How to Recognise a Genuine National Disability Card: Security Features
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When you rely on a disability card to speak for you, confidence and trust matters. You should be able to show it to staff at venues, fellow travellers or members of the public knowing it is genuine, secure and built to be recognised. Whether you're a staff member at one of our partner venues, or you want to double check you're looking at the right thing - here's how to know you've got a genuine National Disability Card.
1. A genuine card is printed on both sides
First, a genuine National Disability Card is printed on both sides. That matters because it allows important information and security features to be built into the card properly, rather than squeezing everything onto a single face. It allows deters copies which may be easier to print on a single side only. A genuine National Disability Card has a QR code, a repeating photo of the card holder and a barcode on the back, among other features.
2. Highly complex card design
Second, the National Disability Card features high levels of security and a unique custom design that is near-impossible to replicate. It conveys a serious message, and it looks serious: not cartoonish or simplistic. That is part of what helps make the card harder to copy and more trusted when you need to use it. Some of these complex design features include:
- Guilloche patterns - the highly complex waves and grids you'll be familiar with from your passport or driving license
- Bespoke repeating backgrounds
- Microtext
Depending on the card version, you may see a colour photo or, for newer cards (since June 2026), a black and white laser-engraved photo. Using laser engraving to etch the photo into the card's internal layers makes it near-impossible to alter or swap the photo, adding another layer of security.
You should also see hologram features on the front (and on the back, for older card versions). Holograms are a key sign that the card has been produced with security and quality in mind. They are there to help protect card holders and reduce attempts at replication.
3. QR code emergency contact access
Another important feature is the emergency contact QR code, which is designed to be easily scannable by a phone camera, without needing a data connection. That means essential contact information can be accessed quickly and simply when it matters most. It also provides a layer of privacy protection for the phone number, in contrast to printing it directly on the card.
4. Braille identifiers
The National Disability Card is the only UK scheme to use Braille identifiers. On cards issued from June 2026, you will find the initials 'NDC' etched in Braille on the back of the card. Any card that does not feature this indicator is not a genuine National Disability Card.
5. Where you apply for the card
The National Disability Card can only be applied for via the website disabilityid.co.uk. If you applied for your card anywhere else, it is not a National Disability Card and is not part of the National Disability Card scheme.. Our cards are printed in-house in the UK, rather than outsourced to third parties.
About the The National Disability & Carers Card scheme
The National Disability & Carers Card scheme was set up in 2019 by carers to make everyday life and access easier for people with disabilities and those who care for them. The scheme supports 300,000 card holders and provides easy-to-carry visual identification that helps users avoid repeatedly explaining their disability or caring role. The National Disability Card is accepted as proof of disability at 600+ venues across the UK and abroad.
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