Gold card applications
The Gold Card application process is changing on 17 April 2024. The application portal will be unavailable from Tuesday 9 April and will re-open on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
We're migrating all of their ticketing systems to new suppliers along with Derby City Council. During the period of system migration the online application portals will be unavailable for a few days.
Reasons for the change
The current contract is coming to an end later this year and as per regulations we have undertaken a procurement exercise. We’ve taken the decision to bring forward the contract end slightly so that we can provide Disabled plus Companion Gold Cards from mid-April 2024.
If you qualify for a Disabled Gold Card there are now enhanced criteria allowing you to qualify for a Disabled plus Companion Gold Card which are as follows:
- Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) stating that you are blind
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award letter confirming that you receive 12 points for the 'moving around' activity
- letter from a medical professional confirming the details and severity of your walking or learning disability
- an education health and care plan (EHCP) - must confirm type and severity of learning or walking disability
The application process for Disabled and Disabled plus Companion Gold Cards is exactly the same and if you meet the enhanced criteria we will automatically issue you with a Disabled plus Companion Gold Card.
Timeframe for the change
The online application portals will be made unavailable from 10am on Tuesday 9 April 2024. Final cards will be produced and data migrated between systems. From Wednesday 17 April you will be able to apply for new, renewal and replacement cards.
Free bus travel
Gold Card currently allows you to travel free, on local buses, throughout Derbyshire, from 9.30am up to 11pm weekdays, and at any time during weekends and on bank holidays.
Gold Card also allows you to travel free, off-peak on local buses throughout the whole of England, from 9.30am to 11pm weekdays and at any time during weekends and bank holidays.
Gold Card holders can also travel free-of-charge anytime on Derbyshire Connect Dial-a-Bus 'shopping' buses.
Ticket machines on buses throughout the county will be able to detect cancelled Gold Cards.
A card may have been cancelled because:
- you told the council your card was lost or stolen
- you've had multiple Gold Cards and are not using the most-up-to date card
- your Gold Card has been used fraudulently
- you no longer qualify for free travel
If your card has not worked the driver may let you travel for free but will advise you to get a new card. If you have a card because of your age you can apply for a Gold Card online. Or contact your district or borough council.
Library card
Your Derbyshire Gold Card can also be used as a library card at all Derbyshire libraries. Just hand it to a member of library staff the first time you want to use it and they'll register your details.
Change of circumstances
If you've changed address, someone has died or your Gold Card is no longer required, please contact your district, borough or Derby City Council.