Veteran's Service Card 

From: National Defence

What is the Veteran’s Service Card?

The NDI 75 Veteran's Service Card is a card issued by the Canadian government to recognize former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who have been honorably released. It provides a tangible symbol of recognition for former CAF members’ service and encourages an enduring affiliation with the organization.

Some companies and organizations offer discounts to Veterans, but any commercial or other benefits that may accrue to a Veteran’s Service Card holder will be at the discretion of the granting entity.

NDI 75 Veteran’s Service Cards do not expire.

The Veteran’s Service Card

• is not intended for official use as an identification card, pursuant to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and other guidelines on official identification cards
• does not automatically grant the holder admission or access to Canadian or other defense facilities
• is not intended to replace the CFOne card. Active CAF members, veterans, and their families are encouraged to apply for a CFOne Card to access programs and services delivered by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, including the CANEX Rewards Program and the official discount program offered through CF Appreciation Program. Become a CF One Member | CFMWS.
• is not required to access benefits and services from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). To apply for a MyVAC account or receive more info on VAC services and benefits, visit their website. 
• is not required to access health care services from any provincial or territorial health care system
• is not required to access priority hiring within the federal public service

Who is eligible

You are eligible to receive a Veteran’s Service Card if you have:

• served in the Regular Force or Primary Reserves of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), in the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) and/or Canadian Rangers for any period of service;
• completed basic training^{Footnote 1}; and been honourably released from the Canadian Armed Forces^{Footnote 2}.

How to apply

You may apply for a new or replacement Veteran’s Service Card either online or by mail. We strongly recommend that you apply via the online application portal as it may expedite your request.

Because of privacy and security considerations, we are not authorized to receive or process any Veteran’s Service Card applications by email or by email attachment.

Note: For serving Regular Force members in the process of releasing, your respective release center will automatically apply for a card on your behalf at or shortly before your first release interview. For Reserve Force members, application for the card will be coordinated through your unit’s administration section. You should receive your card at your final release interview when you hand in your NDI 20, CF Identification Card.

1. 1. Online

   Apply for your card online, or check on the status of an existing application, using the Veteran’s Service Card secure online portal.

2. 2. By mail

   • Download the Veteran’s Service Card Application Form [PDF-63.1KB],  and fill it out electronically before printing off. For handwritten submissions, please fill out the form using clear block letters.
   • Ensure you keep one copy of your application for your own records.
   • Include the following with your application form:
     • a passport-like quality photo;
     • proof of identity such as a scan or photocopy of a valid government-issued photo identification; and
     • a copy of a Canadian Armed Forces certificate of service, if available (optional).

Mail the application form and enclosures to:

Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group Headquarters
60 Moodie Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K2
Attention: Veteran’s Service Cards (VSC)

Cannot find Proof of Service?

If you cannot find any documents which provide proof of your service, you may obtain this information by submitting an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to Library and Archives Canada. Information on how to submit an ATIP request can be found on the Library and Archives Canada website.

You will need to request a “Proof of Service” package and indicate that it is for the purpose of obtaining a Veteran’s Service Card. This service is free, and the response time is approximately 30 days.

Contact us

For more information or for assistance, contact the Veteran’s Service Card team at VSCQuestions.EnquetesCSAC@forces.gc.ca.