Benefit Fact Sheet
U.S. military Service members, Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible to receive free lifetime access to more than 2,000 Federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. The free Military Pass is a way to thank America's Veterans, Gold Star Families, and current military and their dependents for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters.
The new lifetime passes will be available to distribute later in 2022. Until then, Gold Star Families and Veterans may continue to use The Interagency Annual Military Pass with proof of eligibility.
The Interagency Annual Military Pass provides free entrance to National Parks and other Federal recreation areas to current U.S. Service members and their dependents, Veterans and Gold Star Families.
Who is eligible to gain free entrance as a Veteran?
Veterans who are able to present one of the following forms of identification or the Interagency Military Pass when entering a National Park:
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Department of Defense Identification Card (Non-expired CAC, a Retired Military ID or an Uniformed Services ID)
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Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
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Veteran Identification Card
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Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card
Who is eligible to gain free access as a member of a Gold Star Family?
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the U.S. Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.
What is the Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Family Free Access Program?
The Interagency Annual Military Pass provides free entrance to national parks and other Federal recreation areas to current U.S. Service members and their dependents, Veterans, and Gold Star Families.
The entrance fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, transportation, special recreation permits, reservation fees or special tours.
For more information about the Interagency Military Pass Program, please visit USGS Pass Store - Military Pass Frequently Asked Questions.
What agencies are participating in the free access program?
The program waives entrance or standard amenity fees for the following agencies:
National Park Service:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm