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Apply for a Senior SmartPass card for Northern Ireland (FTNI1)

A Senior SmartPass card lets you travel free of charge on most bus and rail services within Northern Ireland when you already have Free Travel on your Irish Public Services Card (PSC).

This topic shows you how to apply using the FTNI1 Senior SmartPass application form.

Use this topic if you or someone you support:
  • Is 66 years of age or over, and
  • Has Free Travel on an Irish Public Services Card, and
  • Wants to travel on public transport within Northern Ireland

Tip

If you are not sure this is the right form, you can go back to:

Before you begin

You can only get the FTNI1 form in person at your local:

  • Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office, or
  • Citizens Information Centre

The FTNI1 form is not available online. It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application.

Context

When you are using your Senior SmartPass card within Northern Ireland, remember the rules around companions.

  • A spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion cannot travel free with you within Northern Ireland using your Senior SmartPass card
  • Your Irish Free Travel still allows one adult companion to travel free on certain cross border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland, for example:
    • A train journey that starts in Ireland and ends in Northern Ireland
    • A journey that starts in Northern Ireland and ends in Ireland

Steps

Open each step below to see:

  • Who completes that part
  • What information to write
  • Any extra documents to attach
1. Get the FTNI1 application form 
- Visit your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office in person.
- Ask specifically for the **FTNI1 Senior SmartPass** application form.

!!! warning "Important"  
    You cannot download this form.
    You must get an original barcoded form, not a photocopy
2. Take the FTNI1 form home and fill it in

When you are completing the form:

- Use black ink only
- Write clearly in capital letters, one character in each box
- Follow any instructions on the form about what sections to fill in and where to sign

!!! tip "Tip"
    If you are unsure about a question, you can ask staff in the Intreo Centre or Citizens Information Centre to explain it before you write anything.
3. Gather your supporting documents 
Before you travel to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office, prepare to bring these documents with you:

What you will need when returning the form
- Your **Irish Free Travel pass** or **Public Services Card**
- **Proof of your address**, for example a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement
- **Proof of your identity**, for example your driving licence, passport or another form of photo ID
- One recent **passport size colour photograph** that meets standard passport photo rules
4. Return the completed form and documents 
- Bring your completed FTNI1 form and all supporting documents to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

!!! warning "Important"
    You must return the form in person, not by post or email

Result

Staff will check that:

  • The form is filled in correctly
  • All documents are included
  • Your photograph meets the requirements

They will then forward your application to the authorities in Northern Ireland.

What happens next

  1. Staff at your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office will check that:

    • The form is filled in correctly
    • All documents are included
    • Your photograph meets the requirements

  2. They forward your application to the authorities in Northern Ireland

  3. If it is approved, your Senior SmartPass card and instructions are sent directly to your home address

  4. It may take up to six weeks from when you submit the form

  5. Keep using your Irish Free Travel card as normal while you wait.