TAP

Apply for a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard

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What would you like to do? (required)

Before You Begin

This application is for people with disabilities.

You will need:

A government-issued photo ID

You may upload a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. IDs must display an expiration date within the last three years. Photocopies and edited photos with blurred information will not be accepted.

A recent color photo of yourself

Your photo must be from the neck up in front of a solid, light-colored background. You cannot wear a hat, face covering, or sunglasses.

Documentation of a disability

Unless you are replacing your TAP CharlieCard, you will need to show documentation of a disability. You have three options:

Option 1

Upload proof of disability

Upload proof of disability. This can be one of the following:

  • Medicare, One Care, or Tufts Health Unify Card
  • Disability placard from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
  • Signed letter from your Travel Trainer on MBTA letterhead
  • Veteran benefits summary letter on VA letterhead specifying a disability rating of 70% or greater
  • Current non-MBTA reduced fare card with an expiration date
  • Verification letter signed by case manager or coordinator from one of the following agencies:
    • Department of Mental Health (DMH), including DMH vendors
    • Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
    • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Option 2

Enter an active RIDE ID number

Enter an active RIDE ID number.

Option 3

Upload the Health Care Professional Certification form signed by a health care provider

Upload the Health Care Professional Certification form signed by a health care provider.

You can either print out the form to have it signed by your health care provider, or you can send it to them and they can sign it digitally.

Before You Begin

This application is for people with disabilities.

You will need:

A government-issued photo ID

You may upload a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. IDs must display an expiration date within the last three years. Photocopies and edited photos with blurred information will not be accepted.

A recent color photo of yourself

Your photo must be from the neck up in front of a solid, light-colored background. You cannot wear a hat, face covering, or sunglasses.

Select Your Disability Documentation

How will you show documentation of your disability? (required) You'll be asked for this information later in this application.

Personal Information

Parent or Legal Guardian Information

After clicking the "Submit" button, please check your email to verify your identity and complete the application process.

Contact Information

We will only use your information to contact you about your application. We'll send you email updates with the status of your application.

Emergency Contact

Upload Photo ID

Upload a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. IDs must display an expiration date within the last three years. Photocopies and edited photos with blurred information will note be accepted.

Sample Massachusetts identification card (Mass ID)

If you need help applying for a TAP CharlieCard, we recommend visiting the Mobility Center or the CharlieCard Store .

Upload a Photo of Yourself

Upload a recent color photo of yourself from the neck up in front of a solid, light-colored background. You cannot wear a hat, face covering, or sunglasses.

Guidelines:

  • Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months.
  • Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
  • Use a solid, light-colored background with no background objects.

How your photo should look

Woman from the neck up in front of a light grey background.
  • Solid, light background
  • Neck up
Woman from the neck up wearing a hijab in front of a light-colored background.
  • Religious head coverings accepted
Man from the neck up wearing round glasses without glare in front of a light grey background.
  • Glasses without glare

Mistakes to avoid

Man outdoors wearing a red baseball cap and glasses without glare, with bushes and a building in the background.
  • Busy background
  • Wearing hat
Woman from the waist up in front of a solid, light-colored background.
  • Not from neck up
Man from the neck up wearing glasses with a dark background and shadows along the face.
  • Filter
  • Dark background

Upload Proof of Disability

Documentation type (required) When you select a documentation type, an example picture may display below.
Sample Medicare card
Sample Medicare card
Sample signed letter from a Travel Trainer on MBTA letterhead
Sample signed letter from a Travel Trainer on MBTA letterhead
Sample verification letter signed by a case manager or coordinator from the Department of Mental Health (DMH)
Sample verification letter signed by a case manager or coordinator from the Department of Mental Health (DMH)
Sample verification letter signed by case manager or coordinator from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Sample verification letter signed by case manager or coordinator from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Sample verification letter signed by case manager or coordinator from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Sample verification letter signed by case manager or coordinator from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Enter RIDE ID

Find your RIDE ID number on your RIDE eligibility letter or contact the Mobility Center .

Upload Health Care Professional Certification Form

The Health Care Professional Certification form must be signed by your health care provider.

Getting Your Card

If your application is approved, how would you like to receive your Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard? (required)

Your monthly pass and stored value from your old card will be automatically transferred to your new card.

Mailing Address

Demographic Information

The MBTA collects demographic information to understand more about its riders.

Providing your information is optional and does not affect your eligibility for a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard. Any information you choose to share will only be used by MBTA staff for research that will not be linked to your name.

Would you like to share information about your race, ethnicity, gender identity, income, or employment status? (optional)
How do you describe your race/ethnicity? Select all that apply (optional)
How do you describe your gender identity? Select all that apply (optional)
What is your household income? (optional)
What is your employment status? (optional)

Free/Reduced Fares Rules and Conditions

Please read the Free/Reduced Fares Rules and Conditions . This link opens in a new tab.

Disability Information Release Authorization