Child Proof of Age / ID for train travel

Smimsie

Hi everyone.  My 12yo daughter is going to start taking the train but as she is tall for her age, I expect that sooner or later she will be challenged over using a child ticket.  What do other people use for proof of age?  She will be using Northern Rail services, but I couldn't find any guidance on their website and thhey charge £6 to answer the phone...  Thank you for any advice.

tacpot12

It's a good question. It's not covered in the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

If she will have a phone on her, then I would make sure she has a photo of her birth certificate on her phone. She should probably also have a photocopy of it in her bag, ideally it should be laminated or in a waterproof envelope.

If she has a passport, ensuring she has a photo and photocopy of the photo page of the passport would also be a good idea as this confirms that the name and dob on the passport are hers and not someone elses.  

Andy_L

"Children aged five to fifteen inclusive get a 50% discount on most tickets. In addition, children under five can travel free with a fare paying passenger.

If a child looks 16 or over, it may be appropriate for proof of age to be carried when purchasing the ticket and also when travelling to avoid embarrassment. A 'Child Rate' photocard is available, free of charge, from staffed National Rail stations, valid until the day before their sixteenth birthday. You just need a passport-sized photograph.

See our discounts for children page for more information. "

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/261511.aspx#:~:text=If a child looks 16,day before their sixteenth birthday.