Golden Access PassportWhat Is It?The Golden Access Passport is a free lifetime entrance pass to those federally-operated parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges administered by the federal government which charges entrances fees. It is issued to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who have been medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled and as a result, are eligible to receive benefits under federal law. It also provides a 50 percent discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, boat launching, parking, and so on. (1) The Golden Access Passport does not cover fees charged by private concessionaires. The Golden Access Passport admits the permit holder and any accompanying passengers in a single party, private, noncommercial vehicle. (2) Where entry is not by private car, the passport admits the permit holder, spouse and children. (1) In some cases where use fees are charged, only the permit holder will be given the 50 percent reduction, for example, cave tours, or elevator services. (2) A private, noncommercial vehicle is defined as any passenger car, station wagon, pickup/camper truck, recreation vehicle, or other motor vehicle used for private recreation purposes. This definition EXCLUDES a snowmobile, motorcycle, motor scooter, moped, or bicycle. How Do I Get One?A Golden Access Passport must be obtained in person. They are not available by mail. You must show proof of being medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled and therefore eligible for receiving benefits under federal law. Applicants for Golden Access Passports will be required to show proof of eligibility (EX. Veterans Card, Letter from a Federal agency, Medicaid Card, Social Security Notice, etc.). The Social Security Notice is the preferred document to proof eligibility . The Golden Access Passport is available at most federally operated recreation areas where it may be used. Thus, it is not necessary to obtain a passport before beginning a vacation trip. |