Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a new national park ID requirement will take effect at many of America’s busiest parks. The change may slow entry lines for millions of visitors. Everyone age 16 and older will need to show a government-issued photo ID at the gate. This is a shift aimed at enforcing new residency-based fees that begin next year.
The rule supports a new $100 per-person surcharge for non-U.S. residents at 11 major national parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Zion. While many travelers already know about the fee, fewer may be aware that U.S. residents must now prove residency through ID checks — even if they hold a valid annual pass.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior (DOI) said, “Visitors will confirm their residency by providing a ZIP code when purchasing a pass online and must present a U.S. government-issued photo ID when using it.” Anyone unable to show an accepted ID “will be asked to upgrade to the nonresident annual pass.”
ID checks could slow gate traffic
Because every adult and teen with an annual pass must show ID, some RV travelers and families may be caught off guard — especially if someone in their group doesn’t routinely carry identification. Guides and advocacy groups warn that these checks may slow entry at already-busy gates.
Yosemite guide John DeGrazio said the rules may put rangers and tour operators “in the uncomfortable position of asking for identification to determine U.S. residency,” calling it “a stripping away of freedoms.” He also questioned whether the policy could evolve further, asking, “Are they gonna now position ICE agents at the entrance of national parks?”
Advocacy organizations also raised concerns about the workload for gate staff. Coalition to Protect National Parks Executive Director Emily Thompson said, “Complicated directives … will only increase the workload for park staff already overstretched to keep everything running.”
Higher fees for international visitors
Foreign visitors age 16 and older will pay the new $100 surcharge on top of standard entry fees, which will apply for the time the entry ticket is valid. For example, at Yosemite, the fee will cover a full seven-day visit, just like the regular $35 vehicle entry.
The annual pass price for international visitors will rise to $250. DOI confirmed that “international visitors with a valid 2025 pass can use that pass until it expires,” prompting some travelers to buy early before the higher rates begin.
Elisabeth Barton of Echo Adventure Cooperative said some international guests already feel unwelcome. One visitor canceled after learning of the changes, telling her, “The cost is one thing, but just feeling that we get that we’re not wanted in the United States was enough for us to cancel our visit.”
Fee-free days are changing, too
The National Park Service is also adjusting its fee-free days for 2026. Two long-standing dates — Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth — are being removed. Two new dates are being added:
- Flag Day, June 16
- Constitution Day, Sept. 17
These free-entry days apply only to U.S. residents, since non-residents must still pay standard and surcharge fees.
What travelers can expect in 2026
For U.S. visitors:
- Every person 16 or older must show a government-issued photo ID.
- Entry lines may take longer as rangers verify residency.
- Annual passes remain $80 for U.S. residents.
For international travelers:
- Expect a $100-per-person surcharge at 11 major parks.
- Consider whether purchasing a 2025 annual pass before the increase makes sense.
- Groups visiting multiple parks may benefit from the $250 nonresident annual pass.
Barton summed up the uncertainty facing guides, visitors, and rural gateway towns: “We don’t have the full picture yet.”
Sources include KQED
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RVT1238b
This is just one more, totally absurd, requirement being placed on citizens. Since Oregon has not yet gone through the “government approved” drivers license yet for the general population, I now have to use my passport along with my lifetime pass to access a park I pay for via my taxes?? Totally ridiculous and fits right in with how this government operates.
Why hasn’t Oregon gotten with the program yet? Perhaps domicile residency problems? (“cough, cough”)
Anyway “this government” did not initiate the Real ID act. It was instituted after 9/11 to protect American citizens.
How do you propose screening non-citizen visitors? The same ones taking advantage of our tax dollar resources.
According to the Oregon (ODOT) website you can get a Real ID.
“Oregon offers both standard issue and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, instruction permits and identification cards.”
https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/realidtraveler.aspx
Getting a real id in Oregon is part of the program, but you don’t just walk in and get one. The issue is trying to get an appt for the upgrade, or just wait till renewal rolls around. Obviously, I disagree with the direction this is headed, and may be in the minority. On the other hand, charging non US visitors extra, may lead to an even larger decline in US visitation, driving down more tourism dollars and impacting communities reliant upon such. Just my two cents…
So does California.
