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Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program?
 
A national pass program authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, that provides access to, and use of, Federal Recreation Lands. The program launched in January 2007.
 
 
Which pass is best for me?
  • If within a one-year period you visit multiple federal recreation areas where fees are charged, buy the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. This pass covers several Bureau of Land Management sites as well as National Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites.
  • If you are 62 and older and either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, buy the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass.
  • If you are permanently disabled and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are eligible for the free America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass.
 
Which Agencies honor the new America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes?
 
The Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor all four passes at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. In addition, the Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Senior and Access Passes.
 
 
What passes and collateral materials are included in the new program?
 
The Interagency Annual Pass (anyone can purchase); Interagency Senior Pass (62+ older); and Interagency Access Pass (requires documentation of permanent disability); Hangtags (as a means of display); and Decals (for open-top vehicles in un-staffed areas only).
 
 
Why were the new passes developed? Aren't the new passes just the same as the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports?
 
The new passes were mandated by Congress. They are similar to the old passes, but we hope to build on the lessons learned in all of our previous Federal recreation pass programs. We expect that the new passes incorporate technological characteristics that will make the passes convenient to use and purchase.
 
 
What is happening to all the existing passes i.e. National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports?
 
The existing passes are no longer sold or issued, but they continue to be honored for as long as they are valid. 
 
 
If I have a National Parks Pass or Golden Eagle Passport that is valid through all or part of 2007, can I upgrade it to the new Annual Pass?
 
No. Passes from previous pass programs are not to be exchanged or upgraded for the new passes.
 
 
Does the legislation that authorized the new Interagency Passes affect the Federal Duck Stamp?
 
No. A valid Federal Duck Stamp still provides entry into FWS National Wildlife Refuges that charge an entrance fee.
 
 
Who do I contact for specific information about an agency or a site that participates in the Interagency Pass program?
 
For information on BLM sites visit http://www.blm.gov
For information on Reclamation sites visit http://www.usbr.gov
For information on FWS sites visit http://www.fws.gov
For information on USDA FS sites visit http://www.fs.fed.us
For information on NPS sites visit http://www.nps.gov
For information on Federal Recreation lands visit http://www.recreation.gov
 
 
What does the new passes cover?
 
The passes admit pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (Children under 16 always admitted free). The Senior and Access Passes allow entry as described above, as well as provide the pass holder a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees. Senior and Access Passes may only be signed by the qualified individual.
 
 
Are there any changes in the way that the new passes are honored?
 
Yes. Pass holders are allowed to access a recreation site that charges a per person fee with a specified number of persons, rather than specified family members (spouse, parents, children). Additionally, according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), motorcycles are vehicles. At sites with per vehicle entrance fees the Annual Pass cover access or use for the pass holder/s (individuals who signed the pass) on two motorcycles. The Lifetime Passes cover access or use for the pass holder for one motorcycle.
 
 
Where can I obtain an Interagency pass?
 
The passes can be obtained in person from a participating Federal recreation site or office. The Annual Pass will also be available to the public via 888-ASK USGS, ext 1; fedrecpass@usgs.gov; or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass or http://www.recreation.gov. Additionally, it is expected that the Annual passes will be available through some third-party partners.
 
 
Do I have to use cash to purchase a pass at a Federal recreation site or can I use a credit card?
 
It is a good idea to have cash with you as many federal recreation sites are not equipped to process credit cards or checks.
 
 
Can lost or stolen passes be replaced? Is there a way that the serial numbers can be tracked?
 
Passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; a new pass must be purchased. Although the goal of the new pass program is to install technology at each site that allows for tracking and replacements, we are unable to do so at this time.
 
 
If my pass is tattered and worn, can I get a replacement?
 
Yes. As long as a portion of the pass is identifiable it may be exchanged for a new one.
 
 
If I forget to bring my pass to a site and pay the daily entrance or use fee, can I mail in the entrance or standard amenity fee receipt and a photocopy of my pass and get a refund?
 
No, you are responsible for bringing your pass with you each time you visit a recreation site. If you forget to bring your pass you are required to pay the entrance or use fee and a refund is not possible. Additionally, order confirmation letters, pass credit card receipts, credit card statements, or hangtags without passes are not valid for entrance or use.
 
 
If I visit a site and have a receipt, can I apply the receipt towards the purchase of an Annual or Senior Pass?
 
Generally no, however there may be some limited circumstances where an individual agency will allow the receipt to be applied toward the cost of a new Annual Pass. Inquire at local recreation site.
 
 
What about bicycles?
 
Bicycles are handled differently within the five agencies. Sometimes bicyclists are charged an individual per person or walk-up fee; other times they are discounted at vehicle fee sites; while some sites allow them in for free. Because fees and rules vary regarding bicycles across the agencies and sites across the country, please contact a local site specifically for information.
 
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If you still have questions about the passes, please click here for more information. This site includes a series of FAQs for each of the passes and may help you decide which pass best serves your needs.