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About the Senior Pass | How to Obtain a Senior Pass |
Senior Pass Use | Senior Pass Benefits
ABOUT THE SENIOR PASS top
- What is the Senior Pass?
An affordable lifetime Pass - available to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are 62 years and older - that provides access to recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies.
It also provides the pass owner a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping (see Senior Pass Benefits section).
- What does it cost and how long is it valid?
The cost of the Senior Pass is $10, and it is valid for the lifetime of the pass owner.
- If I have a Golden Age Passport is it still valid?
Yes, Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime and are equivalent to the new Senior Pass.
- What if I have a plastic Golden Age Passport and want a new Senior Pass instead?
Plastic Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime. However, if you would like the new Senior Pass, you may purchase one for $10.00, with proof of identification, e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, or similar government-issued document. Plastic Golden Age cards are no longer available for purchase.
- What if I have a paper Golden Age Passport and want a new Senior Pass instead?
Paper Golden Age Passports will be exchanged free of charge for the new Senior Passes with proof of identification, e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, or similar government-issued document.
HOW TO OBTAIN A SENIOR PASS top
- Where can I purchase a Senior Pass?
A Senior Pass can be obtained in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office.
- Why can’t I buy a Senior Pass online or through the mail?
You must obtain the Pass in person because the official issuing the Senior Pass must verify your age and residency.
- Can I purchase a Senior Pass before my 62nd birthday?
No. To be eligible for the pass you must have turned 62.
- If my spouse was the pass owner and s/he passes away, does the Senior Pass automatically transfer to me?
No. The Senior Pass is not transferable.
- If I am a 62-year-old Canadian citizen can I purchase a Senior Pass?
No. The Senior Pass is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, age 62 years and older.
- If I'm a foreign citizen and have a winter home in the U.S. (Tucson for example), where I reside six months of the year, do I qualify for the Senior Pass?
No. Owning property or paying taxes in the U.S. does not automatically qualify you for a Senior Pass. You must be a permanent U.S. resident, or a U.S. citizen.
SENIOR PASS USE top
- What does the Senior Pass cover?
The Senior Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) Note: Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership.
The Senior Pass also provides the pass owner a discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping (see Senior Pass Benefits section).
- Where is the Senior Pass honored?
The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Senior Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged.
In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior Pass. (Visitors are always encouraged to contact the site they plan to visit and inquire about pass acceptance before visiting).
- Why is the US Army Corps of Engineers accepting Interagency Senior Passes but not selling them?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was not included in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, which gave agencies the authority to create the new America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Although the Corps will not sell or issue the new passes, the Corps will accept the new Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes or previously issued Golden Age or Access Passports as proof of eligibility for age- and disability-related discounts. More information may be found at: http://www.CorpsLakes.us/fees.
- What if I forgot to bring my Senior Pass?
You can either buy another Senior Pass with proper documentation, or pay the applicable Entrance or Standard Amenity fee(s).
- What if my Senior Pass is lost, stolen or damaged?
- The Senior Pass is not replaceable if lost or stolen. You can either buy another Senior Pass with proper documentation, or pay the applicable Entrance or Standard Amenity fee(s).
- The Senior Pass is replaceable if damaged as long as identification is provided to validate ownership and a portion of the pass is identifiable.
- My family is traveling in two cars; will one Senior Pass let all of us into the site?
No. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass.
- My spouse and I are each riding our own motorcycle or scooter; will one Senior Pass cover both our entries?
No. At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Senior Pass will cover entrance for the pass owner on one motorcycle only.
SENIOR PASS BENEFITS top
- Does the Senior Pass include any discounts at Federal Recreation sites?
At many sites the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours). (Inquire Locally)
- What are the discount guidelines?
The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Senior Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands. Our advice is to always inquire locally.
In general discounts are honored as follows:
- Individual Campsites: The discount only applies to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass owner, not to any additional campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass owner's party.
- Campsites with Utility Hookups: If utility fees are charged separately, there is no discount. The discount may apply if the utility fee is combined (seamless) with the campsite fee.
- Group Campsites and Facilities (including, but not limited to, group facilities, picnic areas or pavilions): There is no discount for group campsites and other group facilities that charge a flat fee. If the group campsite has a per person fee rate, only the pass owner receives a discount; others using the site pay the full fee.
- Guided Tours: The pass offers discounts on some guided tours. Only the pass owner receives a discount if one is offered.
- Transportation Systems: (Inquire Locally)
- Concessionaire Fees: (Inquire Locally)
- Special Use Permit Fees: (Inquire Locally)
- How can I tell the difference between a Standard Amenity Fee, an Expanded Amenity Fee, a Special Use Permit Fee, or a Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fee?
Since the pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and charge different types of fees, it can be confusing to sort out fees, terminology, and to distinguish between a "Federally-managed facility/activity" versus a "concession-managed facility/activity".
Please see the Definitions section for further details, but more importantly, Inquire Locally with your fee and Pass-acceptance related questions.
- Does my Senior Pass provide any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites?
No. The Senior Passdoes not cover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores.
- Is a Senior Pass valid at State Parks or local city/county recreation sites?
No. The Senior Pass is valid only at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit http://www.recreation.gov for information about Federal recreation sites.
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