Oregon does offer the “RealID”
https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/realidtraveler.aspx
This requirement is to stop non-citizens from easily accessing federal controlled areas and air flights.
I think it is great idea. You pay taxes and they pay a higher, limited entrance fee.
It’s about the same as needing a passport to enter Canada.
We’ve put the screws to our neighbors in the north and they are reciprocating.
Mike, I’ve had to show my ID every time I presented my America the Beautiful Pass. I don’t sense it slowed the line down anymore than people passing their debit card or cash. The RealID Act of 2005 has been around for about 20 years so the excuse not to have one yet is unjustifiable. Yeah, it takes a little time but come on man, 20 years?
Where is the money going? I highly doubt it will go to the parks. Republicans in Washington don’t care about the parks.
easy answer. One man’s pockets
1-800-TDS-CURE
….just a note m- as I recall President Trump donated his salary during his first term to the National Park Service.
And now he’s laying off the workers, basically closing or limiting the parks.
Get over it Bob. Your side lost and the side that cares about the country won. Instead of seeing the bad everywhere would it be so tough to find the good?
By every objective measure, things are going way better now than the last 4 years. It’s not even partisan to say that because objectively you can’t really point to anything major that has gotten worse for the country as a whole. A few minor things that subjectively can be seen as worse, maybe, but I doubt that you can find a single OBJECTIVE fact or policy that has been a net negative for the majority of U.S. CITIZENS. Facts matter.
Agreed, Cancelproof. Many do not see that. They are told one thing 24/7/365 until they finally believe what’s not proven to be true.
Exactly. I have yet to read a comment detailing anything objectively worse today than the last 4 years from any of these libs that comment here. They hate the man in WH and that’s it. They would rather see him in prison or worse, rather then take an actual inventory of the realities of the country. I can list 10 objectively positive things this administration has done and they can’t list a single one that is objectively bad. Subjectively, all day long but the thing about subjectives is they are subjective. Nothing but hate for a man and the price for that hate, death and destruction!!!
And Democrats like sending it off-shore to terrorists groups. How many billions is it now Minnesota has contributed, not to mention Federal agencies like USAID???
Truth hurts, doesn’t Mr Thumbs-down!!! Funny how you guys love to ignore FACTS!
The latest number I heard was “as high as $8 billion in fraud” plundered from Minnesota safety nets. Soooooo glad Walz is no where near the national stage of power. So glad…. OMG can you even imagine if those 2 clowns had if won…. whoa da baby. Gas would be $1.50 higher and inflation back over 8%. Yikes. A total Gong Show would be the order of the day.
Is the sky falling again?
I’ve always been asked for my license at most National parks for as long as I can remember. It’s no big deal and does NOT take any extra time.
I’ve actually gotten in the habit of giving it to the gate attendant without being asked. They appreciate the cooperation.
Jeez, maybe worry about something important for once. @@
Yes. If shown right away.., Rangers don’t have to spend additional minutes, PER CAMPER, asking for it and offending the softies. If you are a legal resident or a foreigner WITH I.D., there’s nothing to worry about! Get over it. Move on.
I agree with the fees and I.D. Requirements. I’m honestly tired of having to “Fight” for a spot to camp or Park our RV. We have witnessed MANY times how “Out of the country” “visitors” have repeatedly left huge amounts of trash, debris and disgusting items such as used diapers in their campsites and drove away. SOMEBODY has to clean that up. Checking I.D. is nothing new. If I.D. checks had been more thorough, maybe, America wouldn’t have had a 9/11 to remember every year. And the person who said ” Are thy going to plant ICE Agents at the gates?”.., get over it. They are doing their jobs cleaning up and protecting America. Look for more truthful news resources/stay away from 1 sided social media
…and main stream news media as well!
Oregon charges Californians MORE to stay there. That’s a discrimination in itself. I think California should charge Oregonians DOUBLE Fees. But, where will that take us? Each state attacking the other? Good research will find most “Oregonians” are FROM California. Including those in Government. I.D. is a great idea and should have been done years ago. International travelers feeling unwelcome? It’s not about that. I believe it’s more about needing additional training to positively identify who people are. Remember: Somebody has to clean up after campers. Checking I.D. has been around for many decades.
