On 17 October 2025, the UK Government introduced its first fully digital credential, the Armed Forces Veteran Card, marking a major step toward UK mobile identity solutions stored within the GOV.UK One Login app.
The digital card complements the existing physical card, containing the same core data, including the holder’s name, date of birth, service number, branch of service and expiry date. It is intended to help former UK service personnel prove veteran status when accessing services and benefits within the UK.
The UK’s new digital Armed Forces Veteran Card
The physical and digital cards support access to:
- Dedicated health and welfare support for former service personnel.
- Housing and social assistance programs.
- Employment and career transition services.
- Travel and retail discount schemes.
As both the digital and physical cards operate alongside each other, users can continue to choose their preferred format. UK Government data indicates that about 12.5% of two million eligible veterans currently hold the physical Veteran Card. The launch of the new digital Veteran Card aims to boost uptake by providing a quicker, smartphone-based way to prove veteran status and access services.
Security relies on the UK Governments One Login authentication process together with device-level protections such as biometric unlocking. Eligibility data is maintained by defense authorities, while the Government Digital Service provides the platform on which the credential is stored and displayed. The approach is designed so that personal information remains under the user’s control on their device, with no tracking of when or where the credential is presented.
As the UK transitions toward mobile credentials, the launch of the digital Veteran Card also serves as a pilot. This initiative signals the UK’s move toward a digital identity framework, with GOV.UK One Login evolving into a secure digital wallet for multiple government-issued documents.
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Phil is a Document Expert at Keesing Technologies with 21+ years in document authentication and fraud prevention. Former Operational fraud lead at the DVLA, he has trained UK Government, MOD, and Police officers from the UK, Italy, Spain, Nigeria and Kosovo. He has helped redesign documents and advance Forensic ID verification technologies. Awarded a Queens Honour for reducing UK transport fraud, Phil’s work has prevented millions in losses and enhanced global document security.
