Apply for or replace an armed forces veterans badge

Use this service to apply for or replace an armed forces veterans badge. You can get a veterans badge for regular or reserve service in any of the UK armed forces:

• Royal Navy or Royal Marines 
• army
• Royal Air Force (RAF)

You cannot apply if you:

• only served in the cadet forces
• served in the armed forces of another country
• served alongside the UK armed forces, for example in the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force

There’s no fee if you’re applying for your first veterans badge, or if you’re replacing it for the first time.

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a serviceperson who’s died if you get either:

• a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension
• compensation under the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP)

How to apply 

You’ll be asked for:

• service number
• dates of service

But you can still apply without this information.

Apply online

You can also download a veterans badge application form and send it in by post.

After you’ve applied 

You’ll usually get your veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying. 

You can also apply for a medal if you’re eligible.

Get help

Apply for a medal

You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible.

Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issues.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:

• the army
• the Royal Navy
• the Royal Marines
• the Royal Air Force (RAF)
• the Home Guard
• the reserve forces

You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules for the official next of kin are:

• the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child
• if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply
• if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form.

If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you must include a copy of either your lasting power of attorney or a death certificate.

Post the form, along with any supporting documents, to the MOD Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your medal within 12 weeks of sending the application form.

You can apply for a replacement medal if the original’s been stolen or accidentally destroyed, for example in a fire.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your medal application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Replace a medal

You can only get a replacement medal from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if it was stolen or destroyed, for example in a fire or flood. The medal must have been awarded for service after World War 1. You’ll have to pay for the replacement medal plus a fee.

You’ll need to show proof by providing a copy of either a:

• police crime report 
• successful insurance claim listing the individual items

There’s a different process if you’re replacing a veterans badge.

How to apply 

Download and fill in the medal application form to ask for a replacement medal. Post the form to the MOD Medal Office, along with:

• a letter explaining how the medal was stolen or destroyed
• a copy of the police report or insurance claim

The address is on the form.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter from the Medal Office - usually within 10 working days of when your application’s received.

You’ll be told how much the replacement will cost and how to pay if your application’s successful. The cost depends on the type of medal. It includes an administration fee.

You’ll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment.

Apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

• were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman
• served in a vessel used to support the UK Armed Forces

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.

How to apply

You can apply for a badge through the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

If you’re a member of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, apply for the armed forces veterans badge.

Apply for a UK merchant navy medal

You can apply for a UK merchant navy medal if you were a member of the merchant navy and you:

• served in a vessel used to support the UK armed forces
• meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for

How to apply

Complete the application form and send it to the address on the form. You’ll also need to send your seaman’s discharge book.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply for someone else if either:

• they’ve died
• you have lasting power of attorney

You must include a copy of the death certificate or your lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules are:

• the person’s spouse or civil partner has first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child
• if there’s no spouse or child, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a decision within 30 working days of your application being received.

Get help

Email seafarers_registry@mcga.gov.uk if you need help with your application.

Replace a lost or stolen medal

You’ll need to complete the application form if your medal is lost or has been stolen.

If you want to appeal or complain

You can write to or email the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to:

• appeal a decision
• complain about how you’ve been treated

You should include any new evidence you have if you make an appeal.