Veterans’ Digital ID for UK Armed Forces off to a slow start

The UK government's digital veterans ID card, intended to provide a modern alternative to the physical Veteran Card, has seen a slow start since its launch in October 2025. According to the Government Digital Service (GDS), more than 15,000 former armed forces members have successfully applied for the digital version. However, this figure represents less than 1% of the approximately 1.8 million former personnel who are eligible for the physical card.

The physical Veteran Card has been automatically issued to those leaving the armed forces since 2019. Those who left before 2019 can apply for one for free. The digital card, which was originally planned for a summer 2025 launch, is held within the GOV.UK One Login app. The government plans to rebrand this app as the GOV.UK Wallet once it incorporates more forms of identity.

Current Limitations and Use Cases

Despite being digital, the new ID card has significant limitations compared to its physical counterpart. It cannot currently be used as photo identification for domestic British Airways flights or for applications to the Veterans Railcard, which offers discounted rail tickets. Furthermore, the digital card cannot be used online, restricting its utility to specific in-person scenarios. These include registering as a veteran with a general practitioner (GP) or claiming discounted entry to certain museums.

The GDS is actively working on digital programmatic verification for both veterans' ID cards and driving licenses, which would enable online use and remote verification. The agency plans to involve third-party service providers in tests of this programmatic verification later this year.

Broader Digital Identity Context

This initiative is part of the UK government's wider efforts to develop a national digital identity framework. The work predates Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's September announcement that digital identity would become compulsory for right-to-work checks by the end of the current Parliament. However, the government abandoned this policy earlier this month.

In December 2025, GDS began testing a digital version of the driving license using the same GOV.UK One Login app, involving both GDS staff and colleagues from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The GDS stated in a blog post that "later this year, the digital driving license will be rolled out more widely, enabling people to store their driving license on their phone, making it easier and faster to prove who you are and your driving entitlements."

Data Protection and Privacy Implications

The slow adoption of the veterans' digital ID raises questions about user trust and the practical value of current digital identity solutions. From a data protection perspective, the initiative involves the processing of sensitive personal data, including veteran status, which is considered special category data under the UK GDPR. The government must ensure that the digital ID system complies with principles of data minimization, purpose limitation, and security.

The limited functionality of the current digital card may be a deliberate design choice to manage risk, but it also reduces its utility. For the system to gain traction, it will need to offer clear advantages over the physical card while maintaining robust privacy protections. The planned programmatic verification feature could address some of these limitations, but it will require careful implementation to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

What Changes Next

The GDS's focus on programmatic verification suggests a future where digital IDs can be used for online services, potentially expanding their usefulness. However, the current low uptake indicates that veterans may not see sufficient value in the digital version, or they may have concerns about data security and privacy. The government will need to address these concerns and demonstrate the tangible benefits of the digital ID to encourage broader adoption.

As the UK continues to develop its digital identity infrastructure, the veterans' ID program serves as a case study in the challenges of transitioning from physical to digital credentials. The success of this and other digital identity initiatives will depend on their ability to balance convenience, security, and privacy, while meeting the needs of the users they are designed to serve.