What I’m not sure of, is that everyone in the travel vehicle needs to show their ID, if they are 16 and older? If so, then yes the lines will crawl thru the entry kiosk.
I feel like this is much ado about nothing. Foreign visitors will most likely buy the annual pass and not pay the extra $100 per person. I have a lifetime pass and every time I visit Bryce and Zion, which I live very near to, I have to show my ID along with my pass, so this is nothing new. I’ve had to do this for years. People will figure it out and produce their IDs. Hopefully this might lower the crowding. Even though I live very near these two parks, I rarely visit them during the Spring, Summer, or Fall because they are so overrun. I always wonder where all the money is going to that these parks must collect due to the millions and millions of visitors that visit every year.
This isn’t new but perhaps now being enforced more regularly. As long as I can remember, at most staffed gate kiosk we were required to show a drivers license along with our Annual NP card. I assume since purchasing these new cards requires proof of residency, cards wont be issued if a person cannot provide proof of residence. Therefore, regardless of your card being citizen or noncitizen status, they still want to ensure anyone gaining access has paid and isn’t using another persons card.
Here we go again! How many times a year can the sky fall? This is another one those scare the populace liberal articles with all the “could’s” and “may’s” to get the addrenlin flowing against the park service, Dept. of Int. and the U.S. Govt entirely! A gov’t, for only the second time in my 89 years, which is attempting to be run like a business. The largest “business” on planet earth!!! You can’t turn a big ship around in 5 minutes – de-rating its every activity just slows the process. Give it a chance! (Recommended reading: “The Power of Positive Thinking!)
Yes, lefties are so easily triggered.
I believe this is already a requirement. I was asked for ID in all of the national parks I visited this year.
Not for us. I am Retired Military and have the free pass card. All I ever had to do was show the card, and we got in. Including Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon, a couple small ones near Helen, GA, etc. All in 2025.
Just one week I would like to read an article by “Russ & Tina” that isn’t negative.
Here are a few positive stories for you, Dave, from Russ and Tiña within just the past month: New Utah campground near Capitol Reef offers easier RV access, New Starlink Mini RV charger powers Starlink Mini and other devices at once, After six years, Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s scenic loop reopens for RVers, Why KOA singled out the Petaluma KOA for its top 2026 award, Love’s opens in Trinidad, CO, with 10 RV hookups, dog park, fresh food, Court clears way for massive Gulf Coast RV resort on former golf course, Grand Design unveils new Omega frame amid ongoing frame-failure scrutiny, $70,000 bonus offered as NPS seeks 500 new park officers nationwide, New Evotrex travel trailer lets RVers roam farther with hybrid system, North Rim Grand Canyon reopens after fire. What RVers need to know, New RV versions of truck stops planned. And there’s an interesting wildlife story coming up tomorrow. Have a good night. –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you, Diane!
👍👍 I see someone didn’t like my response and gave me a thumbs down.🙄 Oh, well. Have a good night, R.C. 😀 –Diane
Perhaps they do write some positive articles. I generally don’t look to see who the author is unless it’s someone being negative, bashing our great country or “political.” It’s now to the point where I know who the author is before looking.
Thanks, Dave. Understood. Please keep in mind that the majority of the news-type posts in RVtravel.com’s newsletters are written by Russ and Tiña, just because that’s their “assignment,” as it were. And the posts they write are those that pertain to, or may at some point pertain to, or affect RVers, whether positive or negative. And there is a lot of stuff that negatively affects, or potentially negatively affects, RVers. Consequently, there are stories presented on RVtravel.com that the authors get bashed for, just for doing their assigned job of reporting things to enlighten our readers, and forewarn them of possible upcoming events that could affect them. Are you saying they should never post negative news, or never forewarn our readers of potential events that may affect them due to changes occurring? Russ and Tiña are not negative people. In fact, they’re quite the opposite. I don’t think some of our readers are being fair for bashing them just for doing their assigned job. Have a good day. 🙂 –Diane
“Consequently, there are stories presented on RVtravel.com that the authors get bashed for, just for doing their assigned job of reporting things to enlighten our readers, and forewarn them of possible upcoming events that could affect them.” – I agree Diane but, like the main stream media, these stores always seem to have a negative slant to the facts pointed at the current administration. I pointed this out recently after reading article after article about how the current administration was cutting back employees for both NF and NPS when in fact these cuts were in the works during the prior admin. Then came the article by someone else stating the NPS was running on thin employee numbers for years.
