Toggle menu
  1. Home
  2. Passenger Transport
  3. Concessionary Travel
  4. Young Scot Card

Young Scot Card

The Young Scot Card is a free electronic smart card for everyone between the ages of 11 and 26.

What is a Young Scot Card?

A Young Scot Card is a smart card which is available to all young people living in Scotland between the ages of 11 - 26.

What can I use it for?

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

How can I apply?

  • 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.

If you are 11 years old, please ask your school for a form or email Young Scot@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.

How to update or request a replacement card?

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

Alternative options for applying for a new card or making changes to an existing card

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:

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.

Can I use my Young Scot card as proof of age?

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).