Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

If your card lists both Access Pass and Lifetime Liberty Pass, it is outdated. Please email us at AccessPass@parks.ny.gov or contact our office at 518-474-2324 for a replacement.

Please email us at AccessPass@parks.ny.gov with the information you wish to update.

Every applicant, despite age, must provide a New York State ID or license as proof of residency; a passport is not acceptable for this purpose. If an applicant does not possess an ID, they will need to obtain one. Individuals of any age can apply for a New York State Non-Driver ID. For more information on the application process, please visit https://dmv.ny.gov/id-card/get-non-driver-id-card-ndid. Additionally, a temporary non-photo document can be used to apply for an Access Pass instead of a photo ID.

If your disability is not listed on the application as specified, you will not be eligible for an Access Pass at this time.

Reapplying for the Access Pass every four years helps to ensure the program is not misused. Changes in residency, services received, or eligibility can occur for individuals. Therefore, it is necessary for all applicants to submit a new application every four years, regardless of their disability status.

Applications may be returned for a variety of reasons. To understand the specific cause of the denial and any additional requirements, please refer to the informative letter included with the returned application.

It is required that the services provided by your licensed mental health professional, psychiatrist, or therapist are accredited and/or operated under the guidelines of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).

The OMH establishes standards to ensure the quality of facilities and programs that deliver treatment, rehabilitation, and support services aimed at fostering mental health resilience and recovery.

A physician's endorsement, whether through a stamp or a letter, serves to verify that the physician reviewed the requirements of the Access Pass program, and determined the applicant to be eligible.

The qualifications for the Access Pass may be subject to change in accordance with the Rules and Regulations set by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

Currently, there is no renewal process in place for the Access Pass. Your pass expires 4 years from the issue date. You will need to reapply and provide all the necessary supporting documents as you did with your initial application. This includes proof of residency as well as proof of your disability.

If you emailed your application to AccessPass@parks.ny.gov, you will receive an automatic response shortly after. If you choose to send your application by mail, expect a reply within 2 to 4 weeks.

Should four weeks pass without a response, reach out to AccessPass@parks.ny.gov or 518-474-2324, providing your name, date of birth, address, and the reason for your inquiry so we can research the status of your application.

Yes, employees of NY State Parks may request to see a DMV-issued ID from New York State to confirm the identity of the pass holder. For camping purposes, it is required for the pass holder to present their ID during both check-in and check-out.

Please email AccessPass@parks.ny.gov with your name, date of birth, address, and reason for contact so that we can attempt to locate your profile and issue you a replacement card.