The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, also known as a Veterans ID card, is being issued to allow ex-service personnel to easily verify their service and access support services where needed.

It will now be accepted as a valid photo ID at polling stations, starting with the local elections in May 2025 moving forward.

Find out what else you can use an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card for on GOV.UK.

If you have left HM Armed Forces on or after 17th December 2018, you will automatically be given one of the new ID cards.

Anyone who has left HM Armed Forces before 17th December 2018, will have to apply for the new ID card.

If you are due to be discharged soon, you will receive your HM Armed Forces Veteran Card and Veterans Badge as part of your Service Leavers Pack.

Find out more about the Service Leavers Pack and what it contains on GOV.UK.

Read more about Veterans Lapel Badges on the Knowledge Base website.

After you have applied

You should receive your Veteran ID Card within:

• 6 weeks, if you apply online, or
• 14 weeks, if you apply by post

If you need to get in touch with Veterans UK you can do so using the contact details below.

Get in touch

Visit the Veterans UK website to find out more or:

• Telephone: 08081 914 218
• Telephone overseas: +44 (0) 1253 866 043

Calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks

Email: [email protected]

The team is available from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Learn about Veterans UK call charges on GOV.UK.

Receiving your card if you live in Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland you can choose to have your card send directly to you, or to collect it from a Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) office.

You can find your nearest VWS office by emailing the team via: [email protected].

Apply Now