Two easy ways to buy... 

Online

The quickest and easiest way to buy is right here online.  All you need is:

• A valid passport or UK driving licence to verify your identity
• A digital passport-style photo saved to your computer, tablet or mobile phone
• A debit or credit card

What happens next?

Digital Railcard: if you buy a digital Railcard, you'll need to download the Railcard app and then you can download your Railcard to the app using the download code you will be sent by email. You can then start using it straight away.

Physical Railcard: we aim to dispatch your Railcard within one working day of you ordering it, but it’s probably best to allow up to five working days for your Railcard to arrive. It’ll be sent out free of charge by UK Mail, but if you prefer, you have the option to pay for Special Delivery.

You’ll need to have your Railcard with you to be able to get a discount on your rail ticket, so be sure to leave enough time before your journey for the Railcard to reach you.

If you're a mature student, please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be approved.

Travelling today? You’re better off buying a digital Railcard or over the counter at a staffed National Rail station.

At a Staffed Station Ticket Office

You can buy a 16-25 Railcard at any staffed station ticket office or National Rail-licensed Travel Agent. You can do it on the day you are travelling, just ensure the ticket office is open.

If you're applying at a station for the first time you'll need to complete an application form. There are usually application forms available at stations, but in order to save time it’s a good idea to fill in the form before you get there. You can print and fill in the application form which is available to download here and bring the form alongside either of the following:

• Your birth certificate
• Passport (all nationalities accepted)
• UK driving licence
• National identity card

You'll also need:

• A passport-size photo
• Proof of eligibility if applying as a mature student please check here for details

If you're renewing your Railcard, you'll need to fill in the application form, and take your existing Railcard and Photocard. These are automatically accepted as proof of your age. If you are renewing an online Railcard at a station you will need proof of age as above.

Once you've bought your Railcard at a station, you can then register it online.  This will make it easier for you to renew or buy other cards online.