Military & Veteran National Park Pass: Free Access Rules (2026)

United States military veterans, Gold Star Family members, and active-duty service personnel receive 100% free entrance to all national parks and federal recreation sites. Under the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act, qualifying veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free Lifetime Military Pass, while active-duty service members receive a free Annual Military Pass.

Key takeaways

• Veterans: Eligible for a free Lifetime Military Pass granting lifetime entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across all 50 states.
• Gold Star Families: Eligible for a free Lifetime Military Pass (or online voucher exchange) honoring next-of-kin of fallen service members.
• Active Duty & Dependents: Eligible for a free Annual Military Pass with valid Common Access Card (CAC) or DoD Uniformed Services ID.
• Acceptable IDs for Veterans: Department of Defense ID card, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card (VIC), or a state-issued driver's license with an official 'Veteran' designation.
• How to acquire: Pick up the physical pass in person at any federal recreation site charging entrance fees with zero processing cost, or order online through the USGS Store ($10 processing fee).

Who qualifies for the Military Lifetime Pass?

The free Military Lifetime Pass is available to two groups: U.S. military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces (including Reserve and National Guard) and received an honorable or general discharge, and Gold Star Family members.

To obtain the pass in person, veterans simply present one of the following official credentials at any federal entrance station: a Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) alongside a state photo ID, or a state driver's license bearing an official Veteran endorsement. No other application forms are required.

Active-duty military: Annual pass details

Current active-duty members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, Commissioned Corps of the USPHS, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are eligible for the Free Annual Military Pass.

Dependents of active-duty service members are also eligible for their own annual pass by presenting a DoD Uniformed Services Identification Card (Form DD-1173). This allows spouses and family members to visit national parks even when the active-duty sponsor is deployed or stationed elsewhere.

Vehicle coverage and pass benefits

Like the standard America the Beautiful Pass, the Military Pass covers entrance fees for the passholder and all occupants in a single private, non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle parks. At parks charging per-person entrance fees, it admits the passholder plus up to three adults (children 15 and under enter free at all national parks).

Note that while the Military Pass covers 100% of standard entrance fees, it does not provide the 50% camping discounts associated with the Senior Pass or Access Pass, nor does it waive reservation fees on Recreation.gov. Review our full comparison of pass options in is the national parks pass worth it.

Frequently asked questions

Can a veteran enter a national park by just showing a driver's license with a Veteran logo?

Yes. If your state driver's license or state ID card has an official 'Veteran' designation, entrance gate staff can verify your credential and hand you a physical Lifetime Military Pass on the spot at no charge.

Does the military pass expire?

The Military Pass issued to veterans and Gold Star Families is a lifetime pass that never expires. The pass issued to active-duty personnel is an annual pass that must be renewed every 12 months with a current Common Access Card (CAC).

Do disabled veterans get additional discounts?

Veterans with a permanent, service-connected disability are also eligible for the federal Access Pass. Unlike the standard military pass, the Access Pass provides a 50% discount on federal camping and standard amenity fees.