Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that the HM Armed Forces Veteran ID card is accepted as photo identification by (a) banks, (b) foreign exchange services and (c) polling stations.

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card was introduced to improve recognition of our veterans and provide an easier way to prove veteran status when accessing the services, discounts and concessions available to veterans.

The Veteran Card is now accepted within the identity checking policies of many organisations including as identification for voting in elections, where it is included on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD Form 90 Defence Identity Card. The Veteran Card can also be used as evidence in Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks and for some domestic flights with some airlines.

It is important to note that it is not a formal identity document, and different organisations will have their own policies in this regard. Banks are required to follow specific regulations and standards for identity verification, which specify a small number of official identity documents, such as a passport or driving licence.

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs continually advocates for wider acceptance of the Veteran Card where possible within legislative and sector-specific constrains.