Veterans' Affairs minister apologises as new veteran card not classed as valid voter ID

A former Army officer has received an apology from Veterans' Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer after the veteran was turned away and left "gutted" as his new veteran card was not legally classed as a voting ID.

Voting is under way in England and Wales for the 2024 local elections and in-person voters must show one of the 22 accepted forms of identification, but that doesn't include the new veteran ID card.

The card provides a memento of service whilst maintaining a tangible link to the Armed Forces, also allowing veterans to easily verify their service to the NHS, local authority and charities, enabling them to access support and services where needed.

• Veteran ID cards: All you need to know from application process to benefits and more
• England to get a Veterans' Commissioner – thanks to campaign by Royal British Legion
• Veteran ID Cards to officially launch along with online application system in January

On X, former Army officer Adam Diver said that he would be "fighting for this 'special ID' to be more formal" in the future.

He said: "I'm not one for complaining but I am gutted!

"I spent 27 years in the Army and today I was going to vote in my local elections.

"I was sadly turned away at the door as my veteran ID was not allowed as formal ID. I will be fighting for this 'special ID' to be 'more' formal."

Mr Mercer responded directly to the post on X saying: "I am sorry about this.

"The legislation on acceptable forms of ID came out before the veterans ID cards started coming out in January this year. I will do all I can to change it before the next one."

For a full list of the currently accepted identification such as passports and driving licences, click here.

After five months of testing the digital service, veterans since January have been able to apply for their cards by visiting the Government website at gov.uk/veteran-card.

Until the veteran ID card was created, there was no way for former personnel to easily prove they had been in the Armed Forces.

Previously, they had been required to hand back their ID card, known as a MOD 90, when they were discharged.