Apply for or replace a medal or veterans badge

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Replace a medal

You can get a replacement medal from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if your medal was stolen, damaged or destroyed, for example in a fire or flood.

The medal must have been awarded for service after World War 1.

You can also apply for someone else’s medal if:

  • you have a lasting power of attorney (LPA) for them
  • they have died and the MOD recognises you as their next of kin

You’ll have to pay for the replacement medal. The cost depends on the type of medal.

If your medal has been lost

You cannot get a replacement if you’ve lost your medal. You can buy replica medals from a medal manufacturer or medal dealer.

Apply for information about a medal for details of what was awarded, including any inscriptions.

What you’ll need

You’ll have to explain how the medal was stolen, damaged or destroyed. You’ll also need to provide a copy of either:

  • a police crime report
  • a successful insurance claim listing the individual medals

You’ll need details of your service including the dates you served.

If you earned your medal working in support of the armed forces - for example, as a civilian working for the Ministry of Defence - you’ll also need to give your National Insurance number.

You may also need to provide evidence for RAF campaign medals, such as flight logs.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of someone else 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
  • to be the next of kin, as recognised by the MOD

You can only replace medals awarded to someone who has died if the MOD recognises you as their next of kin. The rules for next of kin for replacement medals are:

  • the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal
  • if there’s no spouse or child, the parent can apply
  • if there’s no spouse or parent, the eldest child can apply

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.

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

Apply online

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

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

After you’ve applied

The Ministry of Defence Medals Office will review your request. They’ll contact you, usually within 16 weeks, to tell you:

  • if there is a charge for the replacement medal
  • how to pay
  • how to return the original medal, if the one you’re replacing is damaged

You’ll usually receive your replacement medals in this time, but some applications take longer based on the information you provide.

You’ll be asked to confirm you’ve received your medal.

Get help

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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