Gold Card bus pass - older people

People who reach the state pension retirement age (depending on your date of birth) are entitled to a free off-peak bus pass, known in Derby and Derbyshire as the Gold Card. It can also be used as a discount and library card.

Contents

• What does the Gold Card offer?
• When can I apply?
• How can I apply?
• What discounts can I get if with my Gold Card?
• What happens if I lose my card?

What does the Gold Card offer?

The Gold Card offers:

• free travel on local buses throughout England between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays, all day at weekends and on bank holidays
• discounts at local shops and businesses
• lending from all Derbyshire and Derby City libraries.

When can I apply?

You are no longer automatically eligible for a Gold Card on your 60th birthday. The date you can apply has changed to bring age related benefits, like free bus travel, in line with the state pension age increasing to 65 for women as well as men. These changes have been made across England and affect anyone born on or after 6th April 1950 to 5th April 1955. To find out when you can apply please read the Bus pass eligibility dates document.

If you were born after 5th April 1955 you can apply when you are 65.

How can I apply?

You can pick up an application form from our Customer Services centre at The Council House on Corporation Street, or at any local library.

You can have your photo taken free of charge by the Customer Service Centre at The Council House. Once you've had it taken, hand in your form, proof of age and proof of address.

You can also send the form, a passport size photo and copies of your proof of age and address to us by post.

Your card will be posted to you within two to three weeks.

What discounts can I get with my Gold Card?

You can see a list of discounts available from your local library. 

You can also see an online discounts list on Derbyshire County Council's website. Use the left hand menu to search by area, product or keyword.

What happens if I lose my card?

There is a £5 charge to replace a lost pass. You can either post us a cheque or pay in person at the Customer Service Centre.

Your replacement card will be posted to you within two to three weeks. Cheques should be made out to Derby City Council.

Downloads

• Bus pass eligibility dates (pdf, 19kb)
• Gold Card bus pass - application form (word, 689kb)

Useful links

• Gold Card discounts (Derbyshire County Council's website)