America the Beautiful Access Pass: Eligibility and Coverage

What to take away

Many disabled travelers miss the lifetime benefits because the application requirements are scattered across agency pages. The pass works at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, but each issuing site has its own hours and document practices. This guide summarizes eligibility, documents, and pass coverage.

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability. A permanent disability is one that lasts a lifetime and limits one or more daily life activities. You do not need to be receiving Social Security disability benefits. You do not need a doctor's note stating a specific diagnosis. A licensed physician's statement is one accepted way to document the disability; qualifying federal or state agency documents can also establish eligibility.

Bring one of the following as proof of disability, along with a current photo ID. The photo ID can be a driver's license, state ID, passport, or permanent resident card. The document must be original or a clear copy.

If you cannot show both a photo ID and accepted proof of disability, the issuing officer will not issue the pass. These are application requirements, not optional checks at select sites. For online orders, upload proof of disability as directed by the order process. For a pre-trip checklist, read what access details to check before an attraction visit.

In-person, online, and mail options

You have two ways to get the pass. In person is fastest and free. Online or by mail has a processing fee and shipping time. Choose the method that matches your schedule.

Order online through the USGS Store or submit the Access Pass application by mail to USGS, following the instructions on the form. If you need the pass for a specific trip, order it online or by mail at least five weeks before your departure date. The pass is mailed to you.

A current photo ID is required to apply for the pass; keep it available when using the pass. The pass is also available at many Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service, and Army Corps of Engineers sites.

The America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is the federal interagency pass program that includes the Access Pass. The National Park Service's America the Beautiful pass information explains the program and its benefits.

When you arrive at an entrance station to obtain the pass, tell the ranger before you pay. You will show your photo ID and proof of eligibility. To use the pass, the passholder must be present; the pass is nontransferable.

Hours that affect in-person pickup

Federal recreation sites that issue the pass do not all keep the same hours. Many visitor centers close on federal holidays or have seasonal closures. Before you drive to a site, check the operating hours posted on that unit's official page. The National Park Service accessibility homepage links to individual unit pages where hours are listed.

Some entrance stations issue passes only during fee collection hours, so if the fee station is closed, you cannot get the pass.

A visitor center may be open while the entrance station is not, so calling the site the day before can save a wasted trip.

At a site that charges a per-vehicle fee, one pass covers the passholder and all passengers in the same private, noncommercial vehicle. At a site that charges per person, it covers the passholder and up to three accompanying adults; children under 16 enter free. The passholder must be present to use the pass, so accompanying people do not need separate passes under these rules.

What the pass does not cover

The Access Pass is not a state parks pass. It does not cover state parks, county parks, city parks, or private attractions. It does not cover camping fees, tour fees, special recreation permits, or concession fees. It does not guarantee a reserved parking space or an accessible campsite. It also does not cover entrance fees for federal sites that charge no fee. This is not a discount card for lodging or food.

Some travelers assume the pass covers everything at a national park. It will not. It covers entrance and day use fees only. Check each park's fee page before you go.

Many parks list entrance, amenity, and activity fees separately. The Access Pass will not reduce those added fees. For the full cost of an accessible trip, see the accessible attraction planning cost guide.

Who to contact for unclear cases

If a site cannot tell you whether they issue the pass, call the site directly. The phone number is on the unit's official page. You can also email the accessibility coordinator listed on that page. If you are unsure whether your disability qualifies, get a letter from a licensed physician before you apply. The letter should say the condition is permanent. A doctor can write this on office letterhead.

Common questions