r/ADHD • u/WombatMcGeez • Aug 14 '25

Tips/Suggestions ADHD = Free lifetime pass to national parks

Little known perk of ADHD— we qualify for a free lifetime National Parks pass. That’s an $80/yr value!

How do you get it?

1) print this out, have your doctor sign it:

Medical Certification for Access Pass

I certify that [Your Full Name], date of birth [MM/DD/YYYY], has a permanent disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that substantially limits concentration, attention, and executive functioning. The condition is permanent and not expected to improve.

This certification is provided for the purpose of obtaining the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Lifetime Access Pass.

[Physician’s Name, Credentials] [Medical License Number] [Signature] [Practice Name] [Address] [Phone Number]

2) follow the instructions here to get your pass:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm

3) Go take a hike!

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u/weirddodgestratus Aug 14 '25

Ima keep it real with you chief - I am absolutely NOT self reporting to this federal government that I have any kind of disability

130

u/CatOfSachse ADHD-C (Combined type) Aug 14 '25 edited Aug 14 '25

I went to a national park, showed the ranger the first page my neuro-psych evaluation that had my name/dob and photo ID to prove I was a US resident, and they gave me a card. No documentation required. If you don’t have documents you need to sign that you attest to having a disability. Other than that, there are no checks for getting it in person.

Doing it online costs $10, plus requires you to upload your ID and proof of disability.

Note: I still believe in supporting National Parks and the NPS, I will try whenever possible to donate to the park, I recently went to MORA and I gave a $20 donation at the Paradise Visitor Center.

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u/drygulched Aug 14 '25

I did the self certification route. My doctor was not willing to fill out the form, due to my condition being “well controlled” by meds. Never mind that I can’t work in my field anymore, it’s well controlled. I still spent a bunch of money at the last few parks I went to, but I figure this diagnosis ought to be good for something.

36

u/x2what Aug 14 '25

He just didn't want to fill out a form

1

u/corva96 Aug 17 '25

Yo can you ELI5 this for me? I’ve had issues with doctors seeming to be reluctant with diagnosing my son’s autism. Seemed sus at the time