Perks & Unlocks
At 62, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can buy an $80 lifetime national-parks Senior Pass or a $20 annual version. Eligible veterans and Gold Star Families have a separate free Military Lifetime Pass.
By GrandAdvisor. Pass details checked against National Park Service sources on September 7, 2026.
| Pass | Who qualifies | Pass price |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Lifetime Pass | U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 62 and older | $80, once |
| Senior Annual Pass | The same eligibility as the lifetime version | $20, valid for one year |
| Military Lifetime Pass | Eligible U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families | Free in person at participating sites |
Online orders may add processing or delivery charges. Check the official checkout. These are three options, not the full pass list.
The America the Beautiful Senior Pass is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older: $80 once for life, or $20 for the annual version, which is also 62 and up. Under 62, the standard annual pass is $80 for everyone. Veterans and Gold Star family members qualify for a separate free Military Lifetime Pass at any age.
A common mix-up, corrected: the annual Senior Pass is not a shortcut for someone under 62. Both the Senior Annual Pass and the Senior Lifetime Pass are for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older, with proof of eligibility. The choice between them is how long the pass lasts, not a different age requirement. Check current National Park Service rules and the fees at the site you plan to visit.
The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity or day use fees at federal recreation sites. On the Senior Pass it generally does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners, and some expanded amenity fees such as camping may be discounted rather than free. A reservation is its own step: some parks use timed entry during busy periods and a pass does not stand in for one.
These passes cover entrance and standard amenity fees at participating federal recreation sites. At sites charging by vehicle, the pass covers the passholder and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. At per-person sites, it covers the passholder and up to three additional adults.
A Senior Pass may also discount some camping and other amenity fees. The Military Lifetime Pass does not provide that extra discount. Neither is a blanket waiver for lodging, concession services, reservations, or every tour. State parks have their own rules.
Planning the rest of the year? Browse age and membership discountsor the birthday-by-birthday perks guide.