[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”ce4db8ec-b34b-42ae-b247-103d0a13f28d” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”1d9c0f5d-35f2-480d-b415-624f9e38b5a0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#030303″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_home_icon=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#030303″ body_font_size=”18px” link_text_color=”#030303″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” module_class_1=”sidebar” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” inner_width=”90%” inner_max_width=”1400px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Explore Section” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”14px” content_max_width=”100%” disabled_on=”off|off|on” module_class=”blurb-icon-right sidebar-toggle” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”c520cd6f-2a5a-44ab-ba51-0c6b314ff487″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”13px” header_line_height=”1.3em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”rgba(40,39,40,0.7)” body_font_size=”12px” body_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#1D4784″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”145deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#1d4784 0%|#0585a5 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#1d4784″ background_color_gradient_end=”#0585a5″ max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” custom_padding=”12px|4px|12px|16px|true|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#dedede” icon_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_3″ module_class=”sofia-light nav-side” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#212121″ body_font_size=”15px” body_line_height=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Great news for New Mexico veterans! As of July 1, 2025<\/strong>, a new lifetime pass<\/strong> will provide free day-use and camping access at all New Mexico State Parks. This initiative is the result of House Bill 161 and a partnership between the New Mexico State Parks Division (NMSP) and the Department of Veterans\u2019 Services<\/a> (NMDVS).<\/p>\n As a reminder, while State Parks is happy to welcome our resident veterans with this new pass, you are still subject to all park user rules. Please read the drop-down questions below for guidance on park regulations.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Veterans Annual Day Use Pass<\/strong> and Veterans Camping Passes<\/strong>, previously available to New Mexico resident veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability, will be discontinued after July 1, 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have one of these passes, it will be honored until its expiration date.<\/p>\n For more details and common questions about this new lifetime pass and the transition, please review our FAQs below.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0New Mexico State Park Lifetime Veteran Pass<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is House Bill 161?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n House Bill 161<\/a> created a new veteran benefit providing all New Mexico resident veterans free access to state parks, including day-use and camping access at all locations operated by the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. This bill was introduced in the 2025 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is the NMSPs Lifetime Veteran Pass” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n To comply with the requirements of House Bill 161, the State Parks Division in cooperation with the Department of Veterans\u2019 Services, developed a pass that allows New Mexico resident veterans free day-use and camping access to all New Mexico\u2019s state parks. The pass is a hang-tag pass that when displayed on the rearview mirror of a vehicle allows the holder free access to state parks.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What does the NM State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass cover at New Mexico State Parks?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass grants the holder free day-use and camping access to state parks operated by the State Parks Division. The Lifetime Veteran Pass will cover the regular day-use fee, camping fee, and utility fees for the pass holder, entry for the Veteran at Living Desert Zoo and Garden State Park, and the parking fee at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. This pass can be used to make campground reservations through the state park<\/p>\n This pass can be used to make campground reservations through the state park central reservation system.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is not covered by the NM State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can out-of-state veterans get the Lifetime Veteran Pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n No.<\/strong> The new lifetime veterans pass is only available to New Mexico resident veterans.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What if I have a Federal Parks pass or Federal Military pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Federal pass is not valid<\/strong><\/span> for New Mexico State Parks access.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What if I already have the annual disabled veterans pass for NMSPs, do I still have to reapply for the new pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Yes.<\/strong> The new application allows for validation of address and veteran status. It also allows the ability to exchange the current pass that is only valid for 1 year, for the lifetime pass.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Will my disabled veterans pass for the NM State Parks continue to be accepted?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Yes.<\/strong> NMSPs will continue to accept the passes issued in 2025 to our disabled veterans through the date of expiration in 2026. Once it expires, they will need to contact NMDVS to obtain the new lifetime pass.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Where and how can Veterans apply for a pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Department of Veterans\u2019 Services (NMDVS) will issue these passes. Veterans interested in taking advantage of this benefit should contact NMDVS<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who should I contact with questions about the pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Veterans can reach out to the NMDVS for inquiries about eligibility, applications, or general information.<\/p>\n Call: 1-866-433-8387 [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can family members use the pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n No<\/strong>. The pass is issued specifically to the veteran and is non-transferable.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How long does it take to receive the pass after applying?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Processing times vary depending on the submission method.<\/p>\n \u2022 Walk-in applicants with a completed application can receive their pass the same day.<\/p>\n \u2022 Applicants who submit their application by postal mail or electronically can expect to receive their pass within 14 days after receiving all the required documentation below:<\/p>\n Required Documentation to apply for the pass: 2. A copy of DD 214<\/strong> (Report of Separation) for military veterans; NOAA Form 56-16 for Commissioned Officers discharged from NOAA; and PHS Form 1867 for Uniformed Officers discharged from PHS, or equivalent Department of Defense document (NOTE: any Department of Defense Document, submitted in lieu of a DD 214, which does not verify dates and character of service will not be accepted); 3. Proof of New Mexico residency<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Copy of Current New Mexico Driver\u2019s License\/ NM State issued picture ID.<\/p>\n \u2022 Copy of Current NM Voter\u2019s Registration<\/p>\n \u2022 Latest copy of a New Mexico State Income Tax Return<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why must the Veteran sign the pass?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The signature establishes agreement to terms and conditions for use..<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can pass holders get a refund if a Veteran\/Military Annual Camping Pass was purchased before July 1, 2025?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n No<\/strong>. Refunds will not be made for annual camping passes already purchased.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How does this impact the Active-Duty Military Annual Camping Pass that State Parks already offers?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Active-Duty Military\/Veteran Annual Camping Pass (ACP) will be changed to just an Active-Duty Military ACP. New Mexico Resident Veterans will no longer need to purchase an ACP as the new Lifetime Veteran Pass will cover their camping fees. New Mexico resident active-duty military personnel will still be eligible to purchase the discounted ACP at $150.00 per year.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Are reservations still required for camping?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Yes<\/strong>. Reservations are still required for camping at many New Mexico State Parks through ReserveAmerica<\/a>. Some parks offer walk-up campsites with no reservation required. Please verify with the state park you wish to visit prior to travel.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Are reservation fees also free if scheduled on Reserve America website?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\nRules Apply:<\/h3>\n
Changes to Existing Veteran Passes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Questions?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)<\/h2>\n
\n
Email: vet.benefits@dvs.nm.gov<\/a>
Visit: www.nmdvs.org<\/a> or Application <\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>
1. A completed application form<\/strong>; AND<\/p>\n
AND<\/p>\n