The Veteran Card: what it is and where to use it

What is the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card?

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is an official card issued by the Ministry of Defence that proves you served in the UK armed forces. GOV.UK describes it as a way to make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran. It is free, and a digital version is also available.

The card replaced the need to dig out old discharge papers every time a service, charity or employer asks for proof of service. It carries your photo, so it can also be used as photo ID in some situations, including voting in UK elections.

If you already hold the physical card, you can add a digital version to the GOV.UK One Login app on a compatible iPhone or Android phone. See Get a digital version of your Veteran Card on GOV.UK.

Who can get a Veteran Card?

You can get a Veteran Card if you served in the regulars or reserves of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines. GOV.UK says you may also qualify if you served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary or the Merchant Navy in support of UK forces. Service in foreign forces does not count.

If you left the armed forces in or after December 2018, you do not need to apply. Your card comes in your service leavers’ pack, usually within 6 weeks of leaving. If you left before December 2018, you apply online through GOV.UK.

The card is for the person who served. Family members are not issued their own Veteran Card, although many forces discount schemes have separate routes for spouses and families.

How do I apply for a Veteran Card?

You apply for the Veteran Card on GOV.UK, not through British Veteran Owned or any other private site. It is free. You prove your identity with GOV.UK One Login, give your service number, National Insurance number and approximate service dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Cards usually arrive within 10 weeks.

If you cannot apply online, or you need help, the Veterans UK Helpline can send you a postal form. GOV.UK lists the helpline as 0808 1914 218, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Be wary of any website that charges a fee to apply on your behalf. The official application is at gov.uk/veteran-card/apply.

What can I use the Veteran Card for?

GOV.UK lists a wide range of uses: proving your identity when you vote, registering with your GP as a veteran, getting a Veterans Railcard or Veterans Oyster photocard, accessing housing and employment support, claiming National Insurance relief, and getting discounts at shops, restaurants, attractions and gyms that choose to offer them.

Discounts are voluntary. No business is required to accept the card, and each one sets its own terms. Always check eligibility before you buy.

Which veteran-owned businesses offer Veteran Card discounts?

Some verified businesses in the British Veteran Owned directory choose to offer a discount to veterans, serving personnel, military families or Veteran Card holders. Each business states its own offer and who qualifies. You can browse them on our veteran discounts page, which lists only businesses that have opted in.

Buying from a veteran-owned business keeps money within the forces community. The discount is a bonus; the business behind it has been checked by our team as majority-owned by a veteran, reservist or eligible family member.

If you run a veteran-owned business and want to offer something to the community, you can add a forces discount to your listing once you are verified.

Where else can veterans find forces discounts?

The Defence Discount Service is the official Ministry of Defence discount platform for the armed forces community, including veterans, and issues the Defence Privilege Card. Blue Light Card also accepts HM Armed Forces veterans. Both list national retailers and charge a small membership fee, so check their current terms before joining.

These schemes are the right place to look for big-brand high street and online offers. Our directory is different: it lists independent veteran-owned businesses, from local trades to national brands, and a discount is something each owner chooses to add.