Federal Park Senior Admission: Age Requirements Explained

what age constitutes a senior for federal park admission

The Senior Pass, officially called America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, is a card available to US citizens and permanent residents aged 62 and above. The pass provides access to recreation areas managed by six federal agencies, including National Parks. The Senior Lifetime Pass costs $80 and is valid for a lifetime, while the Senior Annual Pass costs $20 and is valid for one year. The Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to a Senior Lifetime Pass in person at a participating federal site.

Characteristics Values
Name of pass Senior Pass (officially called America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass)
Who is eligible? US citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older
Documentation required Proof of age, residency or citizenship
Types of pass Annual and lifetime
Annual pass price $20
Lifetime pass price $80
What it provides access to More than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies
Discounts 50% on some amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services
Number of people covered Passholder and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas; passholder plus three adults at per-person fee areas
Upgrading from annual to lifetime Senior Annual Pass plus $60 for Senior Lifetime Pass
Previous versions Golden Age Passports (still valid and can be exchanged for a new Senior Lifetime Pass for free)

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Senior Pass eligibility

Senior Passes are available to US citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship. The Senior Lifetime Pass costs $80 and is valid for the pass holder's lifetime. The Senior Annual Pass costs $20 and is valid for one year. The Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to a Senior Lifetime Pass in person at a participating federal site that distributes Senior passes. Senior Passes can be purchased at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks, that charge an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee.

The Senior Pass (officially called America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) allows access and discounts at National Parks and other federal recreation sites. The pass program is managed by six federal agencies that operate under different regulations and charge different types of fees. The Senior Pass provides entrance and daytime recreation fees for the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Federal operated recreation sites across the country. At per-vehicle fee areas, the Senior Pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. At per-person fee areas, the pass admits the pass holder plus three adults, not to exceed four adults in total.

The Senior Pass may provide the pass holder with a discount on some amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours. However, it is important to note that the Senior Pass generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. Additionally, the Senior Pass does not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores. The Senior Pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

Previously issued Golden Age Passports are still valid and can be used in place of a Senior Pass. Golden Age Passports can also be exchanged for a new Senior Lifetime Pass for free.

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Annual and lifetime Senior Pass costs

The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series offers a lifetime and annual Senior Pass option for US citizens or permanent residents aged 62 years or older. The Senior Lifetime Pass is valid for your lifetime and costs $80. The Senior Annual Pass is valid for one year and costs $20. The Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to a Senior Lifetime Pass in person at a participating federal site that distributes Senior passes. Senior Passes can be purchased at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks, that charge an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee.

The Senior Lifetime Pass and Senior Annual Senior Passes provide admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. The Senior Passes admit the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and the pass holder plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. Children under 16 are always admitted free.

The Senior Pass may also provide the pass holder (only) a discount on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours. The Senior Pass generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. However, if it is damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and the holder can show proper identification.

Senior Passes can be purchased online or through the mail from the USGS Store. An additional processing fee will be added to the price. It is recommended to allow three weeks for delivery. If you need your pass within four weeks or less, it is recommended that you either obtain your pass at the first site you visit or request expedited shipping services for your order.

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Discounts with the Senior Pass

The Senior Pass is for US citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or above. The Senior Lifetime Pass costs $80 and is valid for a lifetime, whereas the Senior Annual Pass costs $20 and is valid for a year. The Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to a Senior Lifetime Pass in person at a participating federal site. Senior Passes can be purchased at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks, that charge an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee.

The Senior Pass provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies. The pass covers entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provides discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees at sites managed by participating federal agencies. The Senior Pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and the pass holder plus three adults, not exceeding four adults, where per-person fees are charged. Children under 16 are always admitted free of cost.

The Senior Pass may also provide the pass holder with a discount on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours. The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional campsites occupied by members of the pass holder's party. If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The Senior Pass generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.

The Senior Pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. However, if damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and the pass holder shows proper identification. At Federal recreation sites that don't have entrance stations, the pass holder needs to display their pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers. This can be done by displaying a free hangtag on the rearview mirror or on the dashboard with the signature side showing. If the pass holder owns an open-topped vehicle, they may obtain a free decal to attach to their vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don't have a staffed entrance station.

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Upgrading to a Senior Lifetime Pass

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series offers a lifetime and annual Senior Pass option for US citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older. The Senior Lifetime Pass costs $80 and is valid for a lifetime. The Senior Annual Pass costs $20 and is valid for one year.

Senior Passes can be purchased at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks, that charge an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee. Passes can also be purchased online or through the mail from the USGS store; an additional processing fee of $10 will be added to the price. The physical pass will be shipped to you and may take up to two weeks to arrive. It is not available for immediate use.

If you already have a Senior Annual Pass, you can upgrade to a Senior Lifetime Pass in person at any time at a participating federal site that distributes Senior passes. The upgrade costs vary depending on the number of Senior Annual Passes you have:

  • Senior Annual Pass plus $60 for Senior Lifetime Pass
  • Two Senior Annual Passes plus $40 for Senior Lifetime Pass
  • Three Senior Annual Passes plus $20 for Senior Lifetime Pass
  • Four Senior Annual Passes plus $0 for Senior Lifetime Pass

If you have a Golden Age Passport, you can exchange it for a new Senior Lifetime Pass for free. Exchanges can be done in person at a park that charges an entrance fee. Remember to bring your Golden Age Passport with you.

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Where to purchase a Senior Pass

In the United States, citizens and permanent residents aged 62 and above are eligible for a Senior Pass for federal parks. The Senior Pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, covering entrance, standard amenity, and day-use fees. The Senior Pass is available as a lifetime pass for $80 or an annual pass for $20.

Senior Passes can be purchased online from the USGS store. Applicants must upload proof of residency and age, and provide a credit card payment of $90 for the Senior Lifetime Pass or $30 for the Senior Annual Pass (including a $10 document processing fee). The pass will be shipped to the applicant and may take up to 2 weeks to arrive.

Senior Passes can also be purchased in person from a participating federal recreation site or office. A list of sites that issue the Senior Pass can be found on the USGS website. The Senior Lifetime Pass costs $80 and the Senior Annual Pass costs $20.

Additionally, Senior Passes can be purchased through the mail from the USGS. Instructions for purchasing by mail can be found on the USGS website. An additional processing fee will be added to the price, and delivery may take up to three weeks.

It is important to note that the Senior Pass is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. The pass must be displayed in the vehicle at all times when visiting federal recreation sites.

Frequently asked questions

You must be 62 years or older to be eligible for a Senior Pass.

The Senior Pass is a card that provides access to recreation areas managed by six federal agencies, including National Parks. It also offers discounts on some amenity fees, such as camping, swimming, and boat launching.

The Senior Lifetime Pass costs $80, while the Senior Annual Pass costs $20.

You can purchase a Senior Pass in-person at a participating federal recreation site or office, or online through the USGS website.

You must provide documentation of your age and residency or citizenship. This can include a driver's license, birth certificate, or similar government-issued document.

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