Free entrance program to National Parks for Active Duty, Veterans, and dependents

For most, a trip to one of the National Parks is a time for families and friends to enjoy recreation and connection. But visiting our National Parks can also be a source of healing and remembrance, and it is with that spirit in mind that the National Park Service has partnered with Operation Live Well to offer free a Military Pass military personnel and their families.

The free Military Pass is a way to thank current US military members and their dependents, Gold Star Families, and US military veterans for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

Who is eligible to get a free Military Annual Pass?

Current members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents can enter national parks for free with an Interagency Military Annual Pass through the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency) Program. There are a total of eight Interagency Passes available.

Who is eligible to get a free Military Lifetime Pass as a veteran?

For purposes of this program, a veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. There is no application or form to fill out to receive the Military Lifetime Pass. Simply present one of the following forms of identification to get the Interagency Military Lifetime Pass when entering a national park: an unexpired Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement); a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or a Veterans designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or identification card.

In Alaska, military members may get an interagency pass at the Talkeetna Ranger Station, Alaska Public Lands Visitor Center in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and Denali National Park.

Who is eligible to get a free Military Lifetime Pass as a member of a Gold Star Family?

Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.

Before visiting a national park site, Gold Star Family members must download and print a voucher to present to park staff, exchange for an Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, or place on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites (representations of the voucher are prohibited; the physical voucher or pass must be present)..

Gold Star Family members can obtain a free Military Lifetime Pass online through the USGS Online Store. There is a processing fee for passes ordered through the USGS Online Store.

What is covered by the free Military Pass program?

The Gold Star voucher and Military Lifetime Pass cover entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands and on lands managed by the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers.

What is not covered by the free Military Pass program?

The pass does not cover expanded amenity fees such as camping, tours or special recreation permits; reservation fees and fees for organized groups or concession-operated facilities or activities.

Are passes available for disabled veterans or other people with disabilities?

Yes. The Interagency Access Pass is a lifetime pass that is free for any US citizen or permanent resident, including a veteran or Gold Star Family member, who has a permanent disability. An Access Pass may also provide discounts for expanded amenities like camping, guided tours etc.

Does the pass include others traveling with the veteran or Gold Star Family member?

The free Military Lifetime Pass admits the veteran or the holder of the Gold Star Family voucher as well as occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle or the veteran or voucher-holder and three persons (16 and older) where per person fees are charged. The passes are non-transferrable and are void if altered.

How long will free access be available?

Veterans and Gold Star Families receive free lifetime access.

For more information, please visit www.store.usgs.gov/MilitaryPass