Applying for your RTC Card
Application | Eligibility Criteria | Participating Agencies | Questions and Answers

Information on obtaining your RTC Card.

How to Get a Discount Card and How Much does it Cost

Apply in-person at your local transit agency.  Be sure to find out the days and times applications are accepted by your local transit system before you go.

When applying for a Discount ID Card:

• Complete the application form for either "Basic" or "Medical" eligibility (described below). Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  
  
• Bring the application with you. Do not mail it in.
  
  
• Present a valid photo identification - such as a current driver's license, California Identification Card, passport, Alien Registration Card, Military Identification Card or Military Dependent Card.
  
  
• Pay the appropriate fee:
  $3.00 New, renewal, or visitor
  $5.00 Replacement
  (These fees are non-refundable.)
  
  
• For "Basic" eligibility, you must also provide the documentation listed below.

If you need a form sent to you, call your local transit agency.

Your photograph will be taken at the transit agency when you submit your application.  Your eligibility will be verified later, and your Discount ID Card will be mailed to you within 21 days.  If you haven't received your card or a request for more information in the mail within 21 days, contact the transit agency where you submitted your application.

Upon receiving your Discount ID Card, you are immediately eligible for reduced fares on all participating public transit systems.  No additional proof of eligibility is required, but you must show the Discount ID Card at the time you pay the fare.

How do I demonstrate my eligibility for the Discount ID Card?

1. Basic Eligibility

If you are eligible under one of the "Basic" catagories noted below, you are encouraged to apply under that catagory.  "Basic" eligibility does not require medical certification.

To qualify for Basic Eligibility, you must present one of the following with your application:

• Medicare Card (not Medi-Cal).
  

• California DMV Placard or valid registration for a parking placard. (See Questions and Answers about the Program Section - How long is my card valid?).
  

• Other Transit Agency or Visitor Card issued to you by another California transit agency. (See Questions and Answers about the Program Section about out-of-state Discount ID Cards).
  

• Proof of Age - 65 or older.
  

• Proof of Veterans Disability - A copy of your Service Connected Disability I.D. Card or your VA Certification demonstrating a disability rating for aid and attendance, or a service-connected disability with a rating level of 50% or higher.

2. Medical Eligibility

If you do not qualify for Basic Eligibility, you must be medically certified by one of the following licensed professionals listed on the "Eligibility Criteria" page.  You qualify in this catagory if your disability meets the criteria listed there.

To qualify for Medical Eligibility:

Complete the appropriate sections of the Medical Certification form.  You must also sign the application in two places:  Onne to authorize your doctor to release information, the other to indicate your acceptance of RTC Program terms.  If your application is not signed in both places it cannot be processed and will be returned to you.

Bring the Medical Certification form to your "Certifying Professional". The Certifying Professional must fully complete the form and mail the green copy to the Discount ID Card Program Office at the address shown on the form.  Your application will be considered incomplete unless the certifying professional has been returned the form.

Keep the other copies, and bring them with you when you have your photo taken at your transit agency.

Photocopies of the application are not accepted under any circumstances.

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