Apply for or replace a medal or veterans badge

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Apply for information about a medal

Apply for medal information if you need:

  • a record of medals issued by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), including inscriptions
  • to check if someone qualifies for a specific medal

You can apply for medal information for regular or reserve service in the:

  • Royal Navy or Royal Marines
  • British Army
  • Royal Air Force (RAF)
  • Home Guard
  • Ministry of Defence

You can also apply for:

  • someone who has died
  • someone you have lasting power of attorney (LPA) for

You cannot apply if you served only in the cadet forces – contact cadet headquarters instead.

Which medals you can get information on

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

Apply to the National Archives for information on World War 1 medals.

What you’ll need

You’ll need details of your service including the dates you served. You may also need to provide evidence for RAF campaign medals, such as flight logs.

If you worked in support of the armed forces - for example, as a civilian working with the Ministry of Defence - you’ll need to provide your National Insurance number.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal information

You can apply for someone else’s medal information if you have a lasting power of attorney. You’ll need digital evidence, for example a scan or photo of the LPA.

If the person has died, you’ll need:

  • a copy of their death certificate - unless they died in service or were born more than 116 years ago
  • details of their career, including service dates

How to apply

It usually takes about 15 minutes to apply.

To apply online, you’ll need to prove your identity using GOV.UK One Login if:

  • you’re applying for your own medal information
  • you have LPA for the person whose records you’re applying for

You’ll be able to create a GOV.UK One Login if you do not already have one.

To do this, you’ll need:

  • an email address
  • photo ID - for example, a UK passport or driving licence

You do not need to prove your identity if you’re applying for the records of someone who has died.

Apply online

You can also download a medal application form and send it by post.

If you’re still serving, apply through your unit’s HR department.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your medal information within 16 weeks.

Get help with your application

If you need help with your application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Help from Veterans UK

Get help if you do not:

  • feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • have internet access
  • have access to a device, such as a laptop or smartphone

Veterans UK
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 218
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

View a printable version of the whole guide

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