How Military Members and Veterans Can Get Free National Park Passes
Military members and veterans can get free annual passes to all national parks through the Department of Defense and the National Park Service, but the program differs depending on your military status.
Active-duty service members, reserve and National Guard members on active orders, and veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the VA all receive free America the Beautiful Annual Pass — the same pass that costs $80 for civilians and covers entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. The catch: you have to get it in person at a park entrance station or through specific mail-in channels, not online. The pass is not mailed to your home automatically; you request it when you need it.
Veterans without a disability rating do not may have access to for the free pass through this program. Retired military members (those who served 20+ years and receive retirement pay) are treated the same as active-duty for pass purposes. If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria, bring your military ID or discharge papers to any national park entrance and ask — staff can verify on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Active-duty service members, reserve and National Guard members on active orders, and veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities all receive the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for free at any national park entrance.
- You must request the pass in person at a park or through mail-in request; it is not sent automatically and cannot be ordered online.
- The pass covers entrance fees at all national parks and over 2,000 other federal recreation sites for one year from the date of issue.
- Veterans without a disability rating and military family members do not may have access to for the free annual pass under this program.
- Bring a valid military ID, discharge papers, or VA disability letter to prove your status when you request the pass.
Who qualifies for the free military pass
Three groups receive the free annual pass: active-duty service members from any branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard), members of the reserve and National Guard on active duty orders, and veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA. The disability rating must be documented — the VA assigns these ratings after you file a claim, and they range from 0% to 100%.
Retired military members (those who completed 20 or more years of service and receive retirement pay) are treated as active-duty for pass purposes and receive the free pass. Family members of active-duty or retired service members do not may have access to on their own, though they can accompany the pass holder. If you are a surviving spouse or dependent of a deceased service member, you do not may have access to under this program.
How to get the pass in person at a park
Walk into any national park entrance station with proof of your military status. Bring one of the following: a valid military ID (Common Access Card, dependent ID, or retiree card), a discharge certificate (DD Form 214), or a VA disability letter showing your rating. The entrance station staff will verify your status and issue the pass on the spot — no waiting period, no fee.
The pass is valid for one year from the date you receive it. Write the issue date on the back of the pass so you know when it expires. If you lose the pass, you can request a replacement at any park entrance by showing your military ID again; some parks charge a small replacement fee (typically $5 to $10), though this varies by location.
Requesting the pass by mail
If you cannot visit a national park in person, you can request the pass by mail through the National Park Service. Download the form from the NPS website (search "Military Pass Request Form" on nps.gov) or contact the National Park Service directly at 888-275-8747 to request the form be mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a photocopy of your military ID or discharge papers, and mail both to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks. The NPS will mail the pass to your address once your military status is verified. This method works if you live far from a national park or prefer not to travel to request it. Keep a copy of what you send in case the mail is delayed.
What the pass covers and does not cover
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entrance fees at all 63 national parks and over 2,000 other federal recreation sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. This includes national monuments, national seashores, national forests, and recreation areas. One pass covers the pass holder and up to three additional adults in the same vehicle at most sites.
The pass does not cover camping fees, parking fees at trailheads, special use permits, or fees for activities like horseback riding or guided tours. Some parks charge additional entrance fees beyond what the pass covers — for example, Yellowstone charges an entrance fee that the pass covers, but some parks charge a separate vehicle fee. Call ahead or check the park's website if you are unsure what fees apply.
If you have a disability rating but have not filed a VA claim yet
You must have a disability rating decision from the VA before you can use it to get the free pass. If you are a veteran who has not filed a disability claim, you can start the process through VA.gov or by visiting a VA regional office. The VA will review your military medical records and any new evidence you submit, then issue a rating decision. This process typically takes three to six months, though it can be longer depending on the complexity of your claim.
While your claim is pending, you do not may have access to for the free pass. Once the VA issues your rating decision, you can request the pass immediately. If you are unsure whether you have a rating, log into VA.gov with your login credentials and check your rating letter under "View Your VA Disability Rating."
Using your pass at different parks
Show your pass at the entrance station when you arrive at any national park or federal recreation site. The pass is valid at all participating sites — you do not need a separate pass for each park. If you are camping, the pass covers day-use entrance fees but not campground reservation fees; you pay those separately when you book your site.
Some parks have multiple entrances. You only need to show your pass once per day at one entrance; you do not need to show it again if you leave and re-enter the same park on the same day. If you are traveling with others, the pass holder must be present in the vehicle when you enter — the pass is not transferable to someone else's vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the free pass if I am a veteran but do not have a disability rating?
No. Only veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA may have access to. Active-duty and retired military members may have access to regardless of disability status, but veterans without a rating do not. If you are a veteran and believe you have a service-connected condition, you can file a VA disability claim to pursue a rating.
What if my military ID is expired?
An expired military ID still proves your status. Bring it along with another form of ID (driver's license, passport) to the park entrance. Staff will verify your military service using the expired ID and issue the pass. If you have a discharge certificate (DD Form 214), that works as well.
Does my spouse or child get a free pass too?
No. Only the service member or veteran with the may have access to status receives the free pass. Family members can enter the park with you and are covered under the pass (up to three additional adults per vehicle at most sites), but they cannot use the pass on their own or at a different time.
How long does the pass last?
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is valid for one year from the date you receive it. Write the issue date on the back so you know when it expires. You can request a new pass once the current one expires by returning to any park entrance or submitting a new mail request.
Can I order the pass online?
No. The free military pass is only available in person at a national park entrance or through mail request. You cannot order it through the NPS website or any online retailer. Civilian passes can be ordered online, but military passes require verification of your status in person or through the mail-in form.