Empire Pass
A new wallet-sized Empire Pass Card that can be shared within a household is now available. It’s a family-friendly alternative to the traditional window decal, and not assigned to a specific vehicle. The new card can be used by parents, grandparents, caregivers and others.
The Empire Pass is your key to all-season enjoyment at New York State Parks. It provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by New York State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Learn where the Empire Pass is Accepted.
Empire Passes are available for different lengths of time: choose from one year, multi-year or lifetime.
Please refer to the Empire Pass Guidelines for Use and the Empire Pass Frequently Asked Questions for pass replacement, volume sales and other important information.
Annual Empire Pass
Annual Empire Pass: Available for $80, the 2018 Empire Pass is a new wallet-sized card that can be shared within a household and not assigned to a specific vehicle.
The annual 2018 Empire Pass is accepted through December 31, 2018.
To purchase:
- Online: Order Online
- In-Person (annual pass only): ): For fastest service, visit your nearest state park (call for hours and credit card capability) or state park regional office. Pay by credit card, check or money order payable to "NYS Parks" or cash.
- By Phone: The 2018 annual Empire Pass is available online and in-person only at this time.
- Mail: The 2018 annual Empire Pass is available online and in-person only at this time.
Multi-Year Empire Pass
Frequent Empire Pass purchasers may be interested in a multi-year Empire Pass which can be bought online, by mail or telephone. A 3-year Empire Pass may be purchased for $205; a 5-year Empire Pass may be purchased for $320. Upon purchase you will be mailed an Empire Pass. You do not need to contact our office unless your address has changed. If it has, please complete our Change of Address form.
- Online: Order Online
- By Phone: Telephone orders using a credit card will be processed by calling 518-474-0458 during normal business hours.
- Mail: Complete and mail an application with check or money order payable to "NYS Parks" to:
Empire Pass
New York State Parks
Albany, NY 12238
- 3 Year Print-Friendly Empire Pass Application (pdf)
- 5 Year Print-Friendly Empire Pass Application (pdf)
Lifetime Empire Pass
The Lifetime Empire Pass is a convenient option for loyal Empire Pass users. The Lifetime Empire Pass will be issued by the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles as an icon that will appear on your NYS Driver License, Non-Driver ID or Learner Permit, eliminating the need for a separate document. For a one-time payment of just $750, it provides an even greater discount for day use vehicle entry than the annual or multi-year Empire Pass, with all the same benefits. With no expiration date, buy it once and enjoy the parks forever!
- Apply Online today.
Special one-time bonus: Those purchasing a Lifetime Empire Pass can select to receive a free $100 State Park Gift Card with their order. The gift card can be used at more than 9000 campsites, cabins and cottages throughout the state and select state golf courses. Gift cards has no expiration date, if you prefer not to receive the gift card, just select "No thanks" during the ordering process.
Show Off Your Pride: I Love NY Parks License Plates
Parks has teamed up with the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles to offer three beautiful "I love NY Parks" license plates that allow you to show off your pride and passion for state parks and the great outdoors. One set (front and back) of these license plates are available for Lifetime Pass holders and for sale to single and multi-year Empire Pass holders. To learn more visit
NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles.
Need to Replace your Empire Pass?
Empire Pass Replacement:
If the Empire Pass is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, it is replaceable with a $30 fee payable by credit card, check, money order, or cash (in person only).
A replacement may be issued in person or by mail and requires the following:
- A completed Empire Pass Replacement Request form or a letter requesting replacement and explaining the circumstances.
- The damaged or destroyed pass or, if the pass was lost, verification of the original pass purchase.
- NOTE: If in the event the original pass is found after the purchase of a replacement, we will not refund the replacement fee. The original pass will have been deactivated, and is no longer usable.
Lifetime Empire Pass Replacement:
- If a Lifetime Empire Pass is stolen, damaged or destroyed, a new/reprinted NYS Driver License, Non-Driver ID or Learner Permit must be purchased through the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles.