What is a Texas Parklands Passport?

A Texas Parklands Passport is a free or discounted pass to any Texas state park, provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Most passes do not expire, but the disability-based and active-duty passes need to be renewed each year. Depending on the type of pass you get, you’ll either receive a 50% discount or have the entrance fee completely waived, allowing you to enter for free. These discounts may also apply to companions who visit the park with you.

How can it help me?

If you love spending time in nature, the Texas Parklands Passport can save you a lot of money on state park admission fees. With this pass, your entry fee is either reduced by 50% or waived completely, depending on the type you qualify for. This means you can visit your favorite parks more often without worrying about the cost. Plus, some passes even allow a guest to come with you at no extra charge, making it easier to share outdoor adventures with friends or family.

Am I eligible to receive a Texas Parklands Passport?

There are different types of discounted Texas Parklands Passports, each with specific eligibility requirements. The passes and their requirements are outlined below:

• Senior Partial Passport: To qualify for the Senior Partial Texas Parklands Passport, you must be 65 years or older and a resident of Texas. This pass offers a 50% discount on the entry fee for both you and a companion at any Texas state park.
• Senior Full Passport: The Senior Full Texas Parklands Passport is available to individuals born on or before September 1, 1930. This pass allows free entry for both you and a companion to any Texas state park, with no admission fee required.
• Disability Passport: The Disability Texas Parklands Passport is for individuals who have a medical disability. With this pass, you and a companion will receive a 50% discount on park entry. This pass requires annual renewal to maintain eligibility.
• Active-Duty Passport: The Active Duty Texas Parklands Passport grants free entry to Texas state parks for individuals currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, including members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the Reserves and National Guard. This pass is only available to the pass holder and does not extend to companions.
• Veterans Passport: The Veterans Texas Parklands Passport offers free entry to Texas state parks for any veteran who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. This pass does not provide free or discounted entry for companions.
• Disabled Veterans Passport: The Disabled Veterans Texas Parklands Passport is for veterans with a 60% or higher service-connected disability or the loss of a lower extremity. This pass allows both the veteran and a companion to enter Texas state parks for free.
• Gold Star Family Passport: The Gold Star Family Texas Parklands Passport offers free entry to Texas state parks for the surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a service member who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This pass extends to stepsiblings and stepparents, but does not include extended family members like grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, or cousins. Only the pass holder is eligible for the benefits, and each eligible family member must apply for their own passport.

How do I apply for a Texas Parklands Passport?

To apply for any of the Texas Parklands Passports, you must visit a Texas state park and bring the required documents for the passport you are applying for. Below is the list of required documents for each type of passport:

Partial Senior Passport

To apply for the Partial Senior Passport, you will need to bring one or more documents verifying identity, age, and home address, such as:

• Driver’s license or birth certificate
• Utility bill to confirm home address

Senior Full Passport

To apply for the Senior Full Passport, you will need documentation verifying age and identity, such as:

• Driver’s license or birth certificate

Disability Passport

To receive a Disability Passport, you will need to provide documentation confirming both your identity and disability. These include:

• Photo ID
• At least one of the following:
  • An Award of Benefits Letter or Statement of Benefits from the Social Security Administration
  • Vehicle registration showing receipt of a disability license plate within the last year
  • Permanent disability placard issued within the last 4 years
  • Statement from a licensed medical professional confirming a physical or mental disability

Active-Duty Passport

To apply for an Active-Duty Passport, you will need to provide documents that confirm your identity and active-duty status, such as:

• Valid photo identification
• Proof of active-duty service issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, such as an active-duty service member ID card

Veterans Passport

To receive a Veterans Passport, you will need to provide the following:

• Photo ID
• One of the following:
  • U.S. Department of Defense-issued veteran’s identification card
  • State-issued driver’s license or ID card with U.S. military veteran designation
  • Military Discharge Papers (U.S. Dept. of Defense Form DD 214 indicating Honorable Discharge)
  • Veteran’s Health Identification Card issued by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Disabled Veterans Passport

To receive a Disabled Veterans Passport, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Photo ID
• One of the following:
  • Disabled Veterans of Texas license plate receipt
  • Veteran’s award letter
  • Tax exemption letter for Texas veterans

Gold Star Family Passport

To receive the Gold Star Family Passport, applicants must present all three documents:

• Identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Serviceperson’s proof of casualty, such as:
  • Report of Casualty (U.S. Dept. of Defense Form DD 1300)
  • Written record of fatality (while serving) by U.S. Dept. of Defense / National Archives
• Proof of relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Unexpired U.S. Military-issued spouse or dependent identification card
  • Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court order

Who should I contact if I need help getting my Texas Parklands Passport?

If you need help or have questions about applying for a passport, the required documentation, or anything else related to the Texas Parklands Passport, you can contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 512-389-4800 or 800-792-1112.

 To submit a question online, you can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's question center and an agent should be in contact shortly after.

I received my Texas Parklands Passport—Now what?

Once you’ve received your Texas Parklands Passport, you can visit any state park in Texas at a discounted rate or for free, depending on the type of passport you hold. If you received a Disability Passport or Active Duty Passport, remember to renew it annually to continue enjoying the benefits.

Frequently asked questions about Texas Parklands Passports  

• Is my National Parks Pass accepted at Texas State Parks?

No, Texas State Parks do not accept annual passes from other state park systems or the National Park Service. The Texas Parklands Passport is a separate program specific to Texas state parks.

• Are pets allowed at Texas State Parks with a Texas Parklands Passport?

Yes, pets are allowed at most Texas state parks, but there are several important rules to follow. Pets must be on a leash, or in a crate at all times. Noisy or dangerous dogs should not be brought to the park. Pets are not permitted in any park buildings, including cabins, shelters, or restrooms. You must clean up after your pet and dispose of waste in the trash. Pets are also not allowed in designated swimming areas.

Additionally, your pet must have a current rabies vaccination, and you must have proof with you. If you do not follow these rules, you and your pet may be asked to leave. Service dogs are exempt from some of these regulations.

• What should I do if I lose my Texas Parklands Passport?

If you lose or misplace your Texas Parklands Passport, reach out to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 512-389-4800 or 800-792-1112 to request a replacement. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation, such as a photo ID and any other required documents based on the type of pass you are replacing.