1. What is a Labour Card?

A Labour Card (also called a Shramik Card or Worker ID Card) is an official government identity document issued to workers in India who belong to the unorganised sector. It is proof that a person is a registered worker under a government welfare scheme — and it unlocks access to financial benefits, insurance, pension, and more.

Simply put, if you are a daily wage worker, construction labourer, domestic worker, street vendor, auto driver, or any kind of informal worker — a Labour Card is your gateway to government welfare.

Two Main Types of Labour Cards

BOCW Card

Building and Other Construction Workers card. Issued under the BOCW Act, 1996. Specifically for workers at construction sites — masons, carpenters, plumbers, painters, etc.

e-Shram Card

National Social Security card for ALL unorganised workers — not just construction. Issued by the Ministry of Labour. Covers 400+ types of occupations and is valid across India.

Note
Most people searching for “Labour Card 2026” are looking for either the BOCW card (construction workers) or the e-Shram card (all informal workers). This guide covers both. Check which one applies to you based on your occupation.

Both cards carry a unique 12-digit registration number linked to your Aadhaar. They are free to apply for and can be done online at home or at your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).

2. Who is Eligible?

Before you start your application, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. The rules are slightly different for BOCW and e-Shram cards.

For e-Shram Card (All Unorganised Workers)

• Age: 16 to 59 years
• Must be an unorganised sector worker (informal, daily wage, self-employed)
• Must not be an income tax payer
• Must not be a member of EPFO or ESIC
• Must have a valid Aadhaar card
• Must have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification

For BOCW Card (Construction Workers)

• Age: 18 to 60 years
• Must have worked as a building/construction worker for at least 90 days in the past 12 months
• Must not be a member of EPFO
• Must provide a work certificate from a contractor, engineer, or employer
• Registration is done through your State Labour Department

Quick Tip
Not sure which one you qualify for? If you work at construction sites specifically — go for BOCW. If you are a street vendor, domestic worker, rickshaw puller, farmer, weaver, or any other informal worker — apply for e-Shram Card.

3. Documents Needed

Keep these documents ready before you start the application process. Having them prepared in advance will save you a lot of time.

For e-Shram Card

• Aadhaar Card — mandatory (with active mobile number linked)
• Mobile Number — must be linked to Aadhaar for OTP
• Bank Account Details — account number and IFSC code (for direct benefit transfer)
• Passport-size Photo — recent colour photo (for offline registration)
• Occupation/Work Details — what type of work you do

For BOCW Card (Additional Documents)

• Work Certificate — from your contractor, site supervisor, or employer stating you worked at a construction site for minimum 90 days
• Address Proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card, or utility bill
• Age Proof — Aadhaar, birth certificate, or school leaving certificate
• Caste Certificate — if applying for SC/ST benefits (optional)
• Nominee Details — name and Aadhaar of family member (for insurance/pension benefit)

Important
Your mobile number must be registered/linked with Aadhaar. If it is not, visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre to update it before applying. Without an OTP-linked mobile number, the online process will not work.

4. How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step

Applying online is the easiest method in 2026. You can do it from your phone in under 15 minutes (if your Aadhaar mobile number is active). Follow these exact steps:

How to Apply for e-Shram Card Online

1. Open the Official Portal

   Go to eshram.gov.in on your mobile or computer browser. This is the official government website — be careful of fake websites.

2. Click on “Register on e-Shram”

   On the homepage, you will find a large button or link saying “Register on e-Shram” or “Self Registration.” Click on it.

3. Enter Your Aadhaar Number

   Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number and fill in the CAPTCHA. Then click “Send OTP.” An OTP will come to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

4. Verify OTP

   Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile. Your basic Aadhaar details will be automatically fetched — name, date of birth, address, photo.

5. Fill in the Registration Form

   Add your occupation type, monthly income, education details, and bank account information. Make sure you enter the correct bank account number and IFSC.

6. Submit and Download

   After submitting, your UAN (Universal Account Number) will be generated. Download or save your e-Shram Card immediately as a PDF. A copy is also sent to your registered mobile via SMS.

Congratulations! Once submitted, your e-Shram Card is valid immediately. There is no waiting period. You can use your UAN number to access benefits right away.

How to Apply for BOCW Card Online

BOCW registration is managed by individual State Labour Departments. The process varies slightly from state to state, but the general steps are:

1. Visit Your State Labour Department Portal

   Go to your state’s official labour department website (see the state-wise links table at the end of this article).

2. Find the BOCW Registration Section

   Look for “BOCW Registration,” “Nirman Shramik Registration,” or “Construction Worker Registration” on the website.

3. Create an Account / Login

   Register with your mobile number or Aadhaar to create a new applicant account on the state portal.

4. Fill the Application Form

   Enter personal details, work experience, contractor details, and upload required documents including work certificate and photos.

5. Pay Registration Fee (if applicable)

   Some states charge a small registration fee of ₹10 to ₹25. Pay online via UPI, debit card, or net banking.

6. Submit and Note Application Number

   After submission, save your Application Reference Number. This is needed to track status and for future correspondence.

Pro Tip
For BOCW registration, if the state portal is confusing or not working, visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC / Jan Seva Kendra). They can complete the process for a small service charge.

5. How to Apply Offline

If you are not comfortable using the internet or do not have a smartphone, you can still get your Labour Card through the offline process. Here is how:

For e-Shram Card — Offline

• Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) — also known as Jan Seva Kendra or Pragya Kendra.
• Carry your Aadhaar card and your Aadhaar-linked mobile number (active).
• The CSC operator will complete the online form on your behalf. You may be charged a service fee of around ₹20–₹30.
• You will receive your card printed or as a PDF on the spot, or within a day.

