I made my reservation in January using a new laptop that was not compatible with my old printer so I was not able to print my reservation confirmation (old pc died).

To add to the problem I cannot access my old email which is the one res.gov has (long story). I have a photo of the reservation on my phone. Is that photo enough to get my permit at the ranger station? Can I add another person to the trip when I pick up the permit? Can I change the pick up location from the ranger station to an outfitter or will that just confuse things more?

A very technology challenged Merlyn

The phone screenshot is fine -- they can look you up -- but you can log in to recreation.gov again and your reservation will be there for you to print again. (You do remember your username and password, right?) While you're there, you'll see the option for changing the pickup location.

And, yes, you can add anybody who came along when picking up the permit.

I've never had to show my proof of reservation at the pickup point. I just tell them I've got a permit for X entry point and they pull it up on their computer and print it for me. I suppose I've never picked up a permit at a ranger station but I don't know why they would need to see your order confirmation as they should be able to see all permits on their computer. Maybe just give them a call?

JD: "I've never had to show my proof of reservation at the pickup point. I just tell them I've got a permit for X entry point and they pull it up on their computer and print it for me. I suppose I've never picked up a permit at a ranger station but I don't know why they would need to see your order confirmation as they should be able to see all permits on their computer. Maybe just give them a call?"

Ranger station has always looked mine up "easy peasy"

+2 - I've never had to show my reservation confirmation when picking up my permit. I think you'll be okay.

In 25+ trips I’ve needed to show my confirmation a grand total of 0 times. I’ve picked up at both outfitters and ranger stations. I just tell them my name and it’s in their system.

I don’t think you can change the pickup location online anymore and have to call the Ranger station.

boonie: "I don’t think you can change the pickup location online anymore and have to call the Ranger station."

Boonie is correct.

1) I've only been asked to show an ID when picking up the permit. Nothing more.
2) You can add or subtract people when you pick up the permit. No need to do it beforehand.
3) You have to call the ranger station to make any changes to where you plan to pick up the permit.

Relax and have a great trip!

You don’t need anything. You just tell them your name and they print out your permit.

Thanks all for your input. I had booked my May trip as a solo but now there is a good chance one of my grandsons will be joining me . I got paranoid and envisioned getting caught up in some bureaucratic nonsense ( a recent trip to the DMV started it all.)

Thanks again, Merlyn