Go Card Replacement

Reminder: Smart Trip cards purchased before 2012 no longer work and must be replaced.

Changes to Metro's fare system mean that older Smart Trip cards, purchased before 2012, no longer work.

If you’re using Smart Trip in your mobile wallet, you’re all set - just tap and go.

Step 1: Check the numbers on the back of your plastic card.

You should see a set of numbers that begins with 0167. If you do not, your card must be replaced.

Step 2: Replace your older Smart Trip card before your next trip on Metro.

You’ll need to transfer the balance from your older Smart Trip card to a new one.

If you are actively using the Metro system and have never had Smart Benefits® on your card

Transfer your balance to an eligible Smart Trip card or request a new card using the online balance transfer process.

If you do not plan to ride Metro in the next 30 days and have never had Smart Benefits® on your card

Mail your older card to us and we’ll transfer your balance for you. A new card, with your transferred balance, will be sent within 10 business days of receiving your mail-in form. Download the mail-in form here.

NOTE. To protect your balance, make sure your card is registered before putting it in the mail. If you prefer not to register your card, keep a record of the serial number on the back of your card.

If you currently have Smart Benefits or your card was ever enrolled in a Smart Benefits program

You must replace your card using the online balance transfer process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The deadline to replace older Smart Trip cards was March 1, 2022. If I missed that date does that mean the balance on my Smart Trip card is lost?

No. Your balance will remain on your older card until it is transferred to a new card.

I transferred the balance from my older Smart Trip card to a new card, why aren’t my funds on the new card?

If your card was never enrolled in Smart Benefits, you can visit the Transit Accessibility Center. You must tap your new card to a Smart Trip target between one and 30 days of transferring your funds. If you’ve tapped your card and you do not see your transferred balance after two days of travel, then please contact Metro Customer Service at 202-GO-Metro.

I mailed in my Smart Trip card but have not received my replacement card. How can I check the status of my replacement card?

A new card will be mailed to you within 10 business days of Metro receiving your mail-in form. You can call Metro Customer Service (202-GO-Metro) with your older Smart Trip card number, to check the status of your replacement card.

I have Smart Benefits on my older Smart Trip card, but I only use my card for vanpool, commuter rail, or commuter bus. Do I still need to replace my card?

If you allocate all your Smart Benefits to a vanpool or for use on commuter rail or commuter bus, then we recommend that you replace your older Smart Trip card to keep current with our new technology.  However, you will not be required to replace your card if you do not travel on Metro or with one of Metro’s regional partners.

Can I transfer the balance on my older Smart Trip card to a mobile Smart Trip card?

If you are actively riding the system and have a Smart Trip card in your mobile wallet, you can transfer the balance of your older Smart Trip card to it. First, make sure your mobile Smart Trip card is added to your account at SmartTrip.wmata.com, then transfer your balance to the mobile Smart Trip here.

What if I have a commemorative card and I don’t want to mail it in?

You can use the online balance transfer process to transfer your balance to a new card or to request a new card be mailed to you with your remaining balance.