Guide
How to buy the America the Beautiful pass
You can buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) online or in person. Online is convenient but adds a small processing fee; buying in person at a park or forest office is the base price.
Online
- Recreation.gov — the official federal site; order the physical pass (a processing fee applies).
- USGS Store (store.usgs.gov) — the other official online source for all pass types, including Senior.
In person
Buy at the entrance station or visitor center of most national parks, national forests, and other federal recreation sites — usually at the base price with no processing fee. This is also where you get the free passes (military, access, 4th grade) after showing eligibility.
After you buy
Sign the back of the pass (up to two owners), and write your pass in when you arrive. The Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase — so a pass bought any time in a month is good through the last day of that month next year.
Frequently asked
Where can I buy the America the Beautiful pass?
Online at Recreation.gov or the USGS Store, or in person at most federal recreation sites (parks, forests, refuges). In person is the base price; online adds a small processing fee.
How long is the pass valid?
The Annual Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase — through the last day of that month a year later.
Can I buy the pass at the park entrance?
Yes. Most national parks and other federal recreation sites sell the pass at the entrance station or visitor center, usually with no processing fee.
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