Carer ID cards compared, and which venues accept them
Several organisations sell or issue carer ID cards. They can help show you are someone's carer, but each venue decides what proof it accepts, so check before you rely on one.
The cards compared
Who runs Carers Card UK?
Its website says Carers Card UK is a registered trading name of AppCreatives.co.uk Ltd, based in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
What is the Carers Card UK for?
The site describes it as a photo ID card for carers that comes with an app, discounts, free companion tickets and a wellbeing hub. It calls itself "The UK's Official Carers ID Card", but its own pages do not say it is issued by or run with the government.
How much does the Carers Card UK cost?
Its FAQ says the card costs £10 and is valid for 2 years, including access to its app (as at 13 October 2026). The FAQ says cards should arrive within 7 to 10 working days.
Who can apply for a Carers Card UK?
The FAQ says it is open to anyone who provides care in the UK. That includes unpaid carers whether or not they get Carer's Allowance, young carers, and paid carers such as care workers.
Do I need proof that I am a carer to get a Carers Card UK?
The FAQ says you can apply without formal paperwork. You answer questions to confirm you are eligible, and uploading documents is optional. You need a photo of yourself and a debit or credit card to pay.
Can a young carer under 16 get a Carers Card UK?
Yes, but the FAQ says someone aged over 16 must apply on their behalf.
Can I get a free carer ID card from my local council?
Carers Trust says many local authorities offer a carers card, sometimes called a carer's discount card, which you can use alongside your own ID. It suggests checking with your local authority.
Should I pay for a card to prove I am a carer?
Carers Trust warns about websites that charge for carers discount cards and says you should not have to pay to prove that you are a carer.
What can I use as proof of being a carer at attractions?
Carers Trust says some places ask for no proof, while others may want your Carer's Allowance letter or a letter showing the disability benefits of the person you care for. It suggests keeping a copy as you may need it more than once.
Does Carers UK say there is a carer ID card in every area?
No. Carers UK says there is no guarantee, but some local carer support centres run their own carer card schemes, sometimes called an emergency carer card. It suggests checking its carer directory or asking your local authority, or your Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland.
What is a carer passport?
Carers UK says some employers run carer passport schemes, and a passport may also be used by health care providers or local community organisations. The government describes a Carer Passport as a record that can identify an unpaid carer and lead to support.
Is the government bringing in a way to identify unpaid carers?
The Unpaid Carers Action Plan, published on 14 July 2026, does not announce a carer ID card. It says the Department of Health and Social Care is funding a refresh of the Carer Passport website and that a new MyCarer section of the NHS App will let people say they look after someone, with a target of 2028.
Checked against the official sources on 13 October 2026: carerscarduk.co.uk, carerscarduk.co.uk/faqs, carers.org/out-and-about/days-out, carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/identifying-yourself-as-a-carer, gov.uk/government/publications/unpaid-carers-action-plan-recognise-refer-reach/unpaid-carers-action-plan-recognise-refer-reach.
Venues that accept a carer ID card
We are adding this to every venue as part of our weekly checks, so this list grows each week. Each venue page shows what we found.
Most venues accept a PIP or DLA letter or the Access Card instead. See what proof you need for a carer ticket.
Built from our venue data, last checked 13 October 2026. How we check.