Labour Card 2025: How to Apply, Status Check, Renewal & Download Labour Card

A Labour Card is an official government-issued document that identifies a worker as part of India’s unorganised workforce. This card enables access to multiple social security benefits such as healthcare, accident insurance, pensions, education scholarships for children, maternity benefits, and housing assistance. 

It also acts as legal proof of employment and safeguards workers' rights under various labour laws. The application process is simple and can be completed online or offline, depending on the state.

What is a Labour Card?

A labour card is a government-issued identity document for workers in India's unorganised sector, enabling them to access social security benefits and welfare schemes. The Ministry of Labour & Employment and State Welfare Boards oversee the issuance and benefits of labour cards to the unorganized sector. 

Registration is voluntary but highly recommended for unorganised sector workers to claim rightful benefits and protections under government welfare programs. 

Who is the Labour Card meant for?

This card is primarily meant for:

• Construction workers
• Migrant labourers
• Street vendors
• Rickshaw pullers
• Agricultural labourers
• Daily wage workers
• Domestic workers
• Small-scale industry workers

The card contains details like the worker’s:

• Name and photograph
• Age and gender
• Nature of work
• Employer details (if applicable)
• Registration number
• Validity period

Once registered, cardholders may receive benefits like:

• Health and accident insurance
• Educational assistance for children
• Maternity benefits
• Pension and old age assistance
• Tool purchase aid
• Housing support
• Skill development training

Types of Labour Card

The state government usually issues two main different types of labour cards, namely, the building card and the social card.

Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Card

• Issued to workers involved in construction-related activities such as masonry, carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical work, etc.
• Registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996.
• Provides access to benefits like accident insurance, pension, health care, maternity benefits, and educational assistance for children.

Social Security Card (Unorganised Workers Card)

• Issued to workers in non-construction sectors such as agriculture, domestic work, street vending, fishing, tailoring, and other informal occupations.
• Registered under the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008.
• Enables access to social welfare schemes like health insurance (e.g., PM-JAY), pension (e.g., PM-SYM), and scholarship benefits for children.

State-Wise Websites of Labour Departments

Given below is a list of state-wise websites of labour departments:

Eligibility Criteria for Labour Card

Meeting the eligibility criteria is a must for issuing a labour card. To apply for a labour card, here are the mandatory eligibility conditions to fulfil:

• Should be aged between 18 years and 40 years
• Must be an Indian citizen
• Should be an unorganised worker
• Should not be employed in the organised sector or any member of EPF/NPS/ESIC
• The monthly salary should not be more than Rs. 15,000
• Must not be an income taxpayer
• You should be a resident of the state where you are applying

Eligibility criteria can differ by state and specific scheme.

Documents Required for a Labour Card

The documentation process required to avail of a labour card is simple. Here are some documents you need to keep in hand before opting for a labour card in any state:

• Ration card (optional)
• Aadhaar card
• Bank account number
• Email ID
• Aadhaar card number for family members
• Contact number
• Passport size photographs

How to Apply for a Labour Card?

Application of a labour card is a simple and hassle-free process. Follow the below steps for easy application of the labour card online:

• Go to the official website of the labour department of your state
• Search for the ‘New Labour Card Registration’ option 
• Select your respective district from the respective drop-down menu
• Enter all your details, including your first name, last name, contact number and email address
• Enter your Aadhaar card number 
• Verify your mobile number and email address
• Click on the ‘Submit’ button to submit the application form

The application procedures, including online and offline methods, can vary significantly between states. It's advisable to consult the official labour department website of the respective state for accurate guidance,

Labour Card Download

As of now, there is no centralized system for downloading a labour card online at the national level in India. The process and availability of labour card downloads vary by state, depending on the digital infrastructure of each state's Labour Department. 

In many states, once your labour card application is approved, you can download a digital copy from the official website of the respective State Labour Department. This digital version often serves as valid proof for availing benefits and can be presented when required.

Benefits of a Labour Card

Issuance of a labour card provides several benefits to workers. It acts as solid proof of legal employment and protects workers’ rights. Here are some key benefits of a labour card:

• Access to government welfare schemes such as health insurance, maternity benefits, and pensions
• Educational scholarships for children of registered labourers
• Accident and disability insurance coverage for workplace-related injuries
• Financial aid for housing, tool purchase, and skill development
• Maternity benefits for female workers
• Pension benefits after reaching retirement age
• Legal protection against unfair labour practices and exploitation
• Funeral assistance and survivor benefits for dependents in case of death
• Eligibility for low-cost food grains and essential supplies under various state-run schemes
• Support in natural disaster or emergency situations through relief funds.

Labour Card Scholarship

The Labour Card Scholarship is a financial aid initiative provided by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and state-level labour welfare boards to support the education of children of registered labourers. It is aimed at promoting higher education among families working in the unorganised sector by reducing their financial burden.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria may differ based on the state. The general eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The applicant must be the child or dependent of a registered labour card holder.
• The labourer must be registered with the respective state’s Labour Welfare Board.
• The student must be enrolled in a recognised school, college, or technical institution.
• Minimum attendance and academic performance (varies by scheme) may be required.
• Family income limits may apply, generally not exceeding ₹1–1.5 lakh per annum.

Documents Required

The documents required may differ based on the state. The common documents required are as follows:

• Valid Labour Card of parent/guardian
• Student's Aadhaar card
• Proof of admission (bonafide certificate)
• Bank account details
• Academic certificates and mark sheets
• Recent passport-size photographs

Labour Card Renewal

Labour cards issued by state governments typically come with a validity period—usually 1 to 5 years—after which they must be renewed to continue receiving benefits. Renewal should be done before expiry to avoid lapse in benefits. Timely renewal is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to government welfare schemes. 

Different states have different processes to renew the labour card. Hence, it is important to check the renewal process for your state. Once approved, your new labour card will be issued, which you must keep safely.  

Conclusion

A Labour Card is more than just an identity document—it’s a gateway to essential social security and welfare benefits for unorganised sector workers in India. Staying updated with state-specific guidelines ensures uninterrupted access to these vital schemes. From healthcare and education to pensions and accident coverage, this card ensures workers are recognised and supported by the government.

Related Articles:
1. Bihar Labour Card
2. UP Labour Card
3. Delhi Labour Card
4. Odisha Labour Card
5. Karnataka Labour Card
6. Jharkhand Labour Card