I booked our permit last week without being 100% positive on the number of people we have 2 that are iffy still. If i need to add people do i need to wait till i get to the outfitter when getting my permit or can i still do that online before i pick it up?

You can add them anytime, although there is no real benefit: they can't be named as an alternate leader who could claim the permit in your absence. And, you probably would be charged for additional members immediately rather than delaying that to the day at the outfitter.

Log in at recreation.gov > My Reservations > Reservation Details > Modify > Add another member. Notice the Alternate Group Leader check box is greyed out.

schweady: "You can add them anytime, although there is no real benefit: they can't be named as an alternate leader who could claim the permit in your absence. And, you probably would be charged for additional members immediately rather than delaying that to the day at the outfitter.


Log in at recreation.gov > My Reservations > Reservation Details > Modify > Add another member. Notice the Alternate Group Leader check box is greyed out.
"

Not to overtake the OPs original question but when I booked my permit I listed my son as alternate and included his email. He never received the confirmation email that the site said he would.
What does that do for our permit?

To Bushman, The email notice might have ended up in a spam/junk folder in his email account. Regardless, you can log into your recreation.gov account and view the reservation, see who all is on it, same some changes, etc.


Also, if you want you can set the pickup location to one of the Ranger Stations. The benefit of this is you can print off the permit at home, once you have watched the LNT videos, and not have to pick up in person.


From the recreation.gov website per the alternate leaders:
"What's an Alternate Group Leader?"
Alternate Group Leaders are group members that you designate to pick up the permit if you are unavailable. You can only designate alternates at the time of purchase. You can designate up to 3. After purchase, you cannot change any information for an alternate. You may delete the alternate after purchase and before getting the permit issued, but you will not be able to designate any other alternates.

Just pay for them when you pick up your permit

I'm not sure the alternate leader ever ends up receiving an email. I have always been primary, but maybe others would know.