Not all park fees are covered by the NP Pass, e.g. fees imposed by a concessionaire for some facility or service. For example, the parking garage at Mt Rushmore is an extra fee in addition to the admission. The NP Pass covers admission only. There is no other choice of place to park, so you have to pay the extra if you want to enter the park.
Not sure if it has changed since I was there in 2017, but Rushmore is free to everyone. Yes the parking is $10 but they will give seniors a special $5 price (at least they did for me, I didn't ask, they offered) The parking pass is good for 365 days.
Couples should get their own senior passes for issues like described above with the separated vehicle. No matter what happens, you have a pass. Yes, its $80 but I feel its worth the peace of mind.
You can order any of the passes online for $10 for handling, EXCEPT the senior pass which you must do in person. Here is a PDF file that is a list of every place in the country you can obtain an America the Beautiful pass. Some places may not issue certain passes. Be aware the PDF file is 45 pages of fine print
America The Beautiful Pass issuance location list, by state, PDF file.
Here is much the same info in web page format, searchable.
Places to Get Interagency Passes (U.S. National Park Service)
This is 60 web pages of information but is searchable.
Here is info on all of the passes.
Entrance Passes (U.S. National Park Service)
If you are a veteran and have proof of service you can enter free................. ie.
Department of Defense Identification Card (non-expired CAC Card)
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Veteran ID Card
Veterans designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or identification card
This only applies to the Veteran themselves and not others in the company of the veteran. Gold Star families are also admitted free but there is no explanation of what proof needs to be presented.
On my 62ed birthday I bought myself a senior pass for a birthday present. I drove about 45 minutes away to a Corp of Engineer dam project management office which I had called previously and verified they had the passes. This was earlier in the year that the price went up, so I only paid $10.
Charles