Ministry Of Defence
An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.
Its free to apply.
You can currently only apply for a Veteran Card if you have a UK address. Veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year.
Check what you can do with a Veteran Card.
Who can get an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
You can apply if you were in the regulars or reserves for the:
- Royal Navy
- Army
- Royal Air Force (RAF)
- Royal Marines
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
- another group in the UK armed forces
You can check when you apply online or when you call to request a postal form.
You cannot apply if you served:
-
in the armed forces of another country
-
alongside the UK armed forces, for example in the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force
What youll need
When you apply, youll be asked for:
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your service number for your last period of service
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the approximate year you started and ended your service - it does not have to be exact
-
a recent digital passport style photo, showing your head and shoulders
Apply online
To apply online, youll need to prove your identity using GOV.UK One Login. Youll be able to create a GOV.UK One Login if you do not already have one.
To do this, youll need:
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an email address
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photo ID - for example, a UK passport or driving licence
You can only apply online if youre applying on your own behalf. If youre getting a card for someone else, apply by post.