Frequently Asked Questions
about eligibility, documentation & more
Who can get a National Disability Card?
If you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities then you are eligible.
What do ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean?
‘Substantial’ is more than minor or trivial; ‘long-term’ means 12 months or more.
Find out more about the National Disability Card scheme, its benefits and features.
Who can get a National Carers Card UK?
Anyone, including children and adults, who looks after someone who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health problem or addiction and cannot cope without support, is eligible for a National Carers Card. This includes family members, friends, volunteers and professionals who help look after someone.
Learn more about our National Carers Card and the many advantages it has to offer.
How to prove you are disabled?
We know there is a lot of bureaucracy involved in being disabled, so we have done our best to make it easy for you to apply for a card.
Use your phone or computer to upload a photo of a document easily using the online application form. The document must show the cardholder's name and that they are disabled.
Here are some examples of the sort of documents we accept:
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Back of your Blue Badge
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Disabled persons' Freedom Pass
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Disabled persons' Bus Pass
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A letter from your doctor or other relevant medical letter
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) decision letter
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War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement letter
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Personal Independence Payments (PIP) letter
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Other relevant document showing you are disabled
Don't worry if you don't have exactly what is listed - we're here to help so send us something relevant that shows your name and that you are disabled. If you have any questions, please contact us.
How to prove you are a carer?
No documentation is required but you must self-certify by declaring on the application form that you look after someone who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health condition or addiction and they cannot cope without your support. Apply for a National Carers Card now.
How much does a National Disability Card cost?
The National Disability Card and the National Carer Card cost £20 each (including VAT). Postage is £1.95 and your card will be sent to a UK address via Royal Mail. If your application is rejected you will automatically receive a full refund.
All major debit and credit cards are accepted securely as well as
Google and Apple Pay.
When will I receive my National Disability Card?
Your card will be sent to a UK address via the Royal Mail. Delivery is usually within 1-2 days and including Saturdays.
What is on the card? / How long is it valid?
The card contains:
• name of the cardholder
• photo of the cardholder
• date of birth of the cardholder
• card expiry date (valid for two years from the date of issue)
• unique card number
The card is protected by a number of unique security features.
Rules for photos
Your photo must be:
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Clear and in focus.
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Hats or head coverings are not permitted except when worn for religious/medical reasons and only if the full facial features are clearly visible.
You can use a photo taken with your phone, but you must include your head, shoulders and upper body. Start your application.
Can I use the National Disability Card to get a Disneyland Paris Priority Card?
Yes, National Disability Card holders are eligible to request a Disneyland Paris Priority Card Card.
My card is lost/stolen how do I get a replacement?
Please fill in the Card Replacement Form. There is a charge to cover administration, materials and First Class postage and your details will be checked to make sure you are already a cardholder. Replacement cards have the same expiry date as the original card.
What are examples of hidden disabilities?
Hidden disabilities are conditions that are not immediately obvious to others and may not have visible signs. Despite being invisible, these impairments can seriously affect a person's daily life and functioning. Examples of hidden disabilities include chronic pain conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic diseases such as diabetes, mental health conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, autism and epilepsy. Find out more about our verified lanyard for people with hidden disabilities.
How to get a (hidden) disability lanyard?
Our verified lanyards are only available to National Disability Card holders. If you already have a National Disability Card, you can order a lanyard and holder directly. Don't have a National Disability Card? Apply for a card and simply check the box at the end of the application form to add a lanyard to your order. See more information about our lanyards or a comparison of the different lanyards available.
What is a RADAR Key?
The RADAR Key gives disabled people and carers access to over 10,000 disabled toilets across the UK. The RADAR Key scheme helps prevent misuse of disabled toilets. RADAR Key is available to National Disability Card and National Carers Card cardholders. Find out more about the RADAR Key.
How to get a RADAR Key?
To get a RADAR Key, you must have a National Disability Card or a National Carers Card. If you are currently a cardholder, you can easily order a RADAR Key online. Click here for more information about the RADAR Key or to order one directly.
Contacting us
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact us page.