What an Access Pass Covers and How to Get One

An Access Pass gives you and your passengers free entry to most federal recreation sites for life

An Access Pass is a lifetime entrance pass for people with a permanent disability. It covers the pass holder and up to three adults in the same vehicle at over 2,000 federal recreation sites — national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, and other public lands run by the federal government. The pass itself is free. You do not pay an entrance fee at the gate, and you do not pay an annual or daily use fee.

The pass is permanent once issued. You do not renew it, and it does not expire. If you have a disability that qualifies, you can request one at any federal recreation site that charges an entrance fee, or you can request one by mail before you visit.

The Access Pass is different from the America the Beautiful Pass, which costs money and covers anyone. It is also different from the Annual Pass specific to individual parks. The Access Pass is the only one of these three that is free and covers multiple types of federal land.

Key Takeaways

• An Access Pass is free and permanent, covering you and up to three other adults at federal recreation sites that charge entrance fees.
• You must have a permanent disability documented by a federal, state, or local agency, or by a licensed physician or health care provider.
• You can request a pass in person at any federal recreation site, or by mail using Form 4-0678 and proof of disability.
• The pass covers entrance fees only — camping, parking, and other use fees are not included and must be paid separately.
• Your pass works at national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management sites, and other federal recreation areas, but not at state parks or private lands.

What disability qualifies you for an Access Pass

You must have a permanent disability. The federal government defines this as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or a condition documented as permanent by a federal, state, or local agency.

Proof of disability can come from several sources. A letter from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a state disability agency counts. A letter from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant also counts. The letter does not need to name your specific condition — it only needs to state that you have a permanent disability that substantially limits a major life activity.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you can use your award letter as proof. If you have a state disability parking permit, that also serves as proof. You do not need to be unable to work or to meet any income threshold.

How to request an Access Pass in person or by mail

The fastest way is to visit any federal recreation site that charges an entrance fee and ask for an Access Pass at the entrance station. Bring your proof of disability with you. A staff member will review your documentation, issue the pass on the spot, and you can use it immediately. This takes a few minutes.

If you prefer to request by mail, download Form 4-0678 from the National Park Service website or ask a park to mail it to you. Fill out the form, attach a copy of your proof of disability, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. Once approved, the pass will be mailed to you.

You can also request a pass by mail before you plan a visit if you want to have it in hand. There is no rush — the pass does not expire, so you can request it whenever it is convenient.

What the Access Pass covers and what it does not

The Access Pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation sites. This means you do not pay the per-vehicle or per-person fee to enter a national park, national forest, or other federal land that charges admission. The pass holder and up to three additional adults in the same vehicle enter free. Children under 16 always enter free at federal sites regardless of the pass.

The pass does not cover camping fees, parking fees, boat launch fees, or fees for special programs or tours. If you camp at a national park, you pay the campground fee. If you park in a paid lot, you pay the parking fee. If you take a ranger-led tour, you pay the tour fee. The Access Pass only waives the entrance fee to the site itself.

The pass works at national parks, national monuments, national forests, Bureau of Land Management sites, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas. It does not work at state parks, county parks, or privately owned recreation areas. Each state runs its own park system with its own passes and rules.

How to use your Access Pass at the gate

When you arrive at a federal recreation site, drive to the entrance station and show your Access Pass to the staff member. They will verify it and wave you through without charging a fee. If you are entering on foot or by bicycle, show the pass at the entrance. If you are part of a group and the pass holder is not driving, the pass holder should be in the vehicle or present to show the pass.

The pass is nontransferable — only the person whose name is on it can use it. If someone else is driving your vehicle, you must be in the vehicle and present the pass. If you lose your pass, you can request a replacement by returning to the site where you got it or by contacting the National Park Service.

Some sites use an honor system and do not staff the entrance station at all hours. In those cases, there may be an envelope or box where you can leave a note with your pass number. Call ahead if you are arriving outside normal hours to confirm how to proceed.

Access Pass versus other federal recreation passes

The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 per year and covers the pass holder and up to three adults at the same sites. It is not free and it expires each year, but it does not require proof of disability. If you do not have a disability or prefer not to document one, the America the Beautiful Pass is the alternative.

Some parks also sell annual passes specific to that park only. These are cheaper than the America the Beautiful Pass but only work at one site. The Access Pass is the only option that is free, permanent, and covers multiple federal sites.

If you have an Access Pass, you do not need to buy any other federal pass. The Access Pass takes priority and covers everything the other passes cover for entrance fees.

What happens if your disability status changes

The Access Pass is issued based on a permanent disability. If your condition changes or you no longer meet the definition of permanent disability, you should notify the National Park Service. In practice, the pass is rarely revoked unless you report the change yourself or unless there is evidence of fraud.

If you are unsure whether your condition still qualifies, you can contact the park where you received the pass and ask. They can review your documentation and advise you. There is no penalty for asking — the park staff will not revoke your pass based on a question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Access Pass at state parks or private campgrounds?

No. The Access Pass only works at federal recreation sites run by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and similar federal agencies. State parks have their own passes and fees. Private campgrounds and attractions do not honor federal passes.

Do I need to renew my Access Pass?

No. The Access Pass is permanent and does not expire. Once issued, it is valid for life. You do not pay renewal fees or submit paperwork again.

Can someone else use my Access Pass if I am not in the vehicle?

No. The pass is nontransferable and only the person whose name appears on it can use it. The pass holder must be present and show the pass at the entrance.

Does the Access Pass cover camping and parking fees?

No. The pass covers entrance fees only. You must pay separately for camping, parking, boat launches, and special programs or tours. Some parks offer discounts on camping for Access Pass holders, but the pass itself does not waive those fees.

What if I do not have a letter from a doctor or government agency?

You need some form of documentation. If you receive SSI or SSDI, bring your award letter. If you have a state disability parking permit, bring that. If you have none of these, you can ask a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to write a letter stating you have a permanent disability. The letter does not need to detail your condition.