Labour cards serve as essential identification documents for workers, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and service industries. They not only establish formal recognition of employment but also enable access to various welfare schemes and benefits. As of 2025, the application process has been streamlined to make it more accessible. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for a labour card in 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be engaged in formal or informal labour sectors
- Must possess valid identity proof (National ID, passport, driver’s license)
- Must have documentation of current employment (employment letter, contract)
- Must provide proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement)
- Foreign workers must have valid work permits or visas
Documents Required
- Completed application form (Form LC-2025)
- Recent passport-sized photographs (2-4 depending on jurisdiction)
- Proof of identity (original and photocopy)
- Proof of address (original and photocopy)
- Employment verification from current employer
- Previous labour card (if applying for renewal)
- Bank account details for direct benefit transfers
- Mobile number linked to national ID (for digital verification)
- Medical fitness certificate (required in some sectors like construction)
Application Methods
Online Application
- Visit the official labour department portal of your region
- Create a user account or log in with existing credentials
- Select “New Labour Card Application” from the services menu
- Fill in all required personal and employment details
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents
- Verify details through OTP sent to your registered mobile number
- Submit the application and note the application reference number
- Pay the application fee through the secure payment gateway
- Download the acknowledgment receipt for future reference
Offline Application
- Collect the application form from the nearest Labour Office or download it from the official website
- Fill the form completely with accurate information in block letters
- Attach all required documents (properly attested where necessary)
- Submit the completed application at the designated Labour Office
- Pay the application fee through cash, demand draft, or postal order
- Collect the acknowledgment receipt with your application reference number
Application Processing Time
- Online applications: 7-10 working days
- Offline applications: 15-20 working days
- Expedited processing (additional fee): 3-5 working days
Verification Process
- Document verification: All submitted documents undergo thorough scrutiny
- Employment verification: Random checks may be conducted at the workplace
- Biometric verification: May be required at designated centers for identity confirmation
- Digital verification: Cross-checking with existing government databases
State Wise Labour Departments Official Websites
- Andhra Pradesh: Labour Department
- Arunachal Pradesh: Department of Labour and Employment
- Assam: Labour & Employment Department
- Bihar: Labour Department
- Chattisgarh: Department of Labour
- Goa: Department of Labour
- Gujarat: Labour & Employment Department
- Haryana: Labour Department
- Himachal Pradesh: Labour & Employment Department
- Jammu & Kashmir: Department of Labour and Employment
- Jharkhand: Labour and Employment
- Karnataka: Department of Labour
- Kerala: Labour Commissionerate
- Madhya Pradesh: Labour Department
- Maharashtra: Department of Labour
- Manipur: Department of Labour
- Meghalaya: Department of Employment and Craftsmen Training
- Mizoram: Labour, Employment & Industrial Training Department
- Nagaland: Labour & Employment Department
- Orissa: Labour Directorate
- Punjab: Labour & Employment Department
- Rajasthan: Labour Department
- Sikkim: Labour Department
- Tamil Nadu: Labour Department
- Tripura: Directorate of Labour
- Uttarakhand: Department of Labour
- Uttar Pradesh: Labour Department
- West Bengal: Labour Welfare Board
- Chandigarh: Labour Department
- Dadar & Nagar Haveli: Labour Department
- Diu: Labour and Employment Office
- Delhi: Labour Department
- Lakshadweep: Department Labour & Employment & Training
- Pondicherry: Labour Department
Benefits of Having a Labour Card
- Legal recognition as a registered worker
- Access to government welfare schemes and subsidies
- Eligibility for skill development programs
- Coverage under health insurance and accident protection schemes
- Access to pension and retirement benefits
- Protection under labour laws regarding minimum wages and working conditions
- Financial assistance during periods of unemployment (in eligible regions).
How to Download a Labour Card
Currently, there is no option to download the Labour Card online. You need to visit the nearest office to get the Labour Card.