Discover Pass now offers start option

A new feature of Washington state’s Discover Pass will allow purchasers to choose the start date for the annual ticket to state parks and other recreational areas. The new “choose your date” option is available now to customers who buy the pass online at http://www.DiscoverPass.wa.gov or in-person from retailers who sell recreational licenses through the Washington Interactive Licensing Database (WILD) system. Retail vendor locations are listed on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website: http://wdfw.wa.gov.licensing.vendors.

At the time of purchase, the buyer can activate the pass immediately or on any day within one year of the purchase date.

The new option was passed into law in 2012 to allow greater flexibility to outdoor recreation enthusiasts, including those who want to give the pass as a gift.

The Discover Pass, authorized by the state legislature and governor in 2011, is required on motor vehicles accessing state parks and other state-managed recreation lands. It was adopted to support the operation of state recreation lands, including those managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). State Parks receives 84 percent of Discover Pass revenue; WDFW and DNR each receive 8 percent.