Can you renew a UK railcard early (and carry over the extra days)
If you're going to be taking several train journeys per year in the UK, and especially if you won't be starting your journey until 10am, it's well worth investigating the railcards available, as for certain classes of journeys then can yield a large saving. (They're especially good for families, students, people travelling in the south-east of England, and the over 60s)
I've been making good use of my railcard this year, and it's due for renewal fairly soon. I know I'll want to use it on the day after it expires, but there are normally long queues at the ticket office at that time, so renewing it then will mean having to get to the station much earlier that usual.
What I'm wondering is if I could go to the station at a quiet time before the railcard expires, renew it, and have the remaining time from the old railcard added to the validity of the new one?
Best Answer
When you apply for renewal of a railcard, the form has a specific section which asks for details of previous railcard, including date of expiry.
What is then done is that the new railcard you receive is postdated to the date of expiry of your existing card.
I've done this with my 16-25 railcard in the past, so I know!
Just FYI: In most cases of identities with validity that can be renewed, a similar system of postdating is adopted, as opposed to varying the validity date. This is to ensure that very few errors and frauds occur in the system. In some cases it is also possible for you to directly request for a postdated validity period for various obvious reasons.
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How far in advance can you renew a Railcard?
You can renew your Railcard (digital or plastic) up to 30 days in advance of the expiry date.Can you renew Railcard before it expires?
You can renew your Railcard online up to 30 days before it is due to expire.Can I renew my 26/30 Railcard before my 31st birthday?
You can renew your 26-30 Railcard online within 30 days before it expired and before your 31st birthday. Simply click 'Renew my Railcard' on the website homepage, enter your log in details, click on 'Renew' under your expired or soon to expired Railcard and follow the instruction on the screen.Can I extend my Railcard?
You can renew your 16-25 Railcard online when it's within 30 days of its expiry date. Simply follow these easy steps: Log into your account. Click Renew next to the Railcard you wish to renew.What to do if your Indefinite Leave to Remain biometric card has expired or nearing expiration.
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