual fees. The pass covers entrance fees only — not camping, parking, or activities inside the parks.

The National Park Service offers the Lifetime Pass to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years or older. If you are younger than 62, you cannot buy a Lifetime Pass, but you can buy an Annual Pass instead, which costs less and covers the same parks for one year.

The Lifetime Pass also covers your spouse if both names are on the pass. When you use it, the pass admits you, your spouse, and up to two other adults in the same vehicle. Children under 16 always enter free at national parks, with or without a pass.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 62 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to buy a Lifetime Pass.
  • You can buy the pass in person at any national park entrance, by mail, or online through the official Recreation.gov website.
  • The pass costs a set amount and is a one-time purchase that never expires.
  • Bring proof of age and citizenship or permanent residency status when you buy the pass.
  • The pass covers entrance fees for you, your spouse, and up to two other adults in your vehicle, but not camping or special activities.

Where to Buy a Lifetime National Park Pass

You have three main ways to buy a Lifetime Pass: in person at a national park, by mail, or online.

The easiest route for most people is the official Recreation.gov website. Go to recreation.gov, search for "Lifetime Pass," and follow the steps to buy online. You will need to upload a photo of your proof of age and citizenship or permanent residency. The pass arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any national park entrance station during business hours. Bring your ID and proof of citizenship or permanent residency (a passport, birth certificate, or green card). The staff will take your photo and issue the pass on the spot. You can use it when ready.

To buy by mail, contact the National Park Service directly. You will need to fill out a form, include copies of your ID and proof of citizenship, and mail a check or money order. This route takes longer — usually four to six weeks — so it is best if you are not in a hurry.

What Documents You Need Before You explore

Before you buy, gather two pieces of documentation: proof of age and proof of citizenship or permanent residency.

For proof of age, bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Any document that shows your birth date and photo will work.

For proof of citizenship or permanent residency, you have several options. A U.S. passport is the easiest — it proves both citizenship and age in one document. A birth certificate works if you were born in the United States. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) proves permanent residency. A naturalization certificate proves citizenship if you became a citizen through the naturalization process. If you do not have any of these, contact the National Park Service before you buy — they may accept other documents depending on your situation.

If you are buying online, you will upload photos of these documents. If you are buying in person, bring the originals. If you are buying by mail, include photocopies.

The Cost and What It Covers

A Lifetime National Park Pass costs a set amount that does not change based on your age or where you buy it. The price is the same whether you buy online, in person, or by mail.

The pass covers entrance fees at all 423 national parks in the United States. It works at parks in every state, from Yellowstone to the Everglades to the Grand Canyon. When you arrive at a park entrance, show your pass and you drive through without paying.

The pass does not cover camping fees, parking fees at trailheads, entrance to special exhibits, or fees for activities like boat tours or ranger-led programs. If a park charges a separate fee for something beyond basic entrance, you will pay that fee even with the Lifetime Pass.

Once you buy the pass, you never pay again. There are no renewal fees, no expiration dates, and no hidden charges. It is yours for life.

How to Use Your Pass at National Parks

When you arrive at a national park entrance, have your Lifetime Pass ready. Hand it to the ranger at the entrance station. They will scan it or record the number, and you will be waved through. The process takes less than a minute.

The pass admits you, your spouse (if both names are on it), and up to two other adults in the same vehicle. If you are traveling with more than four adults, the extra people will need to buy day passes or have their own Annual or Lifetime Pass.

Children under 16 always enter free, so they do not count toward the four-person limit and do not need a pass.

Keep your pass in a safe place. If it is lost or stolen, contact the National Park Service to request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is less than the original cost.

If You Do Not Meet the Age Requirement

If you are younger than 62, you cannot buy a Lifetime Pass. Your best option is an Annual National Park Pass, which costs less and covers entrance to all national parks for one calendar year. You can renew it each year if you continue to visit parks.

Some people buy an Annual Pass and then switch to a Lifetime Pass once they turn 62. The Annual Pass does not transfer or count toward the Lifetime Pass cost — they are separate purchases.

If you have a disability, the National Park Service offers a free Lifetime Access Pass. This pass works the same way as the Lifetime Pass and covers the same parks. To get it, you will need documentation of your disability from a federal agency, state agency, or licensed healthcare provider. You can get this pass at any national park entrance or by mail.

What to Do If Your Pass Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your Lifetime Pass is lost or stolen, contact the National Park Service as soon as you can. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the pass number if you have it. The National Park Service will issue a replacement pass for a fee that is lower than the original cost.

If your pass is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement at any park entrance. Bring the damaged pass with you.

If you move or your name changes, you do not need to update your pass. The pass is tied to your name and date of birth, not your address. It will work at any park entrance as long as you can show it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Lifetime Pass as a gift for someone else?

No. The pass is tied to the person whose name and photo are on it. You cannot buy it for someone else. However, you can give someone a gift card or cash to help them buy their own pass.

Does the Lifetime Pass work at state parks or national monuments?

The Lifetime Pass covers national parks only. It does not work at state parks, which are run by individual states and have their own fees. Some national monuments are covered, but not all — check with the specific monument before you visit.

What happens if I turn 62 after I buy an Annual Pass?

You can buy a Lifetime Pass at any time once you turn 62. The Annual Pass does not convert to a Lifetime Pass or give you a discount. You will pay the full Lifetime Pass price.

Can I use the Lifetime Pass if I am a permanent resident but not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Permanent residents (green card holders) can buy a Lifetime Pass. You will need to show your green card as proof of permanent residency.

If my spouse's name is on the pass with mine, what happens if we divorce?

Contact the National Park Service to update the pass. You can request a new pass with only your name on it, or your spouse can request their own separate pass. There is a fee for this change.