Today marks an important milestone in the government’s digital transformation journey as the digital Veteran Card is launched.
This represents more than just a new digital product; it’s the first step in delivering on our vision for a modern and accessible government that works better for everyone, as set out in the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, published earlier this year. It’s also an important step towards testing and learning from the credentials we’ve developed to pave the way for future functionality.
Putting veterans first
The digital Veteran Card allows those who have served our country to prove their veteran status from their smartphone, giving them a faster and more convenient way to access the services, discounts and recognition they’ve earned.
For the nearly 2 million veterans across the UK, this means:
- quick and easy verification of their veteran status from their smartphone
- greater flexibility and choice in how they access their services
- confidence that their personal information is protected in their secure GOV.UK One Login account
And there are benefits for departments, service providers and taxpayers too, as this digital transformation reduces administrative burden, offers quick checking of veteran status, and makes access to services more efficient – ultimately saving taxpayers’ money.
Now, next, later
We’ve worked alongside partners at the Ministry of Defence, Office for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Business Services to develop a digital Veteran card which will work alongside the physical card. When it is first rolled out, the card will be used for in-person transactions only. This means, for example, a veteran could get access to healthcare services, other local authority services and discounts at selected museums and attractions by showing their digital Veteran Card at the ticketing office.
We will introduce ways to use the digital Veteran Card online, and enhance in-person verification through automated digital checks, or ‘programmatic checking’ next year, as we add more credentials over time. It’s all part of our approach to deliver value quickly for our users, while building better digital services.
Building the foundations for digital government
The digital Veteran Card is the first digitised credential to be stored and shared from the GOV.UK One Login app. It allows users to securely store government-issued documents on their smartphones and use them easily when needed, which represents our vision for a more accessible, user-centred government.
As the first digital document to be stored in the GOV.UK One Login app, this paves the way for us to add more credentials over time, and as we expand this functionality we will move to talk about it as the GOV.UK Wallet. Each addition brings us closer to our vision of reducing bureaucracy and creating public services that are more responsive to people’s needs, and it begins with veterans.
As the digital Veteran Card is rolled out across the UK, we’re committed to continuous improvement through user testing and feedback. These insights will directly shape future digitised documents, creating an increasingly seamless experience for users.
Get involved
For veterans who want to try the digital Veteran Card, go to gov.uk/veteran-card for more information.
If you’re an organisation who accepts the physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card and wants more information on accepting the digital Veteran Card, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/champion-the-digital-veteran-card-in-your-organisation.
The future of government is digital, secure and accessible – and it’s beginning now.
Subscribe to the GDS blog to find out more about our work.
5 comments
Comment by David posted on
Thank you for replying and for retaining a physical card.
I accept your point about highly secure systems, however even the most secure have holes somewhere and when they become a target, a clever highly motivated or paid actor will breach even thebest site. We've seen tbis numeroustimes in recent years. You are no different and probably are and will be a target due to the huge propaganda value of exploiting a goverment site.
Stay safe and preserve our right to physically intetact with our government.
Comment by Anthony martin Wright posted on
Can I get free buses when I’m in Scotland given I have my England bus pass
Comment by Bill posted on
No.
Comment by David posted on
As a veteran I don't want a digital card and the risk of my personal data being hacked.
Will a physical card continue to exist or will I cease to be a veteran?
Many citizens don't want all this digital garbage in their lives. We are content with reliable physical items.
Government is for the people, even those who do not want to be digitally connected.
Comment by GOV.UK Digital Veterans Card Team posted on
Hi David,
The digital Veterans card is optional, and the physical card remains valid.
For reassurance, security and privacy have been and remain paramount when developing the digital Veterans card. Data is encrypted and stored securely, and access is controlled through multi-factor authentication. The system is designed to meet the highest standards of cyber security and data protection.
There is more information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/digital-version-of-veteran-card-launched-for-quicker-and-easier-access-to-support
Best,
GOV.UK Digital Veterans Card Team