The Department of the Interior says it is launching the most significant modernization of national park access in decades, with new digital America the Beautiful passes, refreshed annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle access and a fee structure aimed at U.S. residents. The changes are set to begin Jan. 1, 2026, according to a National Park Service news release.
Under the new system, Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access passes will be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to buy and use passes immediately, keep them on mobile devices and link them to physical cards, while digital validation tools and updated staff training are intended to speed entry at park gates.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the policies are intended to keep access affordable for U.S. taxpayers while asking international visitors to contribute more toward park upkeep. The department also introduced new graphics for annual passes, describing them as bold and patriotic designs that will appear on both digital and physical versions.
The pricing changes mark a sharp split between residents and nonresidents. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, while nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
The release also lists resident-only fee-free days for 2026, including President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday, Independence Day weekend, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday and Veteran’s Day. The department said the policy is designed to prioritize American families and residents, while the added revenue is meant to support visitor facilities, maintenance and improved services across the park system.
Motorcycle riders will see another change: all America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass. The National Park Service says more details on digital passes, pricing and preparation for the 2026 changes are available through its pass information pages and Recreation.gov.