How to apply for California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass (Free Lifetime Pass)

Who it's for

California State Parks issues a free lifetime pass to qualifying California veterans. The Distinguished Veteran Pass covers the basic facilities in participating state parks — day-use parking, camping, and boating — at no charge. It is available to honorably discharged California residents who have a combined VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or more with wartime service, were a prisoner of war, or received the Medal of Honor. Apply once with form DPR-619, a California ID, the DD-214, and a VA letter dated within the past year showing the rating.

What you'll need

• Completed Distinguished Veteran Pass application (form DPR-619)
• Valid California driver's license or California ID card
• DD Form 214 (Member copy 2-4) showing honorable discharge and wartime service dates
• VA letter dated within one year showing a combined service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater (such as a Summary of Benefits Letter)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about California State Parks Distinguished Veteran Pass (Free Lifetime Pass). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need completed distinguished veteran pass application (form dpr-619), valid california driver's license or california id card, dd form 214 (member copy 2-4) showing honorable discharge and wartime service dates — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you qualify — you must be an honorably discharged California resident who meets one of these criteria: a combined VA service-connected disability rating of 50% or more with service during a VA-recognized wartime period, former prisoner of war status, or Medal of Honor recipient. If you are unsure whether you qualify, call the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369.
2. Gather your required documents: a completed Distinguished Veteran Pass application (form DPR-619), a valid California driver's license or California ID card, your DD Form 214 (Member Copy 2–4) showing honorable discharge and wartime service dates, and a VA letter dated within the past year showing your combined service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater (such as a Summary of Benefits Letter).
3. Complete form DPR-619, the Distinguished Veteran Pass application. Make sure all sections are filled out before submitting.
4. Apply online through the California State Parks website or by phone at (800) 777-0369. Have your documents ready when you apply by phone, as you will need to submit or upload them as part of the process.

What to expect: After submitting your application and documents, California State Parks will review your information. Processing times vary, so contact the Park Pass Sales Office at (800) 777-0369 for an estimate. If approved, you will receive a Distinguished Veteran Pass that is valid for life — no renewal is needed. The pass covers day-use parking, camping, and boating at basic facilities in participating state park units. Keep in mind that some park units and special facilities are not included, and camping is still subject to normal reservation rules.

Renewals

one-time application; the pass is issued for life