Hi, No1Hunter. It’s difficult to report anything these days without people reading and interpreting it from their point of view, which is normal and perfectly fine. I just hate to see Russ and Tiña frequently getting bashed for reporting what they find– whether it has happened or we’re forewarning our readings that it may happen. (You know how things can change from day to day, or even hour to hour.) Our other writers don’t get bashed for their posts because they’re writing lifestyle-type stories, so they aren’t controversial or open to interpretation like current news stories frequently are. Why doesn’t anyone bash Chuck when he writes negative news stories? Oh…because the byline is RV Travel. Maybe our news stories should just all have the byline as RV Travel.🤔 Have a good day. –Diane
Alright, i’ll step in a settle this if I have too. As you said Diane, readers interpret based on lived and perceived experience and writers have the impossible task of disconnecting their own perspective from articles they write. It is an impossible task for any writer to be 100% non-partisan emphasizing a preferred narative bias. Russ and Tina, by the sheer volume of contributions are exponentially more exposed to criticism. I choose to compliment the effort, while i may disagree with content. I enjoy every contribution they make and thus, I filter the information through my internal filter. Keep up the great work RnT. I appreciate the content you provide RVT.COM.
Thanks, CP. I knew we’d be hearing from you on this issue. Thank you for your rational perspective. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
It’s possible I (and other readers) have misunderstood some of their articles. I can only express what I feel and the comments I from other readers. I am not in the media industry but understand an authors perspective and article may be influenced by their own beliefs and opinions. For example I could have said many readers share my opinion, which may or may not be correct. I only know that other readers have made similar comments. Perhaps what I am trying to say is being more factual driven might be less controversial. I appreciate the opportunity to have this dialogue. Thank you.
Thanks, Dave. I appreciate your candor. I’m fairly new to the media industry (having been a legal secretary/paralegal for 45 years before starting here as a proofreader 12 years ago), so basically what I’m expressing are just my personal feelings. It just seems that so much of what’s going on in the world these days is either black or white, i.e., not much in between. And it also seems like if someone doesn’t see something as someone else does, the other person is obviously wrong. Sad. So, I also appreciate our discussion, Dave. Have a good evening/night. –Diane
This is absolutely ridiculous. First the fee ($100 p/person, why not per party, at least) for tourists from other countries is an outrage. Way to try to kill off more tourism. Then the parks have enough problems with crowds and lines, and they’re going to slow the process down even more. I mean, at least if you have one of the many passes (so you don’t have to pay when coming in), that helps move the line quicker. Total lack of any thinking putting these two policies in place.
“U.S. residency,” calling it “a stripping away of freedoms.” He also questioned whether the policy could evolve further, asking, “Are they gonna now position ICE agents at the entrance of national parks?”
Ha! Knee jerk reaction from a liberal.
Not a bad idea. Go ICE!
Hmmmm, Identification you say, maybe a voter ID card and here is an idea, it could be used for NP access also. A double duty form of ID. An unreplicatable national ID with a photo, for NP access and voting.
Go ICE. GO FBI. GO PAM BONDI. GO PETE. Winning and winning.
I’ve only ever been asked to see my ID when using my Parks Pass, never anyone else in the car so it might slow things down a bit.
As far as the comments below saying foreigners leave trash behind, that’s an ignorant comment as I’ve seen a lot of white citizens trashing sites also. That doesn’t mean everyone in any particular group trashes sites. Grow up.
Actually people littering is a big pet peeve for me. I’m not some way out there, “green environmental” person. But to just throw your trash wherever and expect that someone else will pick it up. That riles me to no end. Utter laziness and disrespect of other people.