Senior CharlieCard

To complete your online application, be prepared to:

1. Upload an image of the front of a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. You can use an expired ID as long as the expiration date is within the last three years.
2. Upload a picture of yourself from the neck up and in front of a light-colored, solid background. Hats, face coverings, and sunglasses are not permitted.
3. If you’re a RIDE customer, you’ll be able to enter your RIDE ID to link your accounts and get discounted RIDE trips.

We will contact you using the contact information provided on your application if we need more information to determine your eligibility.

You can choose to either receive your Senior CharlieCard in the mail or pick it up at the Charlie Service Center. If you choose to have it mailed, you will receive your card within two to four weeks after approval. If you choose to pick it up, we will contact you via phone or email with instructions.

All information provided by you will be used solely for determining your eligibility for a Senior CharlieCard. Incomplete applications cannot be submitted or processed until all information and eligibility documents have been received and/or uploaded.

The Charlie Service Center is located near the State Street T Station and Downtown Crossing, at:

• 296 Washington St
• Boston, MA 02108

Here’s what you can expect once you arrive:

1. You’ll need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. You can use an expired ID as long as the expiration date is within the last three years.
2. You’ll need to have your photo taken.
3. If approved, you’ll receive a temporary reduced fare CharlieCard, valid for use while you wait for your permanent Senior CharlieCard to arrive in the mail, usually in seven to ten business days.

View Charlie Service Center hours

Schedule an Appointment

If you'd prefer, you can schedule your visit ahead of time. Appointments are available on Mondays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Book an appointment

Councils on Aging and Senior Centers occasionally host Senior CharlieCard events where you can apply for a card. 

Here’s what you can expect during an event:

1. You’ll need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. You can use an expired ID as long as the expiration date is within the last three years.
2. You’ll be able to fill out an application and have your photo taken.
3. Event staff will mail your application and photo to the MBTA, and your permanent Senior CharlieCard will be sent by mail. Cards usually arrive in four to six weeks.

You can also use the online application to renew or replace your Senior CharlieCard. 

Or, contact Customer Support at 617-222-3200.

You can load cash value and LinkPasses onto your Senior CharlieCard at:

• Fare vending machines
• The Charlie Service Center
• Retail sales locations
• Fare boxes on buses and trolleys at street-level stops (cash value and one-way fares only)

To pay your fare, simply tap your card on the fare target at any fare gate or onboard fare box.

Your Senior CharlieCard makes you eligible to purchase discounted Commuter Rail tickets and passes:

• On board (show your card to the conductor)
• At ticket windows (show your card to ticket window staff)
• At fare vending machines (tap your card to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare or purchase a monthly pass)
• Retail sales locations (show your card to the cashier)
• mTicket: Enter your card serial card number on the Reduced Fares page under the “My Account” section in your mTicket app. The reduced fare will then automatically appear when purchasing a ticket.

You can also show a ticket agent or onboard conductor a valid (non-expired), government-issued license or photo ID that shows you’re 65 or older for reduced Commuter Rail fares.

Your Senior CharlieCard makes you eligible to purchase discounted ferry tickets and passes:

• On board (show your card to the ticket agent or ferry official)
• At ticket windows (show your card to ticket agent)
• mTicket: Enter your card serial card number on the Reduced Fares page under the “My Account” section in your mTicket app. The reduced fare will then automatically appear.

You can also show a ticket agent or ferry official a valid (non-expired), government-issued license or photo ID that shows you’re 65 or older for reduced ferry fares.

Please note: The Salem ferry is operated seasonally by its municipality. Prices and discount options may vary depending on what time you take your trip.

Learn more about taking the ferry

If you're enrolled in the senior or income-eligible reduced fare program, you can receive discounts on any trip with The RIDE. First, you’ll need to link your reduced fare CharlieCard to your RIDE account.

If you’re applying for a new Senior CharlieCard, you’ll be able to link it to your RIDE account as part of the application process.

You can then continue to add funds to your RIDE account as you normally would, and your discount will be automatically applied when you book a trip.

Note: You do not need your reduced fare card to pay your RIDE fare—it is only used to validate your reduced fare program enrollment when you first link your account.