Use this guide if you are approaching State Pension age, or have a disability or health condition that affects your mobility or driving. Have proof of your age and address, a recent passport-style photo and any evidence of disability ready.
Step by step
Check which scheme applies to you
In England you can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, whatever your gender. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own schemes, which start from age 60, but the details differ. Check the exact age and rules for where you live on GOV.UK, mygov.scot, the Transport for Wales site or nidirect.
Check disabled bus pass eligibility
You may get a disabled person's bus pass at any age if you are, for example, blind or partially sighted, profoundly deaf, unable to speak, have a disability that seriously affects your ability to walk, or would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds. Your council decides using its own evidence rules. Receiving certain disability benefits can make applying simpler.
Gather your documents
You will usually need proof of age, such as a passport or driving licence, proof of address such as a council tax bill, and a recent colour photo. For a disabled pass, add evidence such as a benefit award letter, a certificate of visual impairment or a letter from a health professional, as your council asks.
Apply to your council
Apply online through GOV.UK, which directs you to your local council, or ask the council for a paper form. In London, the Freedom Pass is run separately by London Councils, and Londoners aged 60 and over can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard. Keep a note of your reference number.
Know when you can use it
In England, the pass gives free travel on local buses at off-peak times across the country, generally from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. Some councils offer extra times or discounts on trams and trains, so check with yours.
Keep the pass valid
Note the expiry date on the card and renew in good time, as councils send reminders but post can go astray. Report a lost, stolen or damaged pass to your council, which may charge for a replacement. Update your council if you move to a new area.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Eligibility age or disability criteria checked for your nation
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Recent colour photo
- Disability evidence if applying on those grounds
- Application made through your council
- Reference number noted
- Expiry date in your calendar
Practical tips
- If you need someone to travel with you, ask your council whether it offers a companion pass for a carer.
- Older and disabled people can also save on rail fares with the Senior or Disabled Persons Railcard.
- If you are refused a disabled pass, ask the council to explain why and whether you can send more evidence or ask for a review.
Common problems
I am over 60 in England but was told I am too young.
In England the older person's pass starts at State Pension age, not 60. Some areas, including London, offer extra concessions from 60, so check with your council, and look at a disabled pass if you have a qualifying condition.
My pass has not arrived weeks after applying.
Contact your council's concessionary travel team with your reference number. Ask whether the application is complete or needs more evidence, and whether they can issue a temporary arrangement.
The driver would not accept my pass before 9.30am.
In England the national entitlement is off-peak, so a fare may be due before 9.30am on weekdays unless your council offers earlier travel. Check your council's local rules so you know where you stand.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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