How to Get and Use Your Free Carer ID Card

Being recognised as an unpaid Carer can make daily life easier, but many Carers in Wiltshire tell us this is still a challenge. In our survey, only 28.5% of Carers agreed they feel recognised and respected. Carers attending our focus group said they wanted to be recognised as an expert, while many said they wanted clearer proof of their caring role.

That’s why our Carer ID Card is so important. It’s a free, simple way to show you’re a Carer – whether at work, school, healthcare appointments, or out and about.

What is the Carer ID Card?
The Carer Friendly ID Card is available as both a physical card and a digital version on your mobile phone. It displays your photo, just like a driving licence, so you can easily prove your caring status.


Benefits of Having a Carer ID Card

  • Verification of Your Caring Role
    Show that you are a Carer in workplaces, colleges, or healthcare settings – whether you are in paid work, a Young Adult Carer, or supporting medical discussions.
  • Security
    Carrying a card means you don’t need to bring sensitive paperwork with you.
  • Confidentiality
    Quickly prove your caring status without having to explain your situation in front of the person you care for.
  • Peace of Mind
    Your card includes In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details, giving reassurance that the person that you provide care for will be supported if something happens to you.
  • Exclusive Discounts & Offers
    You’ll get access to our Wellbeing Directory, discounts across Wiltshire (see below), and hundreds of online savings through Discounts for Carers.


Where Can I Use My Carer ID Card?

Our Carer ID Card can be used in a variety of situations to effectively explain your caring responsibilities and the impact that this role has on your life.  Your card can be used to:

  • Explain lateness at work, as you may have to wait for paid carers to arrive
  • Show employers why you need flexibility or, explain the need to take urgent caring phone calls
  • Collect prescriptions from pharmacies
  • Validate your role and provide valuable input to medical staff and social workers
  • Access events, attractions, and discounts across Wiltshire and beyond.

During the pandemic, Carers used their ID card to legitimately travel outside of their area and access priority shopping hours to support the person they care for as a key worker.

Local Discounts and Free Entry

As of November 2025, Carer ID Cardholders can access a wide range of discounts and free entry across Wiltshire, including:

  • Free entry if you are with the person that you care for: Wiltshire Museum, The Hall Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge Museum (free entry to all).
  • Discounts: McBrides Diner(10% discount on food and drink), Indico (10% discount in store), Radiant Soul (10% discount on holistic therapy session), Cesar’s Coffee (10% on food and drink), Sole Luna (5% discount).

See the full and regularly updated list in our Wellbeing Directory, just type in Wiltshire Dorset with a 10-mile radius in the search filter.

Carers’ Voices

Here’s what some Carers told us about their card:

  • “Ordered a card for my daughter that cares for me and her Grandmother with parkinsons. So useful for her just to have the identification especially if out and about for supporting at events etc.”
  • “I find Discount for Carers a great support package. I use them for travelling and to book hotels, I also use them for discounts on meals out.”
  • “Found the card very useful for gaining access to hospital and Care Home during Covid restrictions.”

How to Apply


The Carer ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is available for FREE to unpaid Carers in Wiltshire. You will also receive instructions on how to access a digital card that is downloadable to your phone. Once you apply for a Carer ID Card, Wiltshire Council will contact you to offer support with contingency planning. This is part of their commitment to ensuring Carers have peace of mind in the event they are unable to provide care.

 To register for your Carer ID Card, click the relevant button below to Get Help  

Adult Carers
Young Carers (10 – 18 years old)
Click to view a Video to Help you Apply for the Carer ID Card

Help Us Grow Carer Friendly Communities

  • Tried your card somewhere new? Let us know at info@forwardcarers.org.uk so we can approach them to officially join and offer a discount.
  • Know a local business keen to help? Ask them to sign up to our free Carer Friendly scheme.
  • Want to do more? Spread the word and encourage more businesses and services to provide offers.

Your Carer ID Card is more than just proof – it’s recognition, support, and peace of mind.

Apply today and make sure you’re valued for the vital role you play.