What a Metro Transfer PIN is and why you need one

A Metro Transfer PIN is a four-digit code that lets you transfer your transit benefits from one WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority) card to another. You need it if your physical card is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you want to move your remaining balance to a replacement card without losing money.

The PIN protects your account. Without it, anyone who finds your card could use the balance on it. When you request a new card, Metro asks for this PIN to confirm you are the rightful owner before moving your funds over.

Metro issues the PIN when you first load money onto a card at a fare machine or retail location. If you never wrote it down or cannot find it, you can request a new one through Metro's customer service.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Metro Transfer PIN is a four-digit code created automatically when you first add money to a card, and it appears on your receipt.
  • You use the PIN to transfer your balance to a new card if your original card is lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • If you do not have your PIN, you can call Metro's customer service line or visit a sales office in person to request a replacement.
  • Metro will ask you to verify your identity before issuing a new PIN, usually by providing the card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number or other identifying information.

How to find your existing Metro Transfer PIN

When you first loaded money onto your WMATA card, Metro printed your Transfer PIN on the receipt. Check any receipts you kept from fare machines or retail locations where you purchased or added value to your card. The PIN appears near the bottom of the receipt, labeled as "Transfer PIN" or "PIN".

If you still have the original card and it is not damaged, you can also retrieve your PIN by visiting a Metro sales office. Staff can look up your account using your card number and provide the PIN on the spot. Metro sales offices are located at major stations including Metro Center, Gallery Place, L'Enfant Plaza, and Union Station.

Requesting a new Transfer PIN by phone

Call Metro's customer service line at 202-637-7000. Have your card number ready — it is printed on the front of your card. You will also need to provide identifying information such as the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, or the phone number associated with your account.

Metro's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times vary depending on call volume. After you verify your identity, the representative will issue a new PIN and read it to you over the phone. Write it down when ready.

Getting a new PIN in person at a Metro sales office

Visit any Metro sales office with your card. Bring a photo ID so staff can confirm your identity. The office will look up your account and either retrieve your existing PIN or issue a new one if you cannot locate the original.

Sales offices are staffed during regular station hours. Metro Center, Gallery Place, L'Enfant Plaza, and Union Station locations typically have the longest hours. If you visit during off-peak times, wait times are usually short. Staff will provide your PIN in writing so you have a record of it.

Using your PIN to transfer your balance to a new card

Once you have your PIN, you can transfer your remaining balance to a new card at any fare machine or retail location. At a fare machine, select "Transfer Balance," enter your old card number, and then enter your four-digit PIN. The machine will confirm the transfer and issue you a new card with your balance moved over.

At a retail location (such as a grocery store or pharmacy that sells Metro cards), tell the clerk you want to transfer your balance. Provide your old card, your PIN, and payment for a new card if required. The clerk will process the transfer using their system and hand you the new card with your balance intact.

What to do if your card is damaged or unreadable

If your card is physically damaged but you still have your PIN, you can transfer the balance at any fare machine or retail location using the steps above. The machine or clerk does not need the damaged card itself — only your card number and PIN.

If your card is so damaged that you cannot read the card number, call Metro customer service or visit a sales office. Provide your identifying information, and staff will look up your card number in their system. Once you have the number and your PIN, you can proceed with the transfer at a fare machine or retail location.

Protecting your PIN and card going forward

Treat your Transfer PIN like a password. Write it down and store it somewhere safe — separate from your card. Do not share it with anyone else, and do not write it on the card itself.

If you suspect someone else knows your PIN or has used your card without permission, contact Metro customer service right away. They can freeze your account and issue you a new card with a new PIN. The sooner you report the issue, the sooner Metro can protect your remaining balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never received a Transfer PIN when I first got my card?

Metro automatically creates a PIN when you load money onto a card for the first time. If you did not receive a receipt or did not see the PIN printed on it, contact Metro customer service. They can look up your account and provide your original PIN or issue a new one.

Can I change my Transfer PIN to a different number?

Metro does not allow you to choose or change your PIN yourself. If you need a new PIN, you must request one through customer service or a sales office. They will issue a new four-digit code, which you should treat as your new PIN going forward.

What happens if I forget my PIN and lose my card at the same time?

Call Metro customer service or visit a sales office with your photo ID. Provide your identifying information, and staff will look up your account. They can issue you a new PIN and a replacement card. Your remaining balance will be transferred to the new card once you provide the new PIN.

Do I need my PIN to check my card balance?

No. You can check your balance at any fare machine or online through Metro's website without a PIN. The PIN is only needed when you want to transfer your balance to a different card.

How long does it take to transfer my balance to a new card?

The transfer happens when ready at a fare machine or retail location. Once the transaction completes, your new card is ready to use right away with your full balance available.