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Topic: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families (Read 201 times) previous topic - next topic
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Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Many of us have the National Park Senior Pass and as you know, the cost for the lifetime pass is now $80.  Starting on Veterans Day (11/11/2020) all Veterans and Gold Star families will be granted free lifetime access to National Parks and other Federal lands managed by the Department of Interior.  You do have to show either your DOD ID, Veteran ID, VA Health Card or DL with Veteran designation on it.  It appears that this new program is only for park entrance and does not provide for the 50% discount on campsites.  More information can be found here.  Full text of DOI order can be found here.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #1 –
Great news, thanks for sharing!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #2 –
So it sounds like a DD214 is not adequate to take advantage of this perk?   Or a Veterans Advantage card?  Thanks for any info you can give!
Shawn and Randy Willmott
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Mottleycru  - 
So it sounds like a DD214 is not adequate to take advantage of this perk?   Or a Veterans Advantage card?  Thanks for any info you can give!
At least in California,  take a copy of your DD214 to your local Veterans assistance office and you can get a certification that the DMV will recognize to reissue your license with "VETERAN" on it.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #4 –
Quote from: joel wiley  - 
At least in California,  take a copy of your DD214 to your local Veterans assistance office and you can get a certification that the DMV will recognize to reissue your license with "VETERAN" on it.
I just applied online today and it was pretty simple. You just have to make sure you have an uploadable jpeg (or alternate) of your DD214, driver's license (or legal substitute) and passport style photo, all less than 3 Mb. I took screen shots of a couple of more than 3 Mb  photos and they worked. Now I wait for an approval email. The instructions are mostly clear.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #5 –
It appears the CA DMV Veterans designation has gotten easier over time.  When I got mine last year, I had to get an application from my local VSO’s office, then take it and my DD214 to the County Veterans Service Office along with $5 and get it certified.  Finally I could then take the certification to the DMV.  At that time the DMV wouldn’t or couldn’t verify my DD214.  I’m happy for you that they’ve streamlined the process.

- John

Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #6 –
For those updating their CA driver license, you may want to get the “Real ID” designation as well. Makes things such as travel, buying firearms/ ammo easier.

REAL ID - California DMV
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #7 –
Mottley,
You should signup for your VA healthcare benefits whether you get the Veteran designation on your DL or not.  It’s easy to do and it’s owed to you.  All you need to do is, make an appointment at your local VA healthcare clinic and bring your DD214.  It took me about an hour with a coordinator to fill out the forms.  He took my picture and about a week later I had my health card.  Even though I have Medicare, I still use the VA for my hearing aids.  The VA has come a long way and for the better in the last few years.  You should apply for the benefits that are due to you.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #8 –
Is there an advantage to this Veterans pass over the National Park Senior Pass other then there isn't the $80 fee?  And you don't have to be a senior...      Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Free NP access for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Frank S  - 
Is there an advantage to this Veterans pass over the National Park Senior Pass other then there isn't the $80 fee?  And you don't have to be a senior...      Frank

No advantage that I can see, other than what you’ve stated.
    Advantage = $0 cost, good until/if program is canceled (hopefully never)
    Disadvantage = No 50% discount on campsite, must be a Veteran

There are several programs that will get you a free NP pass such as disabled, military, veteran, volunteer and 4th grader.  But if you don’t qualify for any of those it will cost you $80/year or $80 lifetime for seniors.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