New Distinguished Veteran and Disabled Discount Passes
In an effort to protect public health and safety
as the state responds to the spread of novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19,
the California State Parks Pass Sales Office in Sacramento, California
is temporarily closed to the public as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Annual Passes may be still be purchased by visiting the
California State Parks Store or use the Contact Us option.
We continue to accept Discount Pass applications by mail.
You can mail your Discount Pass applications attention to:
Park Pass Sales Office, PO Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296
Applications will not be accepted via email or fax.
Update (February 1, 2021): The current wide spread of Covid-19 has affected field offices and has caused an exponential increase in the number of mail-in applications to the Park Pass Sales Office. This has affected the processing times for the following pass programs:
- 2021 Limited Use Golden Bear Pass Program
- 2021 Golden Bear Pass Program
- Disabled Discount Pass Program
- Distinguished Veteran Pass Program
Please be aware that processing times will be delayed for those who mailed applications after December 14, 2020. If you mailed in an application and choose to apply in person instead, or if you have any questions, please contact us at parkpassinfo@parks.ca.gov. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) has modernized the way it manages the Distinguished Veteran (DVP) and Disabled Discount (DDP) pass programs. On June 1, 2017, State Parks began issuing new credit card design passes for current DVP and DDP pass holders as part of its transition to California’s new reservation system: ReserveCalifornia™.
Effective March 1, 2018 old cardstock Distinguished Veteran Passes and Disabled Discount Passes are no longer valid and will not be accepted for associated benefits.
Please see below for sample of new credit card style Distinguished Veteran Pass and Disabled Discount Pass. In order to receive the applicable discount associated with these passes, individuals are required to reapply with a new application as denoted below.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office via email at passinfo@parks.ca.gov.
DISABLED DISCOUNT PASS - $3.50 (Lifetime Pass)
For persons with permanent disabilities, this pass entitles the bearer to a 50% discount for vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees at California State Park operated units.
The pass is not valid at units operated by local government, private agencies or concessionaires. It is not valid for per-person entry or tour fees (such as museums), group use or sites, special events, commercial use, oversized vehicle fees, additional/extra vehicle fees, or for supplemental fees and cannot be used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount. Admittance and use subject to available space. This is a lifetime pass and is valid for use of the pass holder only. Although the benefits are lifetime, the pass holder's passcard will need to be renewed every five years. View the complete Disabled Discount Pass Program Terms and Conditions.
Download the Disabled Discount Pass Application 
(Accessible form when downloaded)
View a detailed list of required documents for the Disabled Discount Pass Application.
Application may be made in person at designated locations (please contact in advance to ensure availability). View a complete list of designated locations where Disabled Discount Passes are issued.
Or, send completed application with required documentation including copy of Photo ID and $3.50 check/money order payable to CA Dept of Parks and Recreation to:
California State Parks
Attn: Disabled Discount Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, Ca 94296-0001
Please allow 8-10 weeks for processing. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. The pass holder is required to present the Disabled Discount Pass and a valid California Driver License or other suitable photo identification, along with any campsite reservation, and to pay any supplemental fees at the park.
Information relating to the 5-year renewal process for the passcard will be provided to the pass holder prior to the expiration date printed on current issued credit card style passcard (5-years from date of pass issuance). Pass holder should notify the Park Pass Sales Office of any change of name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number in order to continue to receive benefits.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office via email at passinfo@parks.ca.gov.
Note: A lost or damaged pass may be replaced only through reapplication and no refunds can be issued.
DISTINGUISHED VETERAN PASS - No Fee (Lifetime Pass)
Honorably discharged war veterans who are residents of California with an overall / combined rating at 50% or greater service-connected disability, or were held as prisoners of war by forces hostile to the United States, or recipients of the Medal of Honor are eligible to receive the Distinguished Veteran Pass (formerly Disabled War Veteran/Prisoner of War Pass).
Entitles the holder to the use of all basic facilities (including day use, camping and boating) in California State Parks at no charge. The pass is not valid for group use or sites, special events, commercial use, additional/extra vehicle fees, or for supplemental fees and cannot be used in conjunction with any other pass and/or discount. Admittance and use subject to available space. This is a lifetime pass and is valid for use of the pass holder only. Although the benefits are lifetime, the pass holder's passcard will need to renewed every five years. View the complete Distinguished Veteran Pass Program Terms and Conditions.
Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application
View a detailed list of required documents pertaining to the Disitnguished Veteran Pass Application.
Applications are only processed at the Park Pass Sales Office by mailing completed application with required documentation including copy of valid California Driver License or California Identification Card to:
California State Parks
Attn: Distinguished Veteran Pass Program
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, Ca 94296-0001
Please allow 8-10 weeks for processing. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. The pass holder is required to present the Distinguished Veteran Pass and a valid California Driver License or California Identification Card, along with any campsite reservation or tour ticket, and to pay any supplemental fees at the park.
Information relating to the 5-year renewal process for the passcard will be provided to the pass holder prior to the expiration date printed on current issued credit card style passcard (5-years from date of pass issuance). Pass holder should notify the Park Pass Sales Office of any change of name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number in order to continue to receive benefits.
For questions or more information, please contact the Park Pass Sales Office via email at passinfo@parks.ca.gov.
Note: A lost or damaged pass may be replaced only through reapplication and no refunds can be issued.