What is a Veteran's Card?

The UK Veteran's Card, officially known as the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, serves several important purposes for individuals who have served in the UK armed forces (Regular or Reserve in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, or Royal Marines).

Click here to apply online

Reasons for having a Veteran's Card?

The card acts as:

1. Proof of Veteran Status:
• Easy Verification:

The primary function is to provide a simple and recognizable way for veterans to prove they have served in the UK armed forces. Before the card, there wasn't a uniform method for veterans to easily demonstrate their service.

• Accessing Services:

This verification can streamline access to various support services offered by government agencies, local authorities, the NHS, and military charities. It removes the need for lengthy paperwork or other forms of verification in many situations.

2. Access to Benefits and Discounts:
• Defence Discount Service:

The Veterans Card can be used to apply for a Defence Discount Service card. This separate discount card provides access to savings at over 12,000 online and high street shops and restaurants on a wide range of items like holidays, cars, insurance, days out, fashion, and phones.

• Veterans Railcard:

Holding a Veterans Card makes it easier to apply for a Veterans Railcard, which offers up to a one-third discount on most rail travel in England, Scotland, and Wales. * National Insurance Relief: It can help employers claim National Insurance relief when hiring a veteran in their first civilian role after service.

• Housing Support:

The card may be useful when seeking housing support and can sometimes exempt veterans from local connection tests when applying for social housing. * Healthcare: It supports the NHS' commitment to providing specialist health support for veterans.

• Other Initiatives:

The card can be helpful when accessing various government and military initiatives aimed at supporting veterans in areas like employment (e.g., Great Place to Work, Step into Health) and the justice system (e.g., Op NOVA).

• Special Events:

It can grant access to specific offers during special events, such as free public transport to and from Remembrance Day events.

• Commemorative Purposes:

The card also serves as a memento of service and helps veterans maintain a tangible link to their time in the Armed Forces, signifying their belonging to the Armed Forces community.

• Voting ID:

Starting with local elections in May 2025, the Veteran ID card will be accepted as a valid form of photo identification at polling stations.

Who is Eligible?

You can apply for a Veteran ID card if you served in the regulars or reserves of the:

• Royal Navy
• Army
• Royal Air Force (RAF)
• Royal Marines

You may also be eligible if you served in:

• The Royal Fleet Auxiliary
• The Merchant Navy (if you sailed in support of the UK Armed Forces)
• Any other unit within the UK Armed Forces

Important Eligibility Note:

Generally, to be eligible to apply for a Veteran ID card now, your service must have ended before December 2018. Those who left on or after December 17, 2018, should have automatically received a card as part of their discharge process.

How to Apply:

Applications can be made online through the GOV.UK website. You will typically need:

• Your service number for your last period of service.
• Your National Insurance number.
• The approximate years you started and ended your service.
• A recent digital passport-style photo.
• A valid email address and photo ID (like a passport or driving license) to use the GOV.UK One Login system for online applications.

No access to the Internet?

Applications can also be made by post by contacting the Veterans UK Helpline.

• Phone: 0808 1914 218
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm