How to Obtain a Golden Age Passport

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass allows people age 62 and older to visit all of the federal recreation sites that charge an entrance fee. The pass program, which replaced the Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport, costs $80 and never expires. You can also get an annual pass for $20 if the lifetime pass is too costly. Passes are easy to obtain at any federal recreation site or office.

Present a valid photo identification like a driver’s license or birth certificate to the attendant. To qualify for a senior pass, you must be at least 62 years old, a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident. These eligibility rules are non-negotiable, and you must provide proof of age to get this lifetime senior pass.

Pay the $80 fee to become a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass owner. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, at least 80 percent of the pass proceeds are used for improvements to visitor recreational services, wildlife refuges, state parks, and recreation areas. This may seem like a high per person fee, but the gov and federal agencies want to protect America the Beautiful. And it is a better deal than the day use fees if you visit the parks often.

According to the USGS, the senior pass is honored by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation at sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

The pass holder must be driving a non-commercial vehicle when using this access pass.

The senior pass provides a 50 percent discount on some expanded amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, guided tours, boat launching and specialized interpretive services, according to the National Park Service.