How to get the free America the Beautiful Access Pass — lifetime national parks and federal lands entry for veterans with a permanent disability
The America the Beautiful Access Pass is a free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities. It does not require a 100% disability — any VA rating percentage can qualify if the disability is permanent. It covers entrance and standard amenity (day-use) fees at national parks and other federal recreation sites and gives a discount on some expanded amenity fees such as camping. Separately, every veteran and Gold Star family member can get a free Military Lifetime Pass, which needs no disability documentation.
What you'll need
- Proof of permanent disability: a VA award letter or summary of benefits showing a disability rating (any percentage), a Social Security disability letter, a state vocational rehabilitation document, or a statement from a licensed physician
- Government photo ID (and proof of residency if not a citizen)
- For online or mail orders: a credit card for the $5 processing and $7.50 handling fees
Step-by-step
Step 1: Check eligibility
You qualify for the Access Pass if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities. The disability does not have to be 100%, and the requirement is not based on a percentage. Accepted documents include a VA award letter or summary of benefits (showing your rating), Social Security disability documents, state vocational rehabilitation documents, or a licensed physician's statement that describes the permanent disability and its limits.
Step 2: Get it free in person, or order it for $12.50
In person: bring your documentation and photo ID to a federal recreation site that issues passes (most national parks and many Forest Service, BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps sites) and receive the pass at no charge. Online or by mail through the USGS store: the pass itself is free, but there is a $5 processing fee plus a $7.50 handling fee ($12.50) and you upload or mail copies of your documents with the application form.
Step 3: Know what it covers
The pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees. At per-vehicle sites it admits the pass owner and all passengers in one non-commercial vehicle; at per-person sites it admits the owner plus three adults (children under 16 are free). It also gives a discount, which varies by site, on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.
Step 4: Veterans' other option — the free Military Lifetime Pass
Every U.S. veteran, and Gold Star family members, can get a free Military Lifetime Pass with no disability documentation — show your ID and proof of service (for example a DD-214, Veteran ID Card, or a state driver's license with a veteran designation) at a federal recreation site, or order it online. Current service members and their dependents get the free Military Annual Pass. You only need one pass.
Step 5: Keep it safe
America the Beautiful passes are non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen — you would have to apply again. A worn or damaged pass can be replaced in person as long as part of it is identifiable and you show ID. Sign the pass and carry photo ID when you use it.
Critical tips
- Any VA disability rating can qualify for the Access Pass if the disability is permanent; a VA award letter or summary of benefits is accepted as proof.
- If you are a veteran, the Military Lifetime Pass is free and needs no disability paperwork — the simplest route for most veterans.
- Passes are free in person; the $12.50 only applies to online and mail orders.
- Senior Pass (age 62+): $20 annual or $80 lifetime; the general Annual Pass is $80.
- Many state park systems have separate veteran passes with their own rules; check your state parks agency.
- In crisis: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.