Terms of Service

Last updated: January 19, 2026

Welcome to PermitSnag. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the PermitSnag website (permitsnag.com) and mobile applications ("Services") operated by PermitSnag ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Description of Services

PermitSnag is a permit monitoring and notification service. We help you track availability for backcountry permits, wilderness permits, and related outdoor recreation reservations across federal and state systems. Our Services include:

  • Real-time monitoring of permit availability
  • Push notifications and SMS alerts when openings occur
  • Calendar synchronization for permit deadlines and trip dates
  • Suggested alternate permits based on your preferences
  • Group coordination features for lottery applications
  • Direct links to official booking websites ("Fast Lane")

2. Important Disclaimers

We Do Not Guarantee Permits

PermitSnag is a monitoring service, not a booking service. We alert you to openings, but we cannot guarantee you will secure a permit. Permit availability changes rapidly, and multiple users may receive alerts for the same opening. Success depends on your speed, the booking system, and factors outside our control.

Third-Party Booking Systems

When you use our Fast Lane feature or follow links to book permits, you are interacting with third-party government systems (Recreation.gov, Reserve California, Utah State Parks, BLM, etc.). We are not affiliated with these agencies. Your booking transactions are governed by their terms and conditions.

Accuracy of Information

We strive to provide accurate permit rules, dates, and availability information. However, agencies may change rules without notice, and our automated systems may occasionally have delays or errors. Always verify critical information (lottery dates, permit requirements, fees) on official agency websites before making plans.

3. Account Registration

To use most features of PermitSnag, you must create an account. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
  • Accept responsibility for all activity under your account

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account and use our Services.

4. Subscription and Payment Terms

Free Tier

Free accounts can browse permits, view rules and dates, and set calendar reminders. Free accounts do not include real-time tracking or availability alerts.

Subscription Plans

Subscription plans ($7.99/month or $79.99/year) provide unlimited permit tracking, real-time alerts, smart alternates, group application features, and SMS notifications. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the renewal date.

A La Carte Purchases

A la carte purchases ($12/permit) provide tracking for a single permit until your trip date passes. A la carte purchases do not include group features or smart alternate suggestions. A la carte purchases are non-refundable.

Billing and Refunds

Payments are processed through Apple App Store or Stripe. Refund requests for subscriptions are handled according to Apple's refund policy. We do not offer refunds for successfully secured permits or for unused subscription time if you cancel mid-period.

5. Sharing and Group Features

Our Services allow you to share permit tracking with other users and coordinate group lottery applications. By using these features:

  • You authorize us to share your trip information with users you invite
  • Invited members can view (and in some cases modify) shared trips
  • Only the trip creator needs a paid plan; invited members participate free
  • You are responsible for inviting only people you trust
  • Group lottery coordination requires all members to submit their own applications on official systems; PermitSnag facilitates coordination but does not submit applications on your behalf

6. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Use automated systems, bots, or scripts to access our Services (except as we explicitly provide)
  • Attempt to circumvent permit system rules or use our Services to gain unfair advantage
  • Resell, redistribute, or commercially exploit our Services without permission
  • Interfere with or disrupt our Services or servers
  • Impersonate others or provide false information
  • Use our Services for any illegal purpose
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations

7. Intellectual Property

The PermitSnag name, logo, website, mobile applications, and all related content are owned by PermitSnag and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

Permit information, rules, and availability data originate from government agencies and are generally public domain. Our presentation, organization, and analysis of this data are proprietary.

8. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PERMITSNAG SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • FAILURE TO SECURE A PERMIT, REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE
  • MISSED ALERTS DUE TO DEVICE SETTINGS, NETWORK ISSUES, OR SYSTEM OUTAGES
  • INACCURATE OR OUTDATED PERMIT INFORMATION
  • ACTIONS TAKEN BY THIRD-PARTY BOOKING SYSTEMS
  • ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
  • TRAVEL EXPENSES, LOST DEPOSITS, OR OTHER COSTS RELATED TO TRIP PLANNING

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that our Services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We do not warrant that alerts will be delivered instantly or that availability information will be 100% accurate.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PermitSnag, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from your use of our Services, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

11. Account Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the app settings. We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or engage in conduct that harms our Services or other users.

Upon termination, your right to use our Services ceases immediately. Data deletion follows our Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the app at least 30 days before they take effect. Your continued use of our Services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our Services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

For small claims (under $10,000), you may bring an action in small claims court in your county of residence or San Francisco County, California.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and PermitSnag regarding your use of our Services.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms:

Summary (Not Legally Binding)

In plain English: PermitSnag helps you find permit openings, but we can't guarantee you'll get one. We're not the government, we just watch their systems and tell you when something opens up. You're still responsible for actually booking the permit yourself on the official site. Please don't sue us if you miss a permit or your trip doesn't work out. Use our service fairly, pay for what you use, and we'll do our best to help you get outside.