HM Armed Forces Veteran ID Cards officially launched

Updated: 21 October 2024

Following five months of testing, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Office for Veterans Affairs has officially launched HM Armed Forces Veteran ID Cards to improve ongoing veteran support in the UK, enabling veterans to mark their time in service, easily prove their Armed Forces service and access support services available to them. This includes the NHS, charities, and local authorities.

Previously the MOD required that ID cards be handed back when service personnel were discharged from the Armed Forces. The new ID cards are available widely to ex-service personnel and aimed at supporting all veterans including those who are experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and with limited access to digital services.

The ID cards are available to veterans (regulars or reserves) for the:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Marines
• Royal Navy

Veterans may be eligible if they served in another group of the Armed Forces, but they will need to check when applying online or via a postal form. 

How do you sign up for a Veteran ID Card?

The Veteran ID Cards are free and veterans can apply for their ID cards at GOV.UK/Veteran-card.

A paper application form is also available to those who struggle to access digital services. To apply by post, contact the Veterans UK Helpline:

Veterans UK Helpline
veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Telephone: 0808 1914 218
Monday to Friday- 8am to 4pm

The ID cards are only available to those with a UK address. It will be available more widely later in the year.

What do you need to apply for a Veteran ID Card?

When applying you will be asked for:

• Your service number
  
• National Insurance number
• The approximate year you started and ended your service (this does not have to be exact)
• Digital passport style photo, showing your head and shoulders

What are the benefits of a Veteran ID Card?

Veterans who left the Armed Forces before December 2018 can use the service to prove their careers in the Armed Forces and will receive an ID card in the post. They can then use the new ID cards for:

• Identity checks using the One Login Service on GOV.UK website
• Online applications via GOV.UK website
• Confirm veteran status through the MOD service records database
• Apply for Defence Discount Service cards and Veterans Railcard

Announced in October 2024, the government will be allowing the Veteran ID Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections. These changes are set to be made in time for the 2025 local elections in May.

Other ways the card can be used

The Veteran Card can be used for a number of military and government initiatives including:

• Housing support and guidance from Op FORTITUDE
• National Insurance Relief for your employer for up to 12 months in your first civilian role after service

You can find the full list of ways the Veteran Card can be used at GOV.UK.

How long will it take for my Veteran ID Card to arrive?

You'll get your Veteran ID Card within 6 week if you apply online and 14 weeks if you apply by post.

If you live in Northern Ireland you can have your card sent to you in the post or collect your card from a Veterans Welfare Service (NI) office.

How can Walking With The Wounded help you?

WWTW are aware that some veterans may find it difficult to navigate the application process.

Our frontline team are available to support those who need it through the sign-up process, ensuring that veterans can access the help that they need. For support, get in touch or speak directly with your WWTW point of contact.