Using your HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-23)

Find out more about the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, including how to apply for one and how it can be used.

What the Veteran Card can do for you

Owning an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is the quickest and easiest way to prove your veteran status and maintain your service identity.

You can use the card to:
- vote in UK elections
- access support services for veterans
- prove your identity on British Airways domestic flights
- access the many services, discounts and special offers that organisations make available to veterans
How to get a Veteran Card

If you left the armed forces in 2019 or later, you should have received a Veteran Card when you left service.

If you left before 2019, you can apply online.

You can now also download a digital version of your card directly to your smartphone.

Apply now (https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card)

When to use your Veteran Card

You can use your card whenever you need to prove your veteran status. Examples include:

Voting in UK elections

Use your card to prove your identity when voting.

Looking for work

Use your card to:
- Great Place to Work (https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/great-place-to-work-for-veterans/)
- Going Forward into Employment (https://gfie.blog.gov.uk/category/veterans/)
- Advance into Justice (https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/roles-at-hmpps/jobs-for-veterans/)
- Step into Health (https://www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/)
- claim National Insurance contributions relief for your first civilian employer after service (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-national-insurance-contributions-relief-for-veterans-as-an-employer)
- access benefits support
Find out more about finding an ex-military job after leaving the armed forces (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/finding-a-job-as-a-veteran).

Managing your health

Use your card to:
- register with your GP as a veteran
- access Op COURAGE (https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans/op-courage-the-veterans-mental-health-and-wellbeing-service)
- access Op RESTORE (https://www.oprestore.nhs.uk/) (GP referral required)
Find out more about managing your mental health (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-your-mental-health-as-a-veteran) and managing illness or injury (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-illness-or-injury-as-a-veteran) as a veteran.

Getting discounts

Use your card to:
- get a Defence Privilege Card (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-discounts-as-a-veteran#apply-for-a-defence-privilege-card)
- the Armed Forces Free Swimming Scheme (Wales)
- free or subsidised gym access (some English councils)
- get discounted entry to museums and attractions
Find out more about getting discounts as a veteran (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-discounts-as-a-veteran).

Making travel easier and cheaper

Use your card to:
- prove your identity on British Airways domestic flights
- get a Veterans Railcard (https://www.veterans-railcard.co.uk/)
- get a Veterans Oyster photocard (https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/veterans-oyster-photocard)
Getting housing support

Use your card to:
- access Op FORTITUDE (https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans/op-fortitude)
- get referred to the Veterans Nomination Scheme (https://www.stoll.org.uk/housing/vns/)
- claim exemption from a local connection test when applying for social housing
Find out more about finding a civilian home as a veteran (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/finding-a-civilian-home-as-a-veteran) and getting homelessness support as a veteran (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-homelessness-support-as-a-veteran).

Getting support from criminal justice agencies

Use your card to:
- access Op NOVA (https://www.forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/op-nova/)
- access NOVA Scotland (https://www.forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/nova-scotland/)
- access NHS Veterans Wales (https://www.veteranswales.co.uk/)
Find out more about getting help with criminal justice issues as a veteran (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-help-with-criminal-justice-issues-as-a-veteran).