If you haven’t already started the application for your official Veteran ID card, it may be because you haven’t had the time - or perhaps you’re wondering what is the point? 

Well, up until now, there has been no easy way for veterans to prove they were in the Armed Forces, with serving personnel being required to hand back their ID card (the MOD 90) upon discharge.

If you left the military recently, you may already have the new Veteran ID card. But those who left before December 2018 will not.

The new, official card (which can be applied for online) is being delivered by the Ministry of Defence and Office for Veterans’ Affairs as part of ongoing improvements to veteran support.

Up until now, there has been no easy way for veterans to prove they were in the Armed Forces.


Veteran ID card benefits

  • Provides a memento of service and signifies your belonging to the Armed Forces community
  • Allows you to easily verify your service to the NHS, your local authority and military charities
  • Can be used to get a Defence Discount Service Card. The Defence Discount Service card is recognised online and on the high street, giving Armed Forces discounts on items such as holidays, cars, insurance, days out, fashion and phones in over 12,000 shops and restaurants
  • Is an easy way to verify your service to get a Veterans’ railcard, entitling you to up to a third off most rail travel in England, Scotland and Wales
  • Allows access to specific offers during special events. For example, free travel on public transport to and from remembrance events on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday
  • May be useful when accessing other services and government initiatives available to veterans, including employment initiatives such as Great Place to Work, Going Forward into Employment, Advance into Justice and Step into Health; National Insurance Relief for your employer in your first civilian role after service for up to 12 months; and housing support and guidance from the Op FORTITUDE team.

Who can get a Veteran ID Card?

If you were in the regulars or reserves for the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force (RAF) or Royal Marines, you can apply for a Veteran ID Card.

You may also be able to apply if you served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Merchant Navy - and you sailed in support of the UK Armed Forces - or another group in the UK Armed Forces.

You won’t be eligible for a Veteran ID card if you served in the Armed Forces for another country, or if you served alongside the UK Armed Forces.

When can I apply for a UK Veteran ID Card?

As mentioned, if you are a service leaver who has been discharged since 18  February 2019, or retrospectively you left on or after 17 December 2018, you should already have been provided with a Veterans ID Card.

For veterans with a UK address that haven’t been provided with an ID card, you can apply for one now.

Veterans without a UK address will be able to apply for one later this year.

What you’ll need to get a Veteran ID Card

A Veterans ID Card is free to apply for, however you will be asked for the following during your application

  • Your service number for your last period of service
  • National Insurance Number
  • The approximate year you started and ended your service
  • Digital passport-style photo, including your head and shoulders.

How to apply for a Veteran ID card

There are a few ways to apply for a Veterans ID card.

If you are applying for yourself, you will be able to apply online by visiting the government website.

For those unable to apply online, or if you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you will be required to apply via post. To choose this option, contact Veterans UK Helpline who will send you a form to complete and return by post. 

    They can be contacted via email (veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk) or telephone (0808 1914 218), Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

    If you have applied for your card online, you can expect to receive it within six weeks. If you have applied via post, it can take up to 14 weeks.

    Get help

    If you need support with your physical or mental health, feel lonely, or need help with housing, or applying for benefits, just get in touch. We also host free activities and events across the UK so you can spend time with other veterans and find activities to enjoy in your community.

    To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.

    Ask for Help

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