How to Use the New NPS Digital Pass in 2026

In 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) is rolling out a modernized, digital version of the America the Beautiful pass — the annual interagency pass for access to national parks and other federal recreation sites. This means you can buy, store, and show your pass on your phone — no waiting for a physical card in the mail.

Here’s exactly how to use it in 2026, whether you’re visiting Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, or other fee-charging parks and recreation areas.

📱 1. Buy Your Digital Pass Online

1. Go to Recreation.gov – Passes section.

2. Choose your pass type (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, etc.).

3. Complete payment and purchase.

4. After purchase, you’ll be able to download the digital pass to your mobile device immediately.

   • You can also link it to a physical card later if you want both formats.

💡 Why digital helps: You don’t need to wait for a mailed pass — perfect for spur-of-the-moment travel or late summer plans.

📲 2. Save It to Your Phone Wallet

Once purchased:

• Save the pass to your mobile wallet (iPhone Wallet or Android equivalent).

• You can also keep the PDF or pass inside the Recreation.gov app for quick access.

Tip: If your device offers offline storage (Wallet or app), do this before you leave home — some parks have weak cell service.

🚗 3. Show the Digital Pass at Park Entry

When you arrive at a park:

• Present the digital pass on your phone to the ranger or at the automated entrance station.

• Most parks can scan a QR code or barcode from your phone display.

• If there’s no staffed entrance booth, some parks still require displaying the pass visually.

Tip: If the park is remote or has poor coverage, it’s wise to save the pass offline or take a screenshot ahead of time.

📍 4. Combine With Other Entry Options

In 2026 you can also:

• Link the digital pass to a physical card if you want a backup and physical display.

• Add multiple passes to your account (e.g., Senior + Annual) and choose which one to show at entry.

• Keep a screenshot or a printed copy as backup if you worry about battery or cell issues.

🧭 5. Know What the Digital Pass Covers

The digital America the Beautiful pass generally covers:

✔ Entrance fees at most national parks and federal recreation sites.
✔ Day-use fees at many national forests and recreation areas.
✔ Entrance for the pass owner and passengers in a private vehicle (where per-vehicle fees apply).

The pass does NOT cover:

• Camping fees

• Special tours or concessions

• Parking fees in some state parks (check local rules)

🪪 6. When You Still Need ID

Park staff may ask to see:

• A photo ID that matches the name on the digital pass.

• If you linked the pass to a physical card, showing both can speed entry at staffed gates.

Make sure your email confirmation and Recreation.gov account info match your ID.

⚠️ Important 2026 Pricing & Eligibility Notes*

Non-U.S. residents face new fee structures at some parks in 2026, and even if you have a digital pass, additional surcharge rules may apply at popular parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon.

Keep documentation of your residency status ready if you’re using a pass with a discounted rate.

🪪 7. Digital Pass vs. Physical Pass

Digital first:

• Buy and use instantly.

• Great for spontaneous trips.

• Easier entry at automated stations.

Physical card optional:

• You can link a physical card to your digital pass if you want both.

• Useful where phone battery or signal is an issue.

🧭 Quick Tips for 2026 Park Visits

📍 Download passes before travel — many parks have limited cell service.
📍 Screenshots help if your phone dies or mobile data fails.
📍 Have ID ready — ranger staff may verify pass ownership.
📍 Understand fee changes for non-residents in 2026 — extra charges may apply.

Bottom Line

Using the new NPS digital pass in 2026 is easy and traveler-friendly:

1. Buy online at Recreation.gov.

2. Store it on your phone wallet or NPS/Recreation.gov app.

3. Show it at park entry (and carry ID).

4. Optionally link a physical card if you want a backup.

This system helps you skip long entrance lines, start exploring faster, and enjoy more flexibility on your national parks adventure.