Using an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as a service leaver
Find out more about the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, including how to apply for one and what the card can do for you.
What the card can do for you
It’s the quickest and easiest way to prove your veteran status.
The card is a recognition of your service, and owning one can help you maintain a link with your service identity.
It will help you access the many services, concessions and offers that organisations make available to veterans.
How to apply
![](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65c615e414b83c000ea715f1/HM_Armed_Forces_Veteran_Card.jpg)
If you’ve left service since 2019, you should have received an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card when leaving.
If you left service before 2019, you can apply by clicking the button below.
Examples of how the card can be used
You need to verify your veteran status when you:
- get a Veterans’ Railcard, entitling you up to a third off most rail travel in England, Scotland and Wales
- get a Defence Discount Service Card, to claim discounts in over 12,000 restaurants and shops, on the high street and online
- access specific offers during special events, such as free travel on public transport to and from remembrance events on the weekend of Remembrance Sunday
Other ways a card can help
There are a number of military and government initiatives available to veterans where your Veteran Card may be useful. These include:
- 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
- housing support and guidance from the Op FORTITUDE team
- exemption from a local connection test when applying for social housing (if you were serving in the regular forces at any time in the 5 years before your application) – for further guidance, see Social housing allocations guidance
- support and services from criminal justice agencies, such as the Police, Probation Service and the Prison Service (as part of Op NOVA)
Updates to this page
Last updated 9 February 2024 + show all updates
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Added image of sample Veteran Card.
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Added lines on local connection test exemption for social housing allocation.
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Page updated to reflect card application process is now live.
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Added bullet 'get a Defence Discount Service Card, to claim discounts in over 12,000 restaurants and shops, on the high street and online'
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First published.