Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard

• Disabilities requiring wheeled mobility
• Semi-ambulatory disabilities
• Severe neuromuscular/musculoskeletal conditions
• Amputation of an extremity
• Severe effects from a stroke
• Severe pulmonary conditions
• Severe cardiac conditions
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Low vision
• Legally blind
• Kidney dialysis treatment
• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Coordination disabilities
• Intellectual disability
• Epilepsy
• Autism
• Neurological disabilities
• Psychiatric disabilities

Download the Health Care Professional Certification form in your preferred language:

• English
• Español (Spanish)
• Français (French)
• Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
• Português (Portuguese)
• 汉语 (Simplified Chinese)
• 漢語 (Traditional Chinese)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

To complete your application, you’ll need to upload three things:

• A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or another government-issued photo ID. You can use an expired ID as long as the expiration date is within the last three years.
• 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 disability as listed above.

You can choose to either receive your TAP CharlieCard in the mail or pick it up at the CharlieCard Store. If you choose to have it mailed, you will receive your card within two to four weeks after approval. If you choose to pick it up, we will contact you via phone or email with instructions.

The CharlieCard Store is located at Downtown Crossing Station, on the underground concourse between the Red and Orange lines:

7 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111

Here’s what you'll need to be prepared with when you arrive:

1. A completed TAP application in your preferred language (see below). You can download the application online and complete before you arrive or complete onsite.
2. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or another government-issued photo ID. You can use an expired ID as long as the expiration date is within the last three years.
3. Your documentation of disability as listed above or a completed, signed Health Care Professional Certification form (PART C of the TAP application).
4. You’ll need to have your photo taken.

If you're automatically eligible, you’ll receive a temporary reduced fare CharlieCard, valid for use while you wait for your permanent TAP CharlieCard to arrive in the mail within 7 – 10 business days. All other applicants will receive a decision letter within 6 – 8 weeks.

If you receive an approval letter, please visit the CharlieCard Store to pick up a temporary reduced fare CharlieCard, valid for use while you wait for your permanent TAP CharlieCard to arrive in the mail within 7 – 10 business days.

Download a TAP CharlieCard application

• English
• Español (Spanish)
• Français (French)
• Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
• Português (Portuguese)
• 汉语 (Simplified Chinese)
• 漢語 (Traditional Chinese)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Schedule an Appointment

If you'd prefer, you can schedule your visit ahead of time. Appointments are available on Mondays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM.

Book an appointment

Before you begin the TAP application form, please read through the instructions below:

1. Download and complete a TAP application in your preferred language (see below).
2. Mail your completed application to:
   MBTA CharlieCard Store
   7 Chauncy Street
   Boston, MA 02111
3. You will receive a decision letter within 6 – 8 weeks.
4. If you receive an approval letter, please visit the CharlieCard Store, located on the underground concourse at Downtown Crossing Station, between the Red and Orange lines, and:
   • Present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or another You can use an expired ID as long as the expiration date is within the last three years.
   • Have your photo taken.
   • Pick up a temporary reduced fare CharlieCard, valid for use while you wait for your permanent TAP CharlieCard to arrive in the mail within 7 – 10 business days.

Download a TAP CharlieCard application

• English
• Español (Spanish)
• Français (French)
• Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
• Português (Portuguese)
• 汉语 (Simplified Chinese)
• 漢語 (Traditional Chinese)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

If you need help with your TAP application, you can:

• Schedule an appointment with the CharlieCard Store
• Visit the Mobility Center
• Call customer support at 617-222-3200

You can load cash value and LinkPasses onto your TAP CharlieCard at:

• Fare vending machines
• The CharlieCard Store
• Retail sales locations
• Fare boxes on buses and trolleys at street-level stops (cash value and one-way fares only)

To pay your fare, simply tap your card on the fare target at any fare gate or onboard fare box.

Your TAP CharlieCard makes you eligible to purchase discounted Commuter Rail tickets and passes:

• On board (show your card to the conductor)
• At ticket windows (show your card to ticket window staff)
• At fare vending machines (tap your card to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare or purchase a monthly pass)
• Retail sales locations (show your card to the cashier)
• mTicket: Enter your card serial card number on the Reduced Fares page under the “My Account” section in your mTicket app. The reduced fare will then automatically appear when purchasing a ticket.

You can also show a TAP card from a Massachusetts Regional Transit Authority (RTA) or Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for reduced Commuter Rail fares.

Your TAP CharlieCard makes you eligible to purchase discounted ferry tickets and passes:

• On board (show your card to the ticket agent or ferry official)
• At ticket windows (show your card to ticket agent)
• mTicket: Enter your card serial card number on the Reduced Fares page under the “My Account” section in your mTicket app. The reduced fare will then automatically appear.

Please note: The Salem ferry is operated seasonally by its municipality. Prices and discount options may vary depending on what time you take your trip.

Learn more about where you can take a ferry