How to Get the America the Beautiful Access Pass

What to take away

• The America the Beautiful Access Pass is a free lifetime entry pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability.
• You need a current photo ID and a document from a licensed physician stating the disability is permanent.
• Get the pass in person at a federal recreation site that charges entrance or day use fees.
• The pass covers entry and day use fees at federal recreation lands, not state parks, camping, or concession fees.

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 describes exactly what to bring and where to go.

Eligibility documents

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 must state that the disability is permanent.

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.

Document	Who can issue it	What it must state
Physician's statement	Licensed physician	That you have a permanent disability
VA disability award letter	Veterans Affairs	That you have a service-connected disability rating
Federal agency statement	Any federal agency	That you are eligible for disability benefits

If you cannot show both a photo ID and one of these documents, the issuing officer will not issue the pass. This is the condition that prevents entry. For online orders, you upload the same proof. For a pre-trip checklist, read what access details to check before an attraction visit.

Where to obtain the pass

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.

1. Gather a current photo ID and one proof document from the table above.
2. Go to a federal recreation site that charges entrance or day use fees. Ask at the entrance station or visitor center for the Access Pass.
3. Show your ID and proof. The staff member will issue the pass on the spot.
4. If you order online through the USGS store, upload your proof and pay the processing fee. Allow three to five weeks for delivery.

If you need the pass for a specific trip, order online at least five weeks before your departure date. The pass is mailed to you. Some sites require a valid photo ID for the person named on the pass. You can also get the pass 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 Pass article on Wikipedia lists the agencies and benefits.

When you arrive at the entrance station, tell the ranger you want the Access Pass before you pay. You will show your ID and proof. The ranger may ask for the passholder to be present if the pass is for someone else.

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 during fee collection hours only. If the fee station is closed, you cannot get the pass there. A visitor center may be open while the entrance station is not. Calling the site the day before can save a wasted trip. People also forget two questions before booking an accessible trip: whether the pass covers a companion in the same car and whether you need one pass per person.

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 will cover 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. If you want to understand 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

Does the Access Pass expire? No. The Access Pass is valid for your lifetime. You do not need to renew it.

Can I get the Access Pass if I have a temporary disability? No. You must have a permanent disability. A temporary condition does not qualify.

Can I use the Access Pass for state parks? No. It covers federal recreation lands only. State parks have their own pass programs.

What if I lost my Access Pass? You must apply for a replacement. Bring the same proof and photo ID to an issuing site. There is a processing fee for replacements by mail.

When is the best time to get the pass? The cooler shoulder season often means shorter lines at fee stations.