What a Senior Pass Is and Who Can Get One

A Senior Pass is a lifetime entrance card issued by the National Park Service that gives you and your companions free entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all 63 national parks. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 62 years old. The pass costs $80 as a one-time purchase and never expires — you pay once and use it for life.

The pass covers your entrance fee and the entrance fees of up to three adults in your vehicle at sites that charge per vehicle. At sites that charge per person, it covers you and your spouse or travel companion. It does not cover camping fees, parking fees at trailheads, or fees for special programs or tours, but those discounts vary by site.

You do not need to be retired or on any particular income to get one. Age 62 is the only requirement beyond citizenship or permanent residency status.

Key Takeaways

  • You can buy a Senior Pass in person at any national park entrance station, by mail from the National Park Service, or online through Recreation.gov for $80, and it never expires.
  • You will need proof of age (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (passport, green card, or naturalization certificate) at the time of purchase.
  • The pass covers entrance fees for you and up to three other adults in your vehicle at most sites, but does not cover camping, parking, or special program fees.
  • If you cannot visit a park in person, ordering by mail takes two to three weeks; ordering online through Recreation.gov is faster and you receive a digital pass when ready.

How to Buy a Senior Pass in Person

The fastest way to get a Senior Pass is to buy one at the entrance station of any national park or federal recreation site that charges an entrance fee. Bring your driver's license or passport (proof of age) and your passport, green card, or naturalization certificate (proof of citizenship or permanent residency). Hand both documents to the ranger, pay $80 in cash or card, and you walk away with your pass on the spot.

If you live near a national park or plan to visit one soon, this is the simplest route. The ranger will also explain how the pass works at that specific site — some parks have different rules about who counts as a companion or whether the pass covers parking at popular trailheads.

If you do not live near a park, you can visit any federal recreation site that charges an entrance fee, including some national forests, Bureau of Land Management sites, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuges. Not all of these sites have staffed entrance stations, so call ahead to confirm someone will be there to process your purchase.

Ordering a Senior Pass by Mail

You can order a Senior Pass by mail from the National Park Service. read the process form from the NPS website or call 1-888-275-8747 to request one. Fill out the form, include a photocopy of your proof of age and proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and mail it with a check or money order for $80 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks after the NPS receives your process. You will receive your pass in the mail. Keep your original documents — do not send originals, only photocopies.

This route works well if you do not plan to visit a park soon or prefer not to travel to an entrance station. The downside is the wait time and the need to mail documents.

Ordering Online Through Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov, the federal recreation booking platform, now sells Senior Passes online. Go to Recreation.gov, search for "Senior Pass," and follow the checkout process. You will need to upload a photo of your proof of age and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. Pay $80 by credit or debit card.

You receive a digital pass when ready via email that you can print or show on your phone at park entrances. Some parks are still updating their systems to accept digital passes, so call ahead if you are unsure whether your destination park accepts them. If a park does not accept digital passes yet, you can request a physical pass be mailed to you at no extra cost.

This is the fastest option if you have a smartphone or printer and want to start using your pass right away. The online process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.

What Documents You Need

You must bring or submit two types of proof: proof of age and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. A driver's license, passport, or birth certificate counts as proof of age. A U.S. passport, green card, or naturalization certificate counts as proof of citizenship or permanent residency.

If you are buying in person, bring the originals. If you are ordering by mail, send photocopies. If you are ordering online, upload clear photos of both documents — the NPS will verify them before issuing your pass.

Do not send originals by mail. Photocopies are sufficient and safer. If you do not have a green card or naturalization certificate, a passport is the easiest proof of permanent residency to obtain.

How to Use Your Senior Pass at Different Types of Sites

At national parks and most federal recreation sites, show your pass at the entrance station or gate. The pass covers your entrance fee and the entrance fees of up to three other adults traveling with you in the same vehicle. If you are traveling alone or with one other person, the pass still covers both of you — you do not get a refund for unused companion slots.

At sites that charge per person instead of per vehicle (some smaller parks and historic sites), the pass covers you and one companion. Ask the ranger at the entrance which fee structure applies.

The pass does not cover camping reservations, parking fees at specific trailheads, entrance fees for special tours or tram rides, or fees for programs like ranger-led activities. Some parks offer discounts on camping for Senior Pass holders, but you must ask — these discounts are not automatic.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Pass

If your pass is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it. If you bought in person, return to any entrance station with proof of age and pay $20 for a replacement. If you ordered online or by mail, contact the NPS at 1-888-275-8747 or visit Recreation.gov to request a replacement.

Keep your pass in a safe place. Unlike a driver's license, there is no photo on it, so anyone can use a found pass. If your pass is stolen and used by someone else, report it to the park where it was stolen and to the NPS. The NPS can flag the pass number to prevent further use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Senior Pass before I turn 62?

No. You must be 62 or older at the time of purchase. You cannot buy it in advance. If your birthday is coming up, wait until that date to purchase.

Does the Senior Pass work at state parks?

No. The Senior Pass covers only federal recreation sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. State parks have their own passes and discounts. Contact your state parks department for information about senior discounts there.

What if I am a permanent resident but do not have a green card yet?

You need proof of permanent residency. A green card is the standard proof, but if you are in the process of obtaining one, bring whatever documentation you have from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Call the NPS at 1-888-275-8747 before you travel to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I give my Senior Pass to someone else to use?

The pass is non-transferable and issued to you by name. If you are not present, the pass cannot be used. Parks do not check photo ID at most entrances, but using someone else's pass is technically not permitted. The pass is meant for your own use and the use of your travel companions when you are with them.

Does the Senior Pass cover my grandchildren or other family members?

The pass covers you and up to three other adults in your vehicle at most sites. Children under 16 are free at national parks regardless of whether you have a pass. If you are traveling with adult children or grandchildren, the pass covers their entrance fees as part of your group, but only when you are traveling together in the same vehicle.