How to Get a Senior Pass for National Parks

What a Senior Pass is and who can get one

A Senior Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to all U.S. national parks, monuments, and recreation areas managed by the National Park Service. It costs $80 as a one-time purchase and never expires. If you are 62 years old or older, you can get one.

The pass admits you and up to three adults in the same vehicle to any national park. If you enter on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle, it covers just you and one other person. The pass does not cover camping fees, parking fees at some sites, or special-use permits — only entrance fees.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to buy a Senior Pass, but you do need to show proof of age. The pass is transferable: you can give it to someone else, and they can use it as long as they present it at the gate.

Key Takeaways

• A Senior Pass costs $80 one time and never expires, covering entrance to all national parks for you and up to three adults in one vehicle.
• You must be 62 years old or older and show proof of age (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate) when you buy it.
• You can buy a Senior Pass in person at any national park entrance, by mail, or online through the official Recreation.gov store.
• The pass saves money immediately if you visit more than one national park in a year, since most parks charge $30 to $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
• You can transfer the pass to someone else, but only one person can use it at a time.

Where to buy a Senior Pass

You have three ways to buy: in person, by mail, or online. The fastest is online through Recreation.gov's pass store. You will need a valid photo ID showing your age, and you can have the pass mailed to you or pick it up at a park entrance within 30 days.

If you buy in person, go to any national park entrance station or visitor center. Bring a photo ID with your date of birth. The pass is issued on the spot, and you can use it immediately. Some parks have longer lines during peak season, so weekday mornings are usually faster.

To order by mail, download the form from the National Park Service website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a photocopy of your ID showing your age. Processing takes about two weeks after they receive it.

What documents you need

You need one piece of proof of age. A driver's license or state ID is fastest. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate also works. If you are buying online, you will upload a photo of the ID. If you are buying in person, show the original.

If you are buying by mail, include a photocopy of the ID page that shows your name and date of birth. Do not send the original. A photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license is sufficient.

How much money you save

Most national parks charge $30 to $35 per vehicle for a seven-day entrance pass. A few popular parks charge more — Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Zion charge $35. Some parks charge per person instead of per vehicle, usually $15 to $20.

If you visit two national parks in a year, the Senior Pass pays for itself. If you visit three or more, you save significantly. The pass also covers entrance to national monuments and recreation areas run by the National Park Service, so the savings add up quickly if you travel to multiple sites.

The pass does not cover camping, parking, or activity fees. Those are separate. But if you camp regularly at national park campgrounds, the entrance savings alone make the pass worth the cost.

Using your pass at the gate

Present your Senior Pass to the ranger at the entrance station. If you are driving, the ranger will scan or record the pass number. If you are entering on foot or by bicycle, show it to the ranger at the entrance.

The pass admits you and up to three other adults in the same vehicle. Children do not count toward the limit. If you are alone or with one other person, the pass covers you both. If you are with a group larger than four adults, only four can enter on one pass — the others need separate passes or day passes.

If you lose your pass, you can replace it for $20 at any park entrance or through Recreation.gov. Keep your receipt or documentation of purchase in case you need to prove ownership.

Transferring or gifting your pass

You can give your Senior Pass to someone else, and they can use it at any national park. The pass is not registered to your name, so whoever holds it can present it at the gate. Only one person can use it at a time — you cannot both use the same pass on the same day at different parks.

If you want to give the pass to a family member permanently, you can. There is no formal transfer process. Just hand them the pass. If they lose it, they will need to buy a replacement, not you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Senior Pass before I turn 62?

No. You must be 62 or older on the day you purchase it. You cannot buy it in advance. If your birthday is coming up, you can buy it the day you turn 62 with a birth certificate or other proof of age.

Does the Senior Pass work at state parks?

No. The Senior Pass covers only national parks, national monuments, and recreation areas managed by the National Park Service. State parks have their own passes and fees. Some states offer senior discounts on their own passes, but you would need to contact each state's parks department.

What if I am disabled — is there a different pass?

Yes. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass and the Interagency Annual Pass both offer a free or discounted version for people with permanent disabilities. That is separate from the Senior Pass. You would need to show documentation of disability at the time of purchase.

Can I use the Senior Pass if someone else is driving my car?

Yes. The pass covers the vehicle and up to three other adults in it, regardless of who is driving. You do not have to be in the car. Just make sure the pass is presented at the entrance.

How long does it take to receive a Senior Pass if I order online?

If you order online and choose standard mail delivery, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can also pick it up at any national park entrance within 30 days of purchase. Pickup is faster if you are visiting a park soon.