From today, veterans will be able to collect a digitalised version of their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via the GOV.UK One Login app, as the first form of digital ID ready for the government to announce its use. This will provide a huge benefit to former armed forces members post their national service, allowing easier access to use vital government services.
The BritCard initiative was announced last month, and is big news for establishing a national digital ID, which will be mandatory for working in the UK and passing Right to Work checks by the end of the Parliament. Digital IDs, in any form, that the government is currently exploring in its blueprint for digital government aims to empower citizens. Hence, the digital veteran card will help approximately 2 million citizens in this category with activities from registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the press release said. Currently, its functionality can be used in-person only, and not for online services yet.
It will establish efficient public services that work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change. The status of veterans will be easily verified by including their personal information on the physical card, such as name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.
Once an application is reviewed and approved, downloading the card only takes a few minutes and is much quicker than waiting for a physical card to arrive by post. The scheme provides a convenient proof of service directly in veterans’ pockets, emphasising which service of the Armed Forces they last served in to unlock service-specific support. This also highlights the government’s stress on protecting the national workforce and productivity.
Veterans can download it via the GOV.UK One Login app, which uses passcodes, Face ID, or Touch ID. It is entirely optional and some citizens can still choose to use a physical card. Full end-to-end programmatic verification will be rolled out over the next year, to open up a wider range of uses such as domestic air travel or getting a Veteran Rail Card.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, reiterated this loyalty to veterans, saying:
“Our veterans have given everything by serving for their country and it is only right that we give them all the support they need. As we deliver national renewal we are modernising our public services so they work around people’s lives and keep pace with the digital world we live in.
The digital Veterans Card will help remove barriers, reduce red-tape and make it easier for people to access the public services they need.”
The GOV.UK One Login app launched earlier in the year providing the grounding for innovations like the digital veteran card, which is the first first digital government document to be stored inside it. Over time as more credentials are added, like the digital driving licence, bringing this capability to a bigger group of users will allow a transition to potentially talking about it as the GOV.UK Wallet”, the statement said.
How veterans can use the card:
- Access services such as Op RESTORE for physical health, and Op COURAGE for mental health and well-being.
- Confirm their military background to access supported housing through Op FORTITUDE
- Get support from career advisors through free government-backed service, Op ASCEND
For a range of ‘Digital ID in Govt’ sessions, register early for Identity Week Europe 2026. There will be key panel talks addressing the challenge of ensuring digital IDs are accessible to all, including the elderly and those without smartphones or internet access.
