NPS Announces Digital Passes, Updated Pricing, and Expanded Access for 2026
New digital pass options, refreshed annual pass designs, expanded motorcycle access, and updated resident/nonresident pricing take effect January 1.
The National Park Service (NPS) will launch a series of major updates to national park access beginning January 1, 2026, including fully digital America the Beautiful passes, new annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle benefits, and a revised pricing structure for U.S. residents and international visitors.
According to an announcement from the Department of the Interior, the updates represent the most significant modernization of the pass system in decades and are designed to streamline entry, expand digital access, and direct additional revenue toward visitor facilities and park maintenance.
Digital passes available January 1
Starting in 2026, all America the Beautiful passes — including Annual, Military, Senior, Access, and the 4th Grade Pass — will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to purchase passes online, store them on their mobile devices, and link them to physical cards if needed.
Digital validation will be supported by updated tools and training for field staff to reduce wait times and improve entry efficiency across the National Park System.
New annual pass artwork
NPS also released new, modernized graphics for its annual passes. The designs highlight American landscapes, cultural heritage, and the national park legacy. These updated visuals will appear on both digital and physical versions of the passes.
Updated pricing structure
Beginning January 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost:
• $80 for U.S. residents
• $250 for nonresidents
U.S. residents will continue to have access to current pricing, while nonresident pricing is increasing to generate additional support for park maintenance and facility improvements.
International visitors without an annual pass will also pay a $100 per-person fee to enter 11 of the nation’s most heavily visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
The Department of the Interior stated that the new fee structure is intended to support ongoing infrastructure needs across the national park system.
Resident fee-free days in 2026
NPS announced several fee-free days exclusive to U.S. residents in 2026:
February 16: Presidents Day
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day
July 3–5: Independence Day Weekend
August 25: 110th anniversary of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11: Veterans Day
Standard entrance fees remain in place on all other days unless a pass is presented.
Expanded motorcycle access
Under the updated pass rules, all America the Beautiful passes will now cover entry for two motorcycles per pass, accommodating riders who travel in pairs or with multiple bikes.
Revenue reinvestment
The Department of the Interior stated that all additional revenue collected through the updated fee structure will be directed toward national park upkeep, including facility upgrades, maintenance projects, and improvements to visitor services.
More information about digital passes, 2026 pricing, and implementation details is available at nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm or on Recreation.gov.
Cover image: stock photo unsplash.
