Veterans ID Card Explained

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is official proof that you served, so you don't have to dig out your discharge papers every time someone asks for evidence of it.

If you left after December 2018 you should already have one, because it comes in your service leavers' pack within six weeks of your discharge date. You only need to apply if you left before then.

There's no fee, and one day of service is enough to qualify. Once your card has been issued you can also add a digital version to your phone.

Who is eligible?

You qualify if you served in the Regulars or Reserves of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army or RAF, and a single day of service is enough. Your rank, your trade, how long you served and the way you left don't affect it.

Service in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary counts as well, as does time in the Merchant Navy supporting UK armed forces operations, along with a few other UK armed forces groups.

Service in a foreign armed force doesn't qualify, and neither does working alongside UK forces without being part of them.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Official proof of service: The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (MOD form 100) evidences your service without you having to produce your full service records.
  • Accepted photo ID for voting: It is on the accepted list of photo ID for UK elections and referendums, alongside the Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90).
  • Identity for domestic flights: The physical card is accepted as proof of identity on domestic flights with British Airways and easyJet.
  • Access to veteran services: It evidences your eligibility when you approach Veterans UK, NHS veterans' services or service charities for support.
  • Discounts and offers: Businesses that run veteran discounts accept it as proof of service.
  • Free of charge: There is no application fee.
  • Available digitally: You can also get a digital version of the card on your phone.

How do I apply?

  • Check whether one is already on its way: If you left the armed forces after December 2018, your card arrives automatically in your service leavers' pack within 6 weeks of your discharge date — you do not need to apply. Only those who left before December 2018 need to make an application.
  • Confirm you are eligible: You qualify if you served in the Regulars or Reserves of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army or RAF. Service in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Merchant Navy in support of UK armed forces operations, and certain other UK armed forces groups can also qualify. Service in a foreign armed force does not.
  • Apply on GOV.UK: Apply online at gov.uk/veteran-card, or call the number given there to request a postal application form. Your eligibility is checked as part of the online application.
  • Have your service details ready: Your application is matched against MoD records, so you will need your service number and your dates of service.
  • Add the digital card once issued: When your card has been issued, follow the GOV.UK route to add a digital version to your phone.

Common questions

How do you get a veterans ID card?

If you left after December 2018 you do not need to apply, because the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card arrives automatically in your service leavers' pack within 6 weeks of discharge. If you left before then, apply on GOV.UK or call to request a postal form.

Is the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card free?

Yes. There is no application fee, and a digital version is available for your phone.

Can you use a Veteran Card as photo ID to vote?

Yes. The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, MOD form 100, is on the accepted list of photo ID for UK elections and referendums, and the physical card is also accepted on domestic flights with British Airways and easyJet.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO