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About the Annual Pass | How to Obtain a Annual Pass |
Annual Pass Use | Annual Pass Ordering | Annual Pass - Further Information
ABOUT THE ANNUAL PASS top
- What is the America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or "Interagency" Annual Pass?
A convenient and affordable way to access recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies on an annual basis, with 80-100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.
(The Interagency Annual Pass replaced the Golden Eagle Passport, National Parks Pass and National Parks Pass with Golden Eagle Hologram in January 2007).
- What does it cost and how long is the Annual Pass valid?
The Annual Pass costs $80.00 and is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase.
- How is this Annual pass different from the former National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Passport?
- Passes are validated at the time of purchase (not at time of first use).
- Passes allow 3 adults in with pass owner (where per person fees are charged). Note: adults don't have to be related to one another.
- The pass has two signature lines, and the signers don't need to be related to one another.
- The pass permits two motorcycles to enter on one Annual Pass.
- Where is the Annual Pass honored?
The Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Annual Pass at sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees are charged. (See below for agency websites).
Note: The Army Corps of Engineers does not currently issue or honor the Annual Pass.
- Where can I find information about Federal recreation lands?
HOW TO OBTAIN AN ANNUAL PASS top
- Where can I purchase an Annual Pass?
The Annual Pass can be purchased via phone at 888-ASK-USGS, extension 1 (888-275-8747, extension 1); via email at fedrecpass@usgs.gov; via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass , or at any participating Federal recreation site.
- Who qualifies for the Annual Pass?
Anyone 16 years and older can purchase the Annual Pass.
- Can lost or stolen passes be replaced? Is there a way that the serial numbers can be tracked?
No. Passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; a new pass must be purchased. We don’t currently have the capability to track pass serial numbers across all five Federal land management agencies.
ANNUAL PASS USE top
- What does the Annual Pass cover?
The Annual Pass admits pass owner/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas; and pass owner + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.)
- Does the relationship of the two pass owners matter?
No. The two pass owners do not have to be related or married.
- Are the Passes valid at un-staffed Federal recreation sites?
Yes. A free Hangtag is available with each Pass, providing a way to display the pass so it is visible through the windshield of a vehicle.
- Insert your Annual Pass on the side of the Hangtag stating “Annual”.
- When visiting un-staffed Federal recreation sites, place the Hangtag on your rearview mirror, ensuring your pass is facing towards your vehicle window. The back of the pass should be visible.
- Hangtags are merely a way to display your valid pass and they are not valid for entry without a valid pass.
- If I forget to bring my pass to a site and pay the entrance or use fee, can I mail in the 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 will be required to pay the entrance or use fee and a refund is not possible. Additionally, pass order confirmation letters, credit card receipts or statements, and hangtags without passes are not valid for entrance or use.
- My family is traveling in two vehicles; will one Annual Pass let all of us into the site?
No. Only the vehicle with the pass owner is covered. The second vehicle is subject to an entrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass.
- What about motorcycles or scooters?
At sites that charge per vehicle entrance fees, the Annual Pass will cover entrance for the two pass owners on two motorcycles or scooters. Signatures of both people must be on the Pass and must match identification.
- I have a school bus that has been converted into a motor home. Will the Annual Pass cover my entrance into a Federal recreation site?
Yes. Your Annual Pass will cover entry into sites with your converted school bus. However, you will be questioned if the vehicle still looks like a school bus and not a private motor home. (Pass covers entrance for a single non-commercial vehicle).
ANNUAL PASS ORDERING top
- If I order an Annual Pass over the Internet, when does it get validated (punched with an expiration date)?
The Pass is validated (punched) the month of purchase regardless of whether the pass is for you, or a gift for someone else. Passes are valid for 12 months beginning with the month of sale (i.e., Pass purchased in April 2008 is valid through April 2009).
- If I ordered an Annual Pass through the Internet, and have my order confirmation receipt, is the order confirmation receipt valid for entry?
No. Confirmation letters are not valid for entry or use.
- If I ordered an Annual Pass through the Internet, and have my credit card receipt, is the credit card receipt valid for entry?
No. A credit card statement or receipt showing purchase of a pass is not valid for entry or use.
- What if I ordered an Annual Pass through the Internet and it doesn't show up before my trip?
If your pass does not arrive before your trip starts you can buy another pass at the first site you visit and return the pass ordered through the Internet for a refund.
If ordered through USGS Internet site (http://store.usgs.gov/pass) please return to:
USGS, Natural Science Network
DFC, Bldg. 810
Box 25286
Denver, CO 80225
Attn: ATB Pass Return
- If I order a Pass on the Internet and it is damaged and illegible upon receipt, what should I do?
Please return it to USGS (address above) so a replacement pass may be issued. If you do not have time to wait for a replacement pass, you may purchase another one at a Federal recreation site, return the damaged pass to USGS and receive a refund.
ANNUAL PASS - FURTHER INFORMATION top
- Does the Annual Pass include any discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores, or at gift shops that are located in the Federal Recreation sites?
No. The Annual Pass does not provide discounts at Cooperating Association bookstores or on-site gift shops.
- Does the Annual Pass provide any discounts on Expanded Amenity or Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fees?
No. The Annual Pass does not cover discounts on any Expanded Amenity or Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fees such as: camping, RV hook-ups, boat launching, backcountry permits, parking at Mount Rushmore, guided cave tours at Wind Cave National Park, or parking at some historic monuments or homes.
- How can I tell the difference between a Standard Amenity, Expanded Amenity, Special Use Permit, or a Concessionaire (Concessioner) Fee?
Since the pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and charge different types of fees, it can be confusing to sort out fees, terminology, and to distinguish between a "Federally-managed facility/activity" versus a "concession-managed facility/activity".
Please see the Definitions section for further details, but more importantly, Inquire Locally with your fee and Pass-acceptance related questions.
- Is an Annual Pass valid at State Parks or local city/county recreation areas?
No. The Annual Pass is valid at participating Federal recreation sites. Visit http://www.recreation.gov for more information about Federal recreation sites.
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
