🧭 Eligibility Guide
To apply under the Search and Rescue category, please upload a valid form of ID that matches the name on your Blue Light Card account. Sign Up Here!
We only need to see documentation that proves your current employment to check that you are eligible. When you upload your documentation, we recommend that you redact all information other than your name, employer and date.
Our team may also review your organisation’s website to help verify your application.
✅ Accepted Proof of Eligibility
You can upload either of the following:
📇 Work ID card showing:
Your full name
Your organisation’s name (must match one of the eligible groups below)
💼 Payslip showing:
Your full name
Your eligible organisation’s name
A date within the last 3 months
📧 Work email address — RAC applicants only
🏷️ Eligible Organisations
You must be affiliated with one of the following:
Search and Rescue
4x4 Response
Cave Rescue
Lowland Search and Rescue
Mines Rescue
Mountain Rescue
Search and Rescue Dogs
Coast Patrol and Rescue
RAC
⚠️ Common Reasons for Declined Applications
🚫 The name on your ID or payslip doesn’t match the name on your Blue Light Card account
🕒 Your payslip is older than 3 months
❌ Your ID or payslip doesn’t clearly show a recognised Search and Rescue organisation
👴 Retired Search and Rescue Staff
You can still apply — here’s what you’ll need to upload:
📄 A pension document from any provider
➕
📁 Proof of at least 4 years of relevant employment
Accepted employment proof could include:
1️⃣ Two documents at least 4 years apart (e.g. employer P60s or payslips)
2️⃣ A letter from your employer confirming start and end dates
3️⃣ A professional registration record with your work history or cease date
We only need to see documentation that proves your retired status/former employment to check that you are eligible. When you upload your documentation, we recommend that you redact all information other than your name, pension provider, and if you need to provide supporting evidence of former employment you redact all information other than your name, employer and date.
💡 Not sure if what you have is quite right? That’s okay. These are just examples we’re happy to look at anything that helps show how long you’ve been in service 🙂