Young Scot Card
The Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) is free of charge to 11 to 26-year-olds living in Scotland.
You can use your card to get free or discounted travel, prove your age, and get other discounts and rewards.
From 20 February 2025 there is a Young Scot app that can be downloaded to both Android and Apple mobile phones. Details can be found here Young Scot App (opens new window)
There are a number of features on the app including;
• The ability to order a replacement Young Scot National Entitlement Card
• A digital card within the app that will allow young people to access show and go discounts in stores
• A 'Near Me' interactive map of discounts in their local area and beyond.
Please note that the App is not a replacement for a card. A card will still be necessary for bus travel and proof of age.
All card holders between 11 - 26 can get discounts and rewards from participating companies. Cards can also be used as proof of age. More information can be found at the Young Scot website (opens new window).
From 31 January 2022, all 5 to 21 year olds inclusive will be able to travel free on the public bus network in Scotland. Details of how to apply can be found here https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/young-scot-card-with-travel
If you are 23 to 26 years of age, or between the age of 11 to 22 and do not want travel added to your Young Scot Card, please continue to follow the guidance below to apply for a Young Scot Card without travel
At school Your school have a supply of application forms so please visit your school office for more information. Apply online You can apply for a new Young Scot card online at getyourNEC.Scot (opens new window). Online applications are currently only available to those aged 12 and over who have never had a Young Scot card before. Applying online will reduce the amount of time it takes for your application to be processed and card to be sent out. You will require: An email address A device with a camera or a webcam (laptop/tablet/phone) A photocard driving licence OR a passport OR a Yoti account (verified digital identity account) If you find you need help to apply online, there are specific help pages. These pages will direct you to the correct area for support if required. How to apply for Young Persons' Free Bus Travel on behalf of your child: https://youtu.be/EYiz87G0MSE How to apply for Young Persons' Free Bus Travel on behalf of your child under 16 who already has a card: https://youtu.be/A3sKTzZVpiA How to apply for Young Persons Free Bus Travel if you're over 16: https://youtu.be/CLWDKSzfCqA If you are 11 years old, please ask your school for a form or email YoungScot@westlothian.gov.uk to request a form. In person If you are unable to apply online, and you want to apply for a new Young Scot card you can book an appointment at a local CIS office and a member of staff will complete your new form for you. Please call 01506 280150 to book an appointment. More information about opening times and booking an appointment is available here Our staff will advise you what documentation to bring to your appointment. By post or email If you are not able to apply online or attend an appointment, you can apply by post or email. You can print the application form below, complete it and post it back to West Lothian Council, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF or scan and email it to YoungScot@westlothian.gov.uk If you are emailing or posting your form, please make sure you provide the relevant evidence. Evidence required to support applications for a Young Persons National Entitlement Card with travel can be found at Proofs | National Entitlement Card (opens new window) Please note that photographs should be updated at least every 3 years or if your appearance has changed significantly since you were last issued with a card. Photographs must be head and shoulders only on a clear background with no facial obstructions.
If you are over 12 you can request a replacement card if you have linked your card to the Young Scot App (opens new window) If you already have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card, you can apply online at getyourNEC.Scot (opens new window) to: Update your details Update your photograph on your card Request a replacement for a lost or stolen or damaged card Renew an expiring or expired card Please note that photographs should be updated at least every 3 years or if your appearance has changed significantly since you were last issued with a card. Photographs must be head and shoulders only on a clear background with no facial obstructions
If you are over 12 you can request a replacement card if you have linked your card to the Young Scot App (opens new window) If you are not able to use the online option to either apply for a new card or make changes to an existing card, further help and guidance is available by: Emailing YoungScot@westlothian.gov.uk Phoning the Customer Service Centre Making an appointment at a local CIS office by phoning 01506 280150 You need to provide your name, address and date of birth if you are emailing us to ask for assistance. If you are being supported to apply for a new Young Scot card or make changes to an existing card and you are asked to provide an updated Passport style photograph, we are currently accepting photographs taken on a mobile device or camera which can be emailed to YoungScot@westlothian.gov.uk. Photographs must be head and shoulders only on a clear background with no facial obstructions.
Your Young Scot card has the PASS hologram on it which means it can be used as proof of age. If your card does not have the PASS hologram, please request a replacement card by following the instructions above on 'how to request a replacement card'. The Young Scot card is part of the accredited national proof of age scheme, PASS. If your card has been refused for proof of age purposes, and you feel this has been done unfairly, then please report this to the Young Scot office on their refusal form (opens new window).
