If you haven’t already started the application for your official Veteran ID card, it may be because you haven’t had the time - or perhaps you’re wondering what is the point? 

Well, up until now, there has been no easy way for veterans to prove they were in the Armed Forces, with serving personnel being required to hand back their ID card (the MOD 90) upon discharge.

If you left the military recently, you may already have the new Veteran ID card. But those who left before December 2018 will not.

The new, official card (which can be applied for online) is being delivered by the Ministry of Defence and Office for Veterans’ Affairs as part of ongoing improvements to veteran support.

So why get one?

The new Veteran ID card:

• Provides a memento of service and signifies your belonging to the Armed Forces community
• Allows you to easily verify your service to the NHS, your local authority and military charities
• Can be used to get a Defence Discount Service Card. The Defence Discount Service card is recognised online and on the high street, giving Armed Forces discounts on items such as holidays, cars, insurance, days out, fashion and phones in over 12,000 shops and restaurants
• Is an easy way to verify your service to get a Veterans’ railcard, entitling you to up to a third off most rail travel in England, Scotland and Wales
• Allows access to specific offers during special events. For example, free travel on public transport to and from remembrance events on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday
• May be useful when accessing other services and government initiatives available to veterans, including: employment initiatives such as Great Place to Work, Going Forward into Employment, Advance into Justice and Step into Health; National Insurance Relief for your employer in your first civilian role after service for up to 12 months; and housing support and guidance from the Op FORTITUDE team.