What PBS Passport is and who can use it

PBS Passport is a member benefit that lets you stream PBS shows and films on demand through the PBS app and website, without waiting for them to air on television. You do not buy it separately — it comes included when you become a member of your local PBS station by making a donation.

To use PBS Passport, you must be a sustaining member (someone who gives monthly) or a regular member (someone who gives a one-time donation) of a PBS station in the United States. The membership itself is what you pay for; PBS Passport is the streaming access that comes with it. Your local station is the one that sets its own membership donation amounts, so the cost to join varies by station.

Once you have a membership, you create a PBS account online, link it to your member account at your station, and then you can stream. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely online.

Key Takeaways

  • PBS Passport is included free with any membership donation to your local PBS station — you do not pay extra for the streaming access itself.
  • Membership donation amounts vary by station, typically ranging from $5 to $10 per month for sustaining members or $60 to $120 for a one-time gift.
  • You stream through the PBS app or website after creating a PBS account and linking it to your station membership.
  • PBS Passport gives you access to current and recent seasons of PBS shows, documentaries, and films, but not all PBS content is available through it.

How much PBS station membership costs

Your local PBS station decides what it charges for membership. Most stations ask for a monthly sustaining membership of $5 to $10, though some ask for more. If you prefer to give once instead of monthly, stations typically suggest a one-time gift of $60 to $120, though again this varies.

Some stations offer different membership tiers — a basic level that includes PBS Passport, and higher levels that add other perks like member-only events, discounts at the station's store, or early access to pledge drive auctions. The basic tier is the one that includes PBS Passport.

To find out what your specific station charges, visit your station's website directly. You can search for your local PBS station by entering your zip code at pbs.org/support.

What content you can stream with PBS Passport

PBS Passport gives you on-demand access to current and recent seasons of PBS shows. This includes drama series like Masterpiece, documentaries, nature programs, history series, and educational content. You can usually stream the most recent season of a show, and sometimes older seasons depending on the program.

Not all PBS content is available through Passport. Some shows are available only during their broadcast window or through other streaming services. Specials and films that air during pledge drives may have different availability rules. The PBS app and website show you what is available to stream in your area based on your membership.

You can stream on multiple devices — phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs — as long as you are signed into your PBS account. There is no limit on how many times you can watch the same show or film.

How to set up PBS Passport after joining

After you become a member of your local PBS station, you need to create a PBS account and connect it to your membership. Go to pbs.org and select "Sign In" or "Create Account" at the top of the page. You will enter your email address and create a password.

Next, you will be asked to link your PBS account to your station membership. The site will ask you to enter your station membership number or the email address associated with your membership. This step confirms that you are a current member and unlocks PBS Passport access.

Once your account is linked, open the PBS app or go to pbs.org/watch, sign in with your PBS account, and you can start streaming. The whole process usually takes fewer than five minutes.

Differences between PBS Passport and PBS.org free streaming

PBS offers some content for free on pbs.org and the PBS app without any membership. This free content usually includes older seasons of shows, some documentaries, and educational programs. The selection is smaller than what members see.

PBS Passport members see current and recent seasons first, and have access to a larger library overall. If you do not have a membership, you can still watch some PBS content free, but you will see fewer titles and may have to wait longer for new episodes to become available for free.

Some PBS shows are also available on other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+, though you may need a separate subscription to those platforms. PBS Passport is specific to PBS's own app and website.

When your membership expires and how to renew

If you set up a monthly sustaining membership, your donation renews automatically each month on the same date. Your PBS Passport access continues as long as your membership is active. If you stop the monthly gift, your access ends at the end of that billing cycle.

If you gave a one-time donation, your membership is usually good for one year from the date you gave it. Your station will send you a reminder before it expires. You can renew by going back to your station's website and making another donation, or by calling your station directly.

If your membership lapses, you lose access to PBS Passport until you renew. Your PBS account itself stays active, but the streaming feature is locked until your membership is current again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PBS Passport if I am not in the United States?

PBS Passport is only for members of U.S. PBS stations. If you are outside the United States, some PBS content may be available through other services or through PBS's international partnerships, but PBS Passport itself is not available. Check pbs.org for international options in your country.

Do I need a cable or satellite subscription to use PBS Passport?

No. PBS Passport works on its own — you do not need cable, satellite, or any other TV service. You only need a membership to your local PBS station and an internet connection to stream.

Can I share my PBS Passport login with family members?

Your PBS account is for your personal use. Sharing login details with others outside your household may violate PBS's terms of service. If multiple people in your home want to stream, check with your station about whether a single membership covers household access or if you need separate memberships.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your membership is tied to the specific PBS station you joined. If you move, you can transfer your membership to your new local PBS station, or you can keep your current membership and stream through PBS Passport as long as you remain a member. Contact your station to discuss your options.

Is there a way to stream PBS without paying for membership?

Yes. PBS offers free streaming of some content on pbs.org and the PBS app without membership. The selection is smaller than what Passport members see, and newer episodes may not be available when ready. PBS Passport straightforward gives you access to more current content and a larger library.