America the Beautiful – Senior Annual or Lifetime Pass

What is the America the Beautiful discounted Senior Annual or Lifetime Pass?

The America the Beautiful Senior Annual and Lifetime Passes are discounted passes for older adults that give free entry to over 2,000 national parks and recreation areas.

There are two types:

• Senior Annual Pass: Costs $20 and is good for one year. You can renew it each year or trade it in later for a lifetime pass.
• Senior Lifetime Pass: Costs $80 and never expires.

At many parks, both passes also give discounts on extra activities like camping, swimming, boat ramps, and guided tours. The money from the passes helps improve parks and services for visitors.

Am I eligible for a Senior Annual or Senior Lifetime Pass?

To qualify for the Senior Annual or Senior Lifetime Pass, you must be at least 62 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You’ll need to show ID, like a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or green card. You can only buy the pass after you turn 62.

How do I get a Senior Annual or Senior Lifetime Pass?

You can buy a Senior Pass in person at certain national parks or federal recreation offices. To find a location near you, check the list of sites that sell Senior Passes.

You can also buy a Senior Pass online through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website. To apply online, you’ll need to:

• Upload a photo of a document that shows your age and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (like a driver’s license or passport).
• Pay with a credit card:
  • $90 for the Senior Lifetime Pass
  • $30 for the Senior Annual Pass

Note: These prices include a $10 processing fee.

Once your documents and payment are received and approved, your pass will be mailed to you with your name printed on it.

If you can’t apply online, you can mail in a paper application along with copies of your documents and a $10 fee. Online applications are usually processed and mailed out within 5 business days after they are received.

How do I trade in a Senior Annual Pass for a Senior Lifetime Pass?

If you have a Senior Annual Pass, you can upgrade it to a Senior Lifetime Pass at any location that sells Senior Passes.

You can do this in person at any time. The cost of your annual pass will count toward the lifetime pass, so you’ll pay less depending on how many annual passes you have. For example:

• If you have 1 Senior Annual Pass, you pay $60 more to get the Senior Lifetime Pass.
• If you have 2 Senior Annual Passes, you pay $40 more to get the Senior Lifetime Pass, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions

My family is using two cars. Will one Senior Pass cover both?

No. Only the car with the pass holder is covered by the Senior Pass. The other car will need to pay the entrance fee or have its own pass.

Who can get in with a Senior Pass?

The Senior Pass covers the person who owns the pass and everyone in the same car, if there’s a vehicle fee. At places that charge per person, the pass covers the owner plus up to 3 other adults (for a total of 4 adults). Kids under 16 get in free.

What if my Senior Pass is lost, stolen, or damaged?

If your pass is lost or stolen, you’ll need to buy a new one. If it’s damaged, you can get a replacement if part of the pass can still be read and you show ID.