Concessionary Travel National Entitlement Card (Scotland)

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is Scotland’s National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country. You may recognise or know the NEC as your bus pass, library card or Young Scot card, however this one card may be able to grant you access to multiple other services as well.

Public services are continually improving and developing to be delivered at the highest possible quality for citizens and their local areas. The National Entitlement Card Programme Office (NECPO) supports the 32 Scottish Councils by assisting with the integration of various national and local public services on the smartcard.

If you would like to apply for your NEC, need a replacement card, or want to find out what services and entitlements you could be able to access with your NEC, please visit "Apply".

Can Anyone Get A National Entitlement Card Card?

• NECs are normally only issued to people who are resident in Scotland as many services are only available to Scottish residents, cards are issued by local councils on receipt of a valid application for a service that uses the NEC.

How Can I Check The Data National Entitlement Card Holds About Me?

1. If you want to check that the details the NEC Scheme holds for you are correct, the easiest way is to check with your local council.
2. Or if you live in the SPT area, SPT.
3. They will also be able to help make changes to your address, etc.
4. If you wish to exercise any of your data protection rights, including the right to see a copy of all the relevant personal data held by the NEC scheme.
5. You should make a subject access request to your local council who is the lead Data controller for your data.

Local Authority Contacts For 60+ or Disabled Scheme

Using the details below, please contact your local authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) who can advise of the current application and renewal process in your area.

National Entitlement Card Where Can It Be Used In Scotland?

• National Entitlement Card is for National Services

The National Entitlement Card can be used to access a variety of services across Scotland. To find out more about what services the NEC is able to provide locally visit the Local Services page, or to find out all the services your NEC may allow you to access answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page.

National Entitlement Card Transport Across Scotland

The NEC can be used to access free, discounted and concessionary travel on public transport in your local area and across Scotland. The smartcard can also be used for access to community car clubs such as Co-wheels, and storing travel tickets and passes from a number of operators.

1. Concessionary Travel for People aged 60+ or with a Disability.
2. Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel.
3. Travel discounts for 16-18 year olds, or full time volunteers under 26.
4. Storing travel tickets and passes from participating operators

National Entitlement Card 'Young Scot' Pass

Young Scot NECs allow young people to access a wide range of rewards, discounts and acts as Proof of Age (PASS) for shops and licensed premises.

For more information on the Young Scot NEC visit the following link:

Young Scot Proof of Age, Rewards and Discounts for 11-26 year olds

National Entitlement Card How To Apply

1. Applications for new, replacement and renewal National Entitlement Cards are accepted across Scotland, however the services and application routes available at each council will vary.
2. If you are aged 5-21 and are wanting to access the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme, information about the Scheme including how to apply can be found on the website www.freebus.scot. 
3. The Improvement Service's www.GetYourNEC.scot service is an online application method to allow customers to apply for new, replacement and renewal National Entitlement Cards.
4. The Post Office currently handle age 60+ applications in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport area as well as Aberdeenshire, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland and Perth & Kinross.
5. For queries on applying for a card within your local council please contact them directly – details of your council can be found on the COSLA council webpage.
6. Answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page of their website to find out which application routes may be currently available in your local council area.

National Entitlement Card New Cards

Answer a few questions to find out what NEC you are entitled to and how to apply for it here:

National Entitlement Card Find Out More Link

National Entitlement Card Replacement Cards

If you require a replacement NEC find out how to obtain this here:

How to replace or renew your NEC

If your National Entitlement Card has expired, been damaged or is lost you are able to request a renewed or replacement card to continue accessing your services. Find out below what routes are available to you.

National Entitlement Card Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards

• If your NEC is lost, has been stolen or damaged please request a replacement card by contacting your Council as soon as possible (official Council websites can be selected from the COSLA website).
• Please contact SPT if you live within the Strathclyde area.
• Customer services staff will be able to cancel your existing card and order a replacement which will be sent directly by post.
• Make sure your local Council has your most recent address.
• The Improvement Service's wwwGetYourNEC.scot/ service allows customers to apply for a replacement National Entitlement Card online.
• Answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page of their website to find out which application routes may be currently available in your local council area.
• Please allow 1-2 weeks for any card replacements requested.

National Entitlement Cards That Are Due To Expire

• If your NEC is due to (or has) expired, please check with your local Council, or please contact SPT if you live within the Strathclyde area, to find out what proof you may need to show to renew any travel entitlements you may be eligible for. Official Council websites can be selected from the COSLA website.
• Alternatively, contact details for your own Council's concessionary travel unit can be found by visiting the Transport Scotland website.
• The Improvement Service's www.GetYourNEC.scot/ service allows customers to renew their National Entitlement Card online.
• Answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page of their website to find out which application routes may be currently available in your local council area.
• Please allow 1-2 weeks for any card renewals requested.

National Entitlement Card Changing Your Photo or Details

1. If the picture on your NEC has faded or is no longer a true reflection, the NEC may not be accepted. You should contact your local Council to find out how to go about updating your photograph.
2. Official Council websites can be selected from the COSLA website, or please contact SPT if you live within the Strathclyde area.
3. To change your name or address, contact your local council.
4. The Improvement Service's www.GetYourNEC.scot/ service allows customers to update their photograph or personal details and request a replacement National Entitlement Card online.
5. Answer a few short questions on the Your NEC page of their website to find out which application routes may be currently available in your local council area.
6. Please allow 1-2 weeks for any card replacements requested.

Please allow sufficient time to receive your railcard before your departure.