One year on: Veterans Cards go digital
When the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Office for Veterans Affairs launched ID cards for Service leavers, thousands of ex-Service personnel were eligible to apply. It marked a major milestone in the recognition of UK Veterans. Now, 12 months on, a digital version of the cards has been announced for people to access support services even quicker.
Since the first ID cards were released in 2024, more than 250,000 Veterans have applied for their card. The Ministry of Defence says the cards provide recognition of Service in the Armed Forces, as well as helping Veterans access public and charitable sector support if needed. The card can also be used to apply for a Veteran Railcard to save on rail travel on most journeys.
In a further rollout, the digital identification cards are expected to be released this year. The MoD says this will allow users to instantly download their card on to their smartphone. The date for digital release has still to be confirmed. Meanwhile, if you are an Armed Forces Veteran, who left the Forces before December 2018, you can still apply free of charge for your printed card. To apply, you will need your service number, national insurance, approximate dates for start and end of service, as well as a recent digital passport-style photograph.
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