Metro Senior ID and Metro Disability ID information
Metro Senior ID
If you are 65 years of age or older, bring proof of age such as a valid driver's license, valid non-driver's ID, or valid passport, to any local public library or any Metro sales office to fill out a Metro Senior Citizen ID Card application. Your Senior Citizen ID Card will be mailed to you within 3 to 4 weeks.
As of January 1, 2000, only the new copper-colored senior ID is valid.
Seniors must show a valid WMATA Senior ID Card to purchase the $5 Reduced fare SmarTrip Card for both Metrobus and Metrorail, which can be purchased on line or by going to one of the Metro Sales Offices only.
This Senior ID card is valid for reduced fares at all times while riding Metrobus and Metrorail. To get your discount on Metrobus, just show your valid Metro Senior ID card to the bus operator and pay 60 cents (or purchase the weekly bus pass for $6 at one of our sales offices - please see below for additional information).
On Metrorail, just show your valid Metro Senior ID to a sales clerk at one of our sales offices to purchase the $10 Senior Farecard or the $5 Senior SmarTrip card . You may also purchase the Senior SmarTrip card online. For locations of sales offices, please call (202) 637-7000 (TTY 202-638-3780).
If you need a replacement Metro Senior ID, please call (202) 962-1245 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Visiting Seniors
Seniors from outside the Metro service area are not required to show a valid WMATA Senior ID Card to receive reduced Metrobus and Metrorail fares. For Metrorail, bring your valid out-of-state photo identification which indicates your date of birth at one of our sales locations to purchase the $10 Senior Citizen Farecards. For Metrobus, simply show this photo identification to the bus operator and pay 60 cents. Alternatively, you may also purchase the $6 Reduced Fare Weekly Bus Passes at one of our sales locations.
Metro Disability ID
General provisions
The Metro Disability ID Card must be kept in the possession of the qualifying customer with a disability at all times while riding Metrobus and Metrorail and presented when boarding Metrobus, purchasing reduced farecards for Metrorail, or on demand to Metro Transit Police officers, Metrobus operators, and Metrorail station managers. ID cards that are used in any other manner which is unlawful will be confiscated.
Who qualifies
Those individuals who by reason of illness, injury, age, or other permanent or temporary disability, including those who are nonambulatory wheelchair users and those with semi-ambulatory capabilities, are unable without special facilities or special planning or design to utilize mass transportation facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so affected.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria are based on a person's ability to use regular mass transportation services and presumes a level of personal mobility and independence to the degree that use of mass transportation would be a reasonable expectation.
How to get a Metro Disability ID
The Metro ID card is free. An initial card will be issued without a waiting period if you meet the eligibility criteria. Get an application from the Metro ID office at 600 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., or call for information 202/962-1245 or via TTY at 202/628-8973 and to obtain an application by mail. An application form for the Reduced Fare Program for Persons with Disabilities is also available online. (This form requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here for information on downloading this free software)
Getting an ID at a regional location
ID cards are issued at designated regional locations BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call the Metro ID Office at 202/962-1245 or via TTY at 202/628-8973.
Schools and groups of three or more
Please contact the Metro ID Office for an appointment for groups of three or more. We will advise you as to the best day and time, based on the size of your group.
Renewing your ID card
If your Metro Disability Card is labeled as "Permanent", approximately sixty (60) days before your card expires, bring it to the Metro ID Card Office to be issued a new card. If your permanent ID card has been expired for 30 days or more, you must complete a new application. If your card is labeled "Temporary" or "Long Term", but your disability continues beyond the expiration date, you must complete a new application.
Replacing a lost ID card
If you lose your valid Metro Disability ID card, you may obtain a replacement. A fee of $5.00 is charged for the first replacement and $10.00 for each subsequent replacement. The fee may be waived upon receipt of a police report documenting theft of the Metro Disabiility ID card. You must have valid identification when applying for a lost card.
