What is the Discover Pass?
The Discover Pass is a vehicle-access pass that allows you to enjoy nearly 7 million acres of Washington state-managed recreation lands—including campgrounds, parks, wildlife areas, trails, natural areas, wilderness areas and water-access points. The Discover Pass was created by the 2011 Legislature as a solution to keep state recreation lands open. Revenue from the Discover Pass is intended to replace general fund tax money no longer available to cover the costs to operate state-managed recreation lands.

Where can I purchase the Discover Pass?
You have several options for purchasing a pass:

1. In person at any of nearly 600 sporting goods or other retail stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses.
2. In person at State Parks headquarters and region offices and in state parks as staff is available.
3. Online through WDFW's online recreational licensing system.
4. By phone at (866) 320-9933.
5. When you renew your vehicle license. (Your pass will be mailed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and should arrive between 7 to 10 business days of the purchase date.)

How much does the Discover Pass cost?
An annual Discover Pass purchased from a recreational license dealer, by phone or online costs $35, which includes the $30 base fee, a 10 percent transaction fee and a $2 dealer fee. A one-day Discover Pass costs $11.50, which includes the $10 base fee, a 10 percent transaction fee and a 50-cent dealer fee. The annual pass is good for one year from issue date.

Why are transaction and dealer fees charged to purchase a Discover Pass?
The Discover Pass is sold through 600 retail stores, online and by phone, using the automated licensing system that also sells Washington sport fishing and hunting licenses. The 10 percent transaction fee on each purchase pays for computer system development and maintenance, dealer sales terminals and supplies, customer service, dealer training and support, financial accounting and reporting of sales transactions. The $2 dealer fee on each transaction is paid to retail outlets that sell the Discover Pass or to offset the costs associated with Internet and telephone sales, including processing of credit card sales, postage and staff time to print and mail the pass documents to those who have purchased the pass online or by phone. The Discover Pass also is available for purchase during regular business hours at State Parks headquarters and region offices and at parks as staff are available. Vehicle owners are also able to purchase the Discover Pass when renewing license tabs through the Department of Licensing. Passes purchased through state parks do not include transaction and dealer fees. Passes purchased by credit or debit card through DOL subagents may have bank charges added

When did the Discover Pass go into effect?
July 1, 2011.

What if I visit a Washington state recreation land and don’t have the Discover Pass?
You may go to the nearest retail business that sells hunting and fishing licenses to purchase the pass. In some rare instances you will be able to pay for a day-pass on-site.

How long is my Discover Pass valid?
The annual pass is good for 365 days from the date of issue.


If I order my Discover Pass online or by phone, how long will it take to receive my Discover Pass in the mail?

• Annual Discover Passes: Your order should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. In addition, you may print a temporary 10-day pass at the time of purchase from the website or from your email if you provide an email address at the time of purchase. If you do not receive your Discover Pass within 10 business days after purchase, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife at (866) 320-9933 or licensing@dfw.wa.gov. Provide your contact information, first and last name, and phone number. A customer service representative will assist you. 
• One-Day Discover Pass:  These passes are not mailed out; you must print it. You must print your one-day pass at the time of purchase OR provide your email address when making your purchase. The one-day pass will be sent via email, which will allow printing at a later time/date.

Can I transfer one Discover Pass among other vehicles? or I have a pass, but I'm not driving, can I use my pass in someone else's car?
No. The Discover Pass legislation specifically states the pass applies to one vehicle.

What is the penalty for not having a Discover Pass on my vehicle?
A. The penalty is $99. This penalty is reduced to $59 if an individual provides proof of purchase of the Discover Pass to the court within 15 days after the notice of violation.

Can volunteers obtain a complimentary Discover Pass?
Yes. Volunteers who work 24 hours on agency-approved projects can earn a complimentary annual pass. Each agency must provide vouchers to volunteers, recording the number of hours they worked on each project. Volunteers can redeem the voucher for the annual Discover Pass. The three agencies are currently developing the details of the complimentary Discover Pass, such as where and how volunteers get vouchers, what constitutes an agency-approved project and where people can go to redeem their vouchers.

• Washington State Parks information line — (360) 902-8844.
• Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Volunteer Program Coordinator — (360) 902-2802.
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources — http://www.dnr.wa.gov/volunteer. (Follow the link to the volunteer calendar.)