Labour Card 2026: Complete Guide — Apply Online, Check Status, Download & Renewal
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.
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
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)
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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:
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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).
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Find the BOCW Registration Section
Look for “BOCW Registration,” “Nirman Shramik Registration,” or “Construction Worker Registration” on the website.
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Create an Account / Login
Register with your mobile number or Aadhaar to create a new applicant account on the state portal.
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Fill the Application Form
Enter personal details, work experience, contractor details, and upload required documents including work certificate and photos.
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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.
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Submit and Note Application Number
After submission, save your Application Reference Number. This is needed to track status and for future correspondence.
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.
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
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Go to Your State Labour Portal
Visit the official state BOCW website (see state table below).
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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.
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Enter Your Details
Enter your Application Reference Number, Registration Number, or Aadhaar Number as required by the portal.
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View Status
The portal will show you the current status — Pending, Under Verification, Approved, or Rejected.
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
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Visit eshram.gov.in
Open the official website on your phone or computer.
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Click “Already Registered? Update / Download”
Find this option on the homepage.
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Enter Aadhaar Number and OTP
Verify yourself using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
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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
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Go to Your State Labour Portal
Find your state’s link in the table at the end of this article.
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Login with Your Credentials
Use your mobile number, registration number, or Aadhaar to log in.
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Find “Download Card / Certificate”
This option is usually under your profile or the “My Applications” section.
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Save the PDF
Download and save it. Print a copy if you need a physical one to present at offices.
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.
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.
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.
| State | Department Name | Official Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Building & Other Construction Workers Board | upbocw.in |
| Bihar | Bihar Building & Other Construction Workers Board | bocwbihar.in |
| Delhi | Delhi Building & Other Construction Workers Board | labourdelhi.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra Building & Other Construction Workers Board | mahabocw.in |
| Rajasthan | Rajasthan BOCW Welfare Board | labour.rajasthan.gov.in |
| West Bengal | WB Building & Other Construction Workers Board | wbbocwwb.gov.in |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP Building & Other Construction Workers Board | labour.mp.gov.in |
| Gujarat | Gujarat Building & Other Construction Workers Board | gbocwwb.gujarat.gov.in |
| Karnataka | Karnataka Building & Other Construction Workers Board | labour.kar.nic.in |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board | tnlabour.in |
| Punjab | Punjab BOCW Welfare Board | pblabour.gov.in |
| Haryana | Haryana Building & Other Construction Workers Board | hrylabour.gov.in |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand Building Workers Welfare Board | shramadhan.jharkhand.gov.in |
| Odisha | Odisha Building & Other Construction Workers Board | bocboard.labdirodisha.gov.in |
| All States (e-Shram) | Ministry of Labour & Employment | eshram.gov.in |
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not exactly. The e-Shram Card is one type of Labour Card — specifically for all unorganised workers across India. The BOCW Card is another type — specifically for building and construction workers. Both are issued by government departments and provide welfare benefits, but they are separate registrations under different laws.
Yes, if you are a construction worker, you can apply for both. The e-Shram gives you a universal registration and accident insurance, while the BOCW card gives access to state-specific benefits like scholarship, pension, maternity, and housing. Having both maximises your benefits.
The e-Shram Card is completely free to apply online. For BOCW cards, most states charge a nominal registration fee of ₹10 to ₹50. If you are applying through a CSC (Common Service Centre), they may charge a small service fee of ₹20–₹30, which is normal.
Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (available at post offices, banks, and government offices) to update your mobile number in the Aadhaar database. This process is free and takes a few days to update. Once updated, you can apply online for the e-Shram Card using OTP verification.
Online applications through state portals are usually processed within 7 to 15 working days. Offline applications submitted at the District Labour Office may take up to 30 days due to document verification. If you have not received any update after 30 days, visit the office with your application receipt.
Absolutely yes. Women workers are encouraged to register. Female domestic workers, ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, construction site workers, weavers, agricultural labourers — all are eligible. Women workers also get additional benefits like maternity assistance and free healthcare under several state schemes.
Do not worry. For e-Shram, you can re-download your card anytime from eshram.gov.in by verifying your Aadhaar. For BOCW cards, log in to your state portal and download a duplicate copy. The card number remains the same — nothing is lost. Keep a digital copy saved in your phone as backup.
If rejected, the portal or office will mention the reason — usually a missing document or insufficient work experience proof. Arrange the missing document, correct the issue, and re-apply. You can also file a grievance or appeal at the District Labour Office if you believe the rejection was incorrect.
No. Your existing e-Shram registration and UAN remains valid. You do NOT need to re-register. However, if any of your details have changed — mobile number, bank account, address, or occupation — you must update your profile at eshram.gov.in to ensure DBT payments reach you without problems.
It is completely automatic. When you register on e-Shram, you are automatically enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) for accident insurance — ₹2 lakh for accidental death and ₹1 lakh for partial disability. There is no premium you need to pay. The government covers it free for e-Shram registered workers.