Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (2024)

Have a question about your Empire Pass? Please visit our FAQ Page where you can find answers to many common questions!

2024, multi-season, or lifetime Empire Passes are available for purchase throughout the 2024 season. Instead of paying the vehicle use fee on each visit, simply present or scan your Empire Pass and it waives the fee for day use entry. The pass is shareable amongst a household. Empire Passes start at $80 with discounts available for digital only passes or renewals. Visit shop.parks.ny.gov for pricing.

Learn where the Empire Pass is Accepted

NYS Parks Guidelines For Use

Adirondack/Catskill Facilities (DEC)

In-person orders are non-refundable and non-returnable. Online orders are final at 11:55PM the day of your order. If you want the option to cancel your order, you must register for an account or sign in to an existing account.

2024 Empire Pass Renewals

If you have an existing Empire Pass, check your expiration date HERE

We offer a digital or physical version of the Empire Pass at our shop. See below to see the benefits of each pass:

2024 Season and Multi-Season Empire Passes

The 2024 Season Empire Pass is accepted through December 31, 2024 and can be purchased in person at some State Parks or online. Multi-season passes can only be purchased online, by mail or phone. Please contact the park directly for further information and availability.

Frequent Empire Pass purchasers may be interested in a multi-season Empire Pass which can be bought online or by mail. A 3-Season Empire Pass Card will be accepted through 12/31/2026; a 5-Season Empire Pass Card will be accepted through 12/31/28.

If you order a physical card online, please allow 7-10 business days to receive your Empire Pass card by U.S. standard mail. Once you have the physical card in hand, you can save the Empire Pass to the wallet feature of the NY State Parks Explorer App for entry into many park properties. We do not have a temporary pass available, and you cannot use your confirmation email for entry into the park. You must wait to receive the physical pass to use it.

To purchase:

Online: Any Empire Pass can be purchased online.
In-Person (2024 Season Pass only): You may call the park directly for further information and availability. Please note: renewals, multi season, and lifetime passes are available online only. In-person purchases are non-refundable and non-returnable.
Mail: Complete an application with check or money order payable to "NYS Parks" and mail to:
Empire Pass
New York State Parks
Albany, NY 12238

Print-Friendly Empire Pass Application (pdf)

Lifetime Empire Pass Card

For $750 you will receive an Empire Pass card with no expiration date. Buy it once and enjoy the parks for your lifetime!

Please Note: A valid NYS resident with a photo document from the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles will receive a reprint with the maple leaf vanity icon to show their support for NYS Parks. The maple leaf vanity icon cannot be used at the park for entrance. The Empire Pass is the only acceptable form of proof to waive the vehicle entrance fee.The Lifetime Empire Pass is not transferrable. If it is lost, there is a fee to replace it.

Online orders are final at 11:55PM the day of your order. If you want the option to cancel your order, you must register for an account or sign in to an existing account.

Apply Online today.

Need to Replace your Empire Pass?

If the Empire Pass is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, it is replaceable with a $17.00 fee payable by credit card, check, money order, or cash (in person only at most NYS Parks).

A replacement may be issued in person at most park facilities, over the phone (credit card), or by mail (check/money order only). All require one of the following:

Verification of the original pass purchase
A completed Empire Pass Replacement Request form
The damaged or destroyed pass with a visible pass number

NOTE: In the event the original pass is found after the purchase of a replacement, we will not refund the replacement fee. The original pass will have been deactivated, but can be used as a replacement in the future.

Show Off Your Pride: I Love NY Parks License Plates

Parks has teamed up with the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles to offer three beautiful "I love NY Parks" license plates that allow you to show off your pride and passion for state parks and the great outdoors. One set (front and back) of these license plates are available for purchase to Empire Pass holders. To learn more visit NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles.