America the Beautiful: U.S. Military Pass
What is an America the Beautiful Pass?
The is an interagency pass that grants the pass-holder access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas for free. This includes national parks, national forests, and national monuments.
What does the America the Beautiful Pass cover?
With an , entry into lands managed by the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers are free. This includes:
- National parks,
- National wildlife refuges, and
- Standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands.
Does the pass include others traveling with the America the Beautiful Pass holder?
When driving onto federal land (Example: Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone, etc.), the ATB Pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees, and day use fees for a driver and 3 additional, adult, passengers in a personal vehicle. Children 16 years and younger are admitted for free.
When entering a park or facility on foot (Example: Tumacácori, Montezuma Castle, etc.) the pass covers the admission fee for 2 adults. Children under the age of 16 are admitted for free.
What does the America the Beautiful Pass not cover?
The ATB generally does not cover fees for concessions or privately owned businesses on federal lands. This includes privately owned facilities and activities (e.g., hotels, campgrounds, parking lots, food stands, boat launches, and guided tours) in recreation areas that have a permit or contract.
It also does not cover entrance fees at select sites managed by federal recreational agencies that do not participate in the program (Example: Monument Valley).
Are there different kinds of America the Beautiful Passes?
Yes, there are different types:
- Annual Pass
- Military Pass
- 4th Grade Pass
- Senior Pass
- Access Pass
- Volunteer Pass
Who qualifies for a Military Pass?
- Current U.S. Military personnel (including current members of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force),
- Dependents of current U.S. Military personnel,
- Military Cadets,
- Active Reservists,
- Military veterans, and
- Gold Star Family members.
What documents do I need to show to get a Military Pass?
A Military Pass must be obtained in person by presenting a U.S. Department of Defense CAC identification or DD Form-1173 dependent identification at the recreational area.
Veterans may receive a military pass by presenting one of the following:
- Department of Defense Identification Card (non-expired CAC),
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC),
- Veteran ID Card, or
- Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card.
Before visiting a national park site, Gold Star Families are required to print an in exchange for a Military Pass.
Where can I get a Military Pass?
Otherwise, visit to order a Military Pass.
NOTE: There is fee for Military Passes to be processed online.
What does a Military Pass cover?
A Military Pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity fees. Standard amenity fees are charged for the use of sites that have basic amenities such as picnic tables, trash receptacles, toilets, developed parking, interpretive signing, and security.
A Military Pass does not cover expanded amenity fees. Expanded amenity fees are charged for the use of “extras” such as campgrounds.
Does it cost anything to obtain a Military Pass?
When does a Military Pass expire?
A Military Pass is valid for 1-year from the month it was issued and expires on the last day of that month. For instance, if purchased on September 22, 2020 it would expire on September 30, 2021.
How many people may sign a Military Pass?
Up to two people may sign a Military Pass and therefore be the pass-holders. Both must be current U.S. Military members or dependents.