The Veteran ID card (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card) is a tangible record of service and is also an accepted form of identification confirming service that can be used when applying for various benefits such as health or veteran-specific support.
It’s completely free to apply and can be done easily online.
Who can apply for the Veteran ID card?
You can apply for a Veteran ID card if you served in the regulars or reserves of the following: Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Marines.
You may also be eligible if you served in one of the following: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary, The Merchant Navy (provided you served in support of the UK Armed Forces), or any other unit within the UK Armed Forces.
Important: to qualify, your service must have ended before December 2018 (for those who left after this date, a card should have been issued automatically).
You are not eligible to apply for a Veteran ID card if you served in the armed forces of another country or served alongside the UK Armed Forces but were not formally enlisted (e.g. Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force).
Veteran ID card application
You can apply for a Veteran ID card through the official GOV.UK website.Here’s how to do it, step by step:
Step 1: Set up your GOV.UK One Login
You’ll need to verify your identity to access the service. To do this, have the following ready:
• A valid email address
• A way to receive security codes (such as a mobile phone)
• Photo ID (UK passport or driving licence)
Step 2: Complete the online application
Fill in the required information, including your service details and a recent photo (see the next section for what you’ll need).
Veteran ID card application form >>>
Step 3: Wait for your Veteran ID card to arrive
• If you apply online, you’ll usually receive your card within 6 weeks
• If you apply by post, it may take up to 14 weeks
Can’t apply online or helping someone else?
You can contact Veterans UK Helpline for a paper application form, available in English or Welsh:
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Telephone: 0808 1914 218
What you will need to apply for Veteran ID card
Before starting your application, make sure you have:
• Your service number from your most recent period of service
• Your National Insurance number
• The approximate years you began and completed your service (exact dates are not required)
• A recent digital passport-style photo clearly showing your head and shoulders
Veteran ID card benefits
The Armed Forces Card is not just a recognition of your service; it provides access to practical support, discounts, and quicker access to services designed specifically for veterans.
Instant Proof of Service
With the Armed Forces Card, veterans can immediately prove their service status without needing to submit paperwork or wait for verification – making it easier and faster to access benefits and support.
Veterans ID card discounts
With the card, you can also apply for:
• Veterans Railcard: Save up to a third on most rail travel across England, Scotland and Wales.
• Defence Discount Service Card: Get discounts at over 12,000 restaurants and shops, both on the high street and online. Partners include: Samsung, LG, Lookfantastic, Garmin, Halfords, Bill's and many more
Special Offers During Key Dates
Enjoy exclusive offers during special periods, such as free travel on public transport to and from remembrance events during the Remembrance Sunday weekend.
Access to Veteran Support Services
The card also helps connect you with vital services designed to support your wellbeing:
• Op COURAGE – The NHS mental health specialist service for veterans. It offers expert support for a range of mental health needs, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
• Op RESTORE – A specialist NHS service that helps veterans with physical injuries and healthcare needs that result from their service, including rehabilitation, surgery, and recovery.
• Op FORTITUDE – A dedicated pathway to help veterans who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, offering tailored support to get back on their feet.
Employment Support and National Insurance Relief
Holding a Veteran ID card can also support your transition into civilian employment.
You may benefit from targeted employment schemes such as Great Place to Work, Going Forward into Employment, Advance into Justice, and Step into Health.
Additionally, if you’re entering your first civilian job after service, your employer could receive up to 12 months of National Insurance contribution relief, making you an even more attractive hire.
Blesma is a charity dedicated to supporting limbless veterans, offering a range of services to help our Members. We have nine Support Officers, an in-house prosthetics expert, and work closely with the UK health service to connect our Members with additional support when needed.
1Source: https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card
2Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-a-veteran-card-as-a-service-leaver
Last reviewed: 8th April 2025
We can help
We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK. Click the link below to find out the different kinds of support we offer.
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