For BOCW Card — Offline

• Visit your District Labour Office (Shram Vibhag Karyalay).
• Ask for the BOCW Registration Form (Form I or the applicable state form).
• Fill in the form manually and attach photocopies of all required documents.
• Submit the form with the registration fee (if applicable) at the counter.
• Collect your application receipt — it has your application number.
• Your BOCW card will be issued after verification, usually within 15 to 30 days.

Where is the District Labour Office?
In most cities and districts, the District Labour Office is located near the Collectorate building or in the main government offices area. You can search “District Labour Office + [your district name]” on Google to find the exact address. Alternatively, call your State Labour Department helpline number.

6. How to Check Application Status

After applying, you can check whether your application has been approved or is still under review. The method is different for e-Shram and BOCW cards.

Check e-Shram Card Status

For e-Shram, your card is generated immediately after registration. There is no separate “approval” process. If you completed all steps correctly, your UAN is already active. You can:

• Log in at eshram.gov.in with your Aadhaar and OTP to view/download your card anytime.
• Check your registered mobile number — you would have received an SMS with your UAN after registration.

Check BOCW Card Status

1. Go to Your State Labour Portal

   Visit the official state BOCW website (see state table below).

2. Find “Track Application” or “Check Status”

   Most state portals have a dedicated section for tracking. Look for it on the homepage or under the BOCW section.

3. Enter Your Details

   Enter your Application Reference Number, Registration Number, or Aadhaar Number as required by the portal.

4. View Status

   The portal will show you the current status — Pending, Under Verification, Approved, or Rejected.

Status not found?
Wait at least 7–10 working days after offline submission before checking status. If the status shows “pending” for more than 30 days, visit your District Labour Office with your application receipt and follow up in person.

7. Download Your Labour Card (PDF)

Good news — both the e-Shram Card and BOCW card can be downloaded as a PDF from official portals. Here is exactly how:

Download e-Shram Card PDF

1. Visit eshram.gov.in

   Open the official website on your phone or computer.

2. Click “Already Registered? Update / Download”

   Find this option on the homepage.

3. Enter Aadhaar Number and OTP

   Verify yourself using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

4. Download Your Card

   After login, you will see a “Download UAN Card” or “View e-Shram Card” button. Click it and save the PDF to your phone.

Download BOCW Card PDF

1. Go to Your State Labour Portal

   Find your state’s link in the table at the end of this article.

2. Login with Your Credentials

   Use your mobile number, registration number, or Aadhaar to log in.

3. Find “Download Card / Certificate”

   This option is usually under your profile or the “My Applications” section.

4. Save the PDF

   Download and save it. Print a copy if you need a physical one to present at offices.

Tip
Save the PDF in Google Drive or WhatsApp so you always have a copy handy. Many government offices and hospitals now accept a digital copy on your phone. You do not always need a printout.

8. Renewal Process

Labour cards are not valid forever — they need to be renewed periodically to stay active and continue receiving benefits.

e-Shram Card Renewal

As of 2026, the e-Shram UAN card does not expire — it is a lifetime registration. However, you must keep your details updated. If your mobile number, address, bank account, or occupation changes, you should update your e-Shram profile at eshram.gov.in to keep receiving DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) payments without interruption.

BOCW Card Renewal

• BOCW cards are typically valid for 1 to 5 years depending on the state.
• You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid gaps in benefit eligibility.
• Renewal can be done online through your state labour portal or offline at the District Labour Office.
• Renewal fee is usually between ₹10 to ₹50 depending on the state.
• Required documents are the same as original registration, plus your existing registration number.

Don’t Miss the Renewal Date!
If your BOCW card expires, you may lose eligibility for all scheme benefits until the card is renewed. Benefits like scholarship, pension, and housing assistance are linked to an active card. Renewal is mandatory to stay in the system.

9. Benefits Overview

This is perhaps the most important section — because this is why every eligible worker in India must have a Labour Card. The benefits are real, substantial, and directly deposited to your bank account.

Health Insurance
Up to ₹2 lakh accident insurance (e-Shram). BOCW workers get coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat) in most states.

Pension
Linked to PM-SYM (Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan) — monthly pension of ₹3,000 after age 60. BOCW workers get state pension schemes too.

Scholarship
Children of registered BOCW workers get scholarships from Class 1 to post-graduation. Ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹15,000 per year depending on state.

Maternity Benefit
Female BOCW workers get maternity assistance of ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per delivery. Also available for assisted deliveries in government hospitals.

Housing Assistance
BOCW workers are eligible for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) priority. Some states offer additional housing grant under labour welfare funds.

Death & Disability
In case of accidental death: ₹2 lakh (e-Shram), up to ₹4 lakh (BOCW depending on state). Permanent disability also covered.

Skill Training
Registered e-Shram workers can access PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) free skill development courses through their state Labour Department.

Cash Transfer
During emergencies like COVID-19, registered e-Shram workers received ₹1,000–₹2,000 direct cash transfer. Future relief schemes also use e-Shram database.

State-Specific Benefits
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have their own additional BOCW welfare schemes over and above the central ones — including cycle purchase grants, sports kits for children, wedding assistance, and tools/equipment support. Check your state labour department website for the full list.

10. State-wise Portal Links

BOCW registration is done through state government portals. Below is a ready list of official portals for major Indian states. Click the link for your state to go directly to the registration page.

Note
Always type the URL directly in your browser or search “[State Name] BOCW official portal” on Google. Avoid clicking links from WhatsApp forwards, as many fake websites exist. Only use .gov.in domains.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)