Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about the new Interagency Pass.
How much does the new Interagency Pass cost and how long is it good for?
The New Pass costs $80 and is good for one full year from the month of purchase.
What can the Interagency Pass be used for?
It provides entrance or access to the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at federally operated recreation sites across the country. It covers the pass holder and three accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fees are charged for children 15 and under. Photo identification may be required to verify ownership on the pass.
What are some of the things not covered by the Annual Pass?
The Annual Pass does not cover concessions or other use fees such as parking, campgrounds, shuttles, boat launches, or interpretive tours. Since fees vary widely across the thousands of federal recreation sites, it is advised that you contact specific sites directly to find out exactly what is or is not covered.
Where can it be purchased?
The Interagency Annual Pass can be purchased: 1) at federal recreation sites that charge entrance and standard amenity fees; 2) online through the government’s federal lands recreation web portal at www.recreation.gov or at store.usgs.gov/pass/; or 3) by calling 1-888-275-8747, ext 1. Additionally, it is expected that the Annual Pass will be available through some third-party partners.
Can it be ordered as a gift for someone else?
Yes, the Annual Pass can still be ordered as a gift. Passes purchased as gifts will be punched at time of sale and will be valid for 12 months from time of sale.
How will money be used from the sale of the new Interagency Pass?
100 percent of the revenue derived from passes sold at federal recreation sites will directly benefit the selling agency and no less than 80 percent of the revenue will remain at the site where the pass was sold.
Is the new pass transferable?
Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
What happens if I already purchased in National Park Pass or Golden Eagle Pass in 2006?
The new Interagency Annual Pass replaces the National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, and National Parks Pass with Golden Eagle Hologram. National Parks Passes purchased in 2006 will expire 12 months from the date of first use (first punched at gate entry). If the pass was purchased but not used or punched by the end of 2006, it will expire on December 31, 2007.
What does the Annual Pass look like?
The Annual Pass, similar to the look of a credit card, is a 324-mil plastic card with a magnetic strip on the reverse side and a serial number printed on the front.
What other types of park passes are available?
There are four different passes in the new interagency program:
1. the new $80 Annual Pass described above.
2. a $10 lifetime senior pass for U.S. citizens 62 or over (replacing what was formerly the Golden Age Passport).
3. a free lifetime access pass for citizens with permanent disabilities (replacing what was formerly the Golden Access Passport.
4. a new, free annual volunteer pass for volunteers acquiring 500 hours of service on a cumulative basis.
What happens if I already have a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport?
The Golden Age Passport has been transformed into a new Senior Pass and still remains $10.00. The Golden Access Pass has been transformed into the Access Pass and still remains free to individuals with documented proof of permanent disability. All old Golden Age and Golden Access passes remain valid for lifetime. There is no need to obtain a replacement Senior or Access Pass unless you want to. Senior and Access Passes can be obtained with proper documentation at federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee. To locate a recreation site near you visit www.recreation.gov. (If you wish to obtain a Senior or Access Pass, please call a site before visiting to assure they have inventory on hand).
Tell me more about the Annual Volunteer Pass.
The Interagency Volunteer Pass is available to anyone who volunteers 500 hours or more, at Federal Recreation sites after January 1, 2007. It offers access to and use of federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees, and is valid for 12 months from month of issue.
If I have any further questions, where should I call?
For questions about the pass, contact 1-888-ASK-USGS and press 1.
