All former military service personnel in the UK have certain rights and entitlements. One important benefit is eligibility for a Veteran ID Card, which can make it easier to access various forms of support, as well as gain discounts at a wide range of businesses, such as shops and restaurants.
If you don’t already have one, you could be missing out on a range of help that your service entitles you to, from housing to healthcare and finding jobs for veterans in the UK. Let’s take a look at the details of this scheme, the advantages it can offer for armed forces veterans and how you can apply.
A Veteran ID Card – formally called an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card – is a government-issued photo identification that provides proof that you served in the UK’s armed forces. It can be shown to potential employers or support workers to verify your status as a veteran, or be used to access special services, discounts and other benefits.
The scheme has been in operation since 2019 and, according to the government, aims to recognise the “commitment and dedication” of British armed forces veterans, as well as provide stronger links between ex-military personnel and the communities that support them, including local authorities, NHS services and charities.
Initially available only as a physical card, there is now a digital version that can be stored on your phone, which the UK government says offers a “faster and more convenient way” for veterans to access the services, discounts and recognition they are entitled to.
The main benefit of having the card is to help gain access to a range of support services. This includes the NHS, local authorities and veterans’ charities like the Royal British Legion.
Being able to easily verify your identity and veteran status with these organisations can greatly streamline the process of applying for benefits or accessing other forms of support. Services that the Veteran ID Card can help you access include employment support, social housing and physical and mental health assistance. It can also be used as a valid photo ID when you vote.
What’s more, a Veteran ID Card acts as easy proof of your service, should you ever need it. This might be relevant if your civilian employer wants to claim National Insurance contributions relief, or for you to take advantage of military discounts.
The Veteran ID Card lets you apply for a Defence Discount Service card. This is accepted by more than 12,000 shops, restaurants, venues and attractions offering money off to former armed service members, as well as special rates on holidays and insurance, and access to exclusive members-only days at locations such as Alton Towers and Legoland Windsor. A Veteran ID Card can also help you gain a Veterans Railcard or Veterans Oyster for discounted travel.
The Veteran ID Card is available to all individuals who served in either the regular armed forces or the reserves in the following branches:
However, you may also be eligible to receive a card if you were a member of any of the following:
If you are still serving in HM Armed Forces, you will not be eligible until you have been discharged from your service. In this case, you will not usually have to do anything in order to claim your Veteran ID Card when you leave – it will be included automatically as part of your Service Leavers Pack, which you should receive within six weeks of your exit date.
Similarly, if you left the armed forces on or after 17th December 2018, you should have been automatically given one of the new ID cards. However, if you left the services before this date, you will need to apply for a card if you don’t already have one.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility for a Veteran ID Card, you can check when applying online, or when calling to request a postal application.
Yes, provided you served directly within the UK armed forces, you can receive a Veteran ID Card. However, you are not eligible if you served within the ranks of another nation’s military, even if you served alongside UK forces as part of your service (for example, Royal Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force members who took part in joint operations).
You no longer have to live in the UK to apply for a Veteran ID Card, but if you are making an application from overseas, this can only be done via the GOV.UK website.
If you left the UK armed forces before 17th December 2018 and need to apply for a Veteran ID Card, there are a few pieces of information you should have on hand to demonstrate your service. These include:
If you wish to apply online for your card, you’ll also need a valid email address and a method to receive an additional security code to log in, such as a mobile phone number.
The easiest way to apply for your card is through the official GOV.UK portal. The online route is the fastest option and applications are free. If you’re unable to do this – or are applying on behalf of someone else – you can apply instead for a postal form by calling the Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218.
Step 1: Sign in or create a GOV.UK One Login. You’ll need an email address and photo ID such as a UK passport or driving licence to verify your identity. You should see instructions as below to begin this.
Step 2: Confirm your service area. After confirming that you are a UK resident, you’ll be asked to select the service you joined from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines or other (if none of the above, you’ll be able to provide further details on the next screen).
Step 3: Enter your service details. The process will ask for your service number from your last period of service and the approximate start and end dates.
Step 4: Confirm your identity. Provide your National Insurance number and UK address to verify this.
Step 5: Provide your photo. Upload a recent passport-style digital photo showing your head and shoulders against a plain background.
Step 6: Submit and track. Once you’ve provided the above information, just click submit and that’s all you need to do. You can track the progress of your application online through the portal.
Step 7: Download your digital Veteran ID Card. While you will receive a physical Veteran ID Card in the post once your application is approved, if you wish, you can also add the digital version to your phone using the GOV.UK One Login app.
A small number of applications are delayed or rejected each year, usually for reasons that are easily avoided. The most common issues include:
You’ll usually receive your HM Armed Forces Veteran ID Card within ten weeks of submitting your application. However, postal applications may take longer as forms need to be checked manually before your details can be verified against MOD records.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can choose to either have your card posted to you or collect it in person from your nearest Veterans Welfare Service office. If you’re applying from outside the UK, your card will be sent to the overseas address you provided during the online application process.
If the processing window has passed and your card still hasn’t arrived, there are several steps you can take:
Is there a fee to apply for a Veteran ID Card?
No, applications are completely free of charge, whether submitted online or by post. Be wary of any third-party websites offering to process your application for a fee, as these are not affiliated with the official scheme run through GOV.UK.
Can I apply for a card on behalf of a family member?
Yes, but applications made on behalf of someone else cannot be submitted online. You’ll need to call the Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218 to request a postal application form, which can then be completed and returned by mail.
What should I do if my Veteran ID Card is lost, stolen or damaged?
You can request a replacement through the GOV.UK portal using the same login details you used for your original application. Replacements are also free, although you may need to provide a new photo if your appearance has changed significantly.
Will my Veteran ID Card expire?
No, the card does not have an expiry date and remains valid for life. However, you may wish to update your photo periodically to ensure it remains a useful form of identification.
Can I use my Veteran ID Card as photo ID?
A Veteran ID Card is accepted as photo ID for voting and for domestic British Airways and easyJet flights within the UK.
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