Lifetime Liberty Pass
Lifetime Liberty Passes may take up to 60 days to receive, and may not arrive before the 2024 Memorial Day weekend. If you plan to visit one of our facilities during that time, please ensure you have alternate Veteran identification available to show to NY State Parks Staff.
The Lifetime Liberty Pass allows qualified New York State (NY State) Veterans or Gold Star Parents, Spouses, and Children discounted use of state parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NY State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
. Once issued, the Lifetime Liberty Pass will never expire.
The Lifetime Liberty Pass benefits include free vehicle entry to most state-operated parks and DEC-operated day-use areas, as well as numerous state-operated boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums, and park preserves; free greens fees at state-operated golf courses; free swimming pool entrance at State Park pools; and discounted camping and cabin rentals at most State Park and DEC campgrounds. The pass holder must be present when utilizing the pass for its intended benefits.
The Lifetime Liberty Pass is not valid for amenities, including some services or locations operated by concessionaires or partners. A listing of these locations can be found at the bottom of this webpage.
To see a complete listing of benefits, restrictions, and rules, refer to the Lifetime Liberty Pass Guidelines For Use.
Eligibility
New York State residents listed below are eligible for Lifetime Liberty Pass benefits. Select a category to see if you qualify.
- A resident of NY State who is a Veteran, as such term is defined in section one of the Veterans’ services law.
- A resident of NY State who has served on active duty for the state as a member of the state organized militia as defined in subdivision nine of section one of the military law and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
- A resident of NY State who has served on active duty in the uniformed services of the United States or on active duty for the state as a member of the organized militia and has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the Veterans’ services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.
- A resident of NY State who is a discharged LGBT Veteran, as defined in section one of the Veterans’ services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.
Applicant must be a NY State resident. Section 26 of New York’s Veterans’ Services Law incorporates the federal definition of a parent, at U.S.C. 1126 to determine eligibility for the State’s Gold Star annuity program. The federal definition, which pertains to the federal Gold Star lapel program defines a Veteran as a service member who lost their life during armed conflicts, international terrorist attacks and military operations specified in federal rules.
- The term 'Gold Star Parent' for this program includes any biological parent, stepparent, and parent by adoption who was serving in the role of a parent to the service member at the time of the service member's death.
- The term ‘Gold Star Spouse’ for this program includes any spouse or domestic partner of a Veteran whose death qualified the parent for an annuity.
- The term ‘Gold Star Child’ for this program includes any biological, step, or legally adopted minor child of a Veteran whose death qualified the parent for an annuity.
How to Apply as a Veteran
A NY State Department of Motor Vehicles photo document (ID) with Veteran status designation can be used at all staffed facilities without a Lifetime Liberty Pass. Simply present your ID to NY State Parks staff.
If you intend to visit unstaffed locations, a No-Fee ticket can be obtained at the Park Office, or order a free Lifetime Liberty Pass to ensure seamless entry. Unstaffed locations can be found on the map at the bottom of this page.
Need to add the Veteran status designation to your ID? Visit the NY State DMV website for more information.
If you do not have the Veteran status designation, place an order for a free Lifetime Liberty Pass to ensure seamless entry.
After placing your order, follow the directions in your order summary email to submit one of the following indicating an honorable discharge:
- A copy of your NY State DMV ID with Veteran status designation
- DD-214
- DD-215
- NGB Form 22
- WD AGO 53, 55 or 53-55
- NAVPERS 553
- NAVMC 78PD
- NAVCG553
- NA Form 13038
How to Apply as a Gold Star Parent, Spouse, or Child
If you are a Gold Star Parent, Spouse, or Child, place an order for a free Lifetime Liberty Pass to ensure seamless entry at state-operated park locations.
After placing your order, follow the directions in your order summary email to submit one of the following documents:
- DD-1300 (Report of Casualty)
- Copy of a U.S Department of Defense telegram notifying the parent of their loss.
Not sure if the park you’re visiting has a pay station? Check out the map for pay station locations.
The Lifetime Liberty Pass is not accepted at the following concessionaire and partner-operated locations:
GOLF
Beaver Island State Park Golf Course (Accepted weekdays, excluding holidays)
Bonavista State Park Golf Course
Indian Hills State Golf Course
Springbrook Greens State Golf Course
Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course
St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course
Wellesley Island State Park Golf Course
Sag Harbor State Golf Course
MARINAS
Buffalo Harbor State Park Marina
Sampson State Park Marina
Seneca Lake State Park Marina
Coles Creek State Park Marina