Discover Pass
Veterans Reduced Hunting and Fishing Licenses
https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/eligibility-requirements-veterans-reduced-fees
Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass
parks.wa.gov/passes-permits/get-park-pass/lifetime-disabled-veteran-pass
Discover Pass Q&A For Veterans
What is the Discover Pass?
The Discover Pass was created in 2011 to help generate money to support the maintenance and operation of our state’s recreational lands. It provides access to land managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The price of a Discover Pass is $45 for one full year, or $10 for a day pass.
- Do veterans holding a Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass have to purchase a Discover Pass to use State Parks?
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No. Those with a Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass don’t need to purchase the Discover Pass to visit Washington’s state parks.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is honored to provide state parks admission at no cost to qualified disabled veterans.
Qualified disabled veterans also receive one free camping or moorage site per night, as well as free boat launching and trailer dumping.
Starting on Oct 1, 2025 the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass will be accepted at the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife lands.
- Do veterans holding a Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass have to purchase a Discover Pass to use other state recreational lands?
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Yes. If Veterans want to use lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources or Department of Fish and Wildlife, they must purchase a Discover Pass.
Starting on Oct 1, 2025 the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass will be accepted at the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife lands.
- How to use your Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass
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The Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass is a wallet-sized card. State Parks recommends you keep it with you while you’re recreating. When you park, please fill out a fee envelope with your pass number and display the envelope receipt on the dash of your vehicle.
Please contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Washington Department of Natural Resources directly with questions about using the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass at their recreation lands. [AR1]
[AR1]Add in info on how to connect to DFW/DNR
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What can the Veterans Community do to help?
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You can help support your State Parks and other state recreation lands by:
- Purchasing a Discover Pass. Your Discover Pass isn’t just your key to unlock adventure on state-managed lands, it’s what supports the operation and maintenance of some of Washington’s most beautiful landscapes. Nearly 65% of State Parks’ budget comes from Discover Pass sales, camping and accommodations and other revenue and donations.
- Donate to State Parks when you register a vehicle. Your donations directly support in-park events across the state, including arts and culture festivals, makers classes and our popular concert series. You can also donate to State Parks online at waparks.org
- Cancel early if plans change. Your cancellation could make someone’s dream trip possible! Many popular campsites fill months in advance. If you cannot make your trip, be sure to cancel your reservation as early as possible so others have the opportunity to use the campsite.
How can I find out more?
For information about the pass programs, please visit Washington State Parks online at parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8844. If you want to learn more about the Discover Pass, please visit discoverpass.wa.gov.