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 for additional assistance.
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
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at parkpassinfo@parks.ca.gov.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
UPDATE (March 31, 2020): In an effort to prevent visitation surges and help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), State Parks has taken the following temporary safety measures to date: closed some parks, meaning all trails and restrooms within these parks are closed; closed vehicular access at remaining parks, including for off-highway vehicle riding; closed all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers; and cancelled all events. Please practice social/ physical distancing of 6 feet or more and stay local, don’t take road trips to destination parks and beaches A list of closures is available online at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve. The list is dynamic and updated on a regular basis.
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Effective March 1, 2018 old cardstock Distinguished Veteran Passes and Disabled Discount Passes are no longer valid and will not be accepted for associated benefits.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 at (800) 777-0369 ext. 2 or (916) 653-8280 or via email at passinfo@parks.ca.gov.
Disabled Discount Pass - $3.50 fee:
Application may be made in person at designated locations (please contact in advance to ensure availability) or at the Park Pass Sales Office located at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California. Click here for a location map.
For complete list of designated locations where Disabled Discount Passes are issued, click here: Alphabetical | Geographical
Or, send completed application (see below) with required documentation including copy of Photo ID (interim/temporary not accepted) issued by the state or federal government or current school 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 mailed applications. Once pass is received, pass holder may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. 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. 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.
Download the Disabled Discount Pass Application (Accessible form when downloaded)
For a detailed list of required documents pertaining to this application, click here.
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.
Distinguished Veteran Pass – no fee:
Applications are only processed at the Park Pass Sales Office either in person at 1416 9th Street, Room 116, Sacramento, California (Click here for a location map)
Or, 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 mailed applications. Once pass is received, pass holder may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. 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. 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.
Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application (Accessible form when downloaded)
For a detailed list of required documents pertaining to this application, click here.
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.