The e-Shram card is a free national identity card for India’s unorganised workers — labourers, street vendors, domestic workers, gig workers, farm hands and crores of others. Registering on the official portal eshram.gov.in gives you a lifetime 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), free accidental insurance cover, and a single record that helps route government welfare benefits to you. This guide covers who can register, what you get, and the exact step-by-step process.
Key facts at a glance
| Card | e-Shram card with 12-digit UAN (Universal Account Number) |
| For | Unorganised / informal sector workers |
| Age | 16 to 59 years |
| Insurance | Accidental cover under PMSBY (₹2 lakh death / permanent disability, ₹1 lakh partial) |
| Cost | Free — no registration fee |
| Portal | eshram.gov.in |
| Helpline | 14434 |
What is the e-Shram card?
e-Shram is a national database of unorganised workers built by the Ministry of Labour & Employment. When you register you get an e-Shram card carrying a unique UAN that stays with you for life, anywhere in India. It acts as a single identity that makes it easier for governments to deliver social-security and welfare schemes to informal workers.
Who can register?
Any worker in the unorganised sector aged 16–59 who is not a member of EPFO/ESIC and not an income-tax payer. This includes construction workers, agricultural labourers, street vendors, domestic help, delivery/gig workers, rickshaw pullers, fishermen, weavers, ASHA workers and many more.
What do you get?
- Free accidental insurance of ₹2 lakh (death/permanent disability) under PMSBY, for the first year, on registration.
- A portable UAN that works across states.
- A single record that helps you receive eligible central/state welfare benefits.
Documents you need
- Aadhaar number with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number (for OTP)
- A bank account (account number + IFSC)
If your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar, register through a nearby CSC (Common Service Centre) using biometric authentication.
How to register on e-Shram (step by step)
- Open eshram.gov.in and click “Register on e-Shram”.
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and captcha, then verify the OTP.
- Your Aadhaar details are fetched automatically after Aadhaar OTP verification.
- Fill in your personal details, address, education, occupation and skill, and bank details.
- Review and submit. Your e-Shram card with UAN is generated instantly — download the PDF.
How to download or update your e-Shram card
Use the “Already Registered → Update / Download UAN Card” option on the portal, log in with your mobile + OTP, and download the card or edit details like address, mobile or bank account. Keeping details current ensures benefits reach you.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Registration is free — do not pay anyone to make your e-Shram card.
- Register only on
eshram.gov.inor at an official CSC. - The e-Shram card is not a direct cash scheme by itself — beware of fake messages promising a fixed monthly “e-Shram bhatta”.
Frequently asked questions
Does the e-Shram card give ₹1,000 or ₹3,000 per month?
No fixed monthly cash is guaranteed by e-Shram itself. Its core benefit is the free ₹2 lakh accidental insurance and easier access to eligible welfare schemes. Ignore viral posts claiming a guaranteed monthly payment.
I am already in EPFO/ESIC — can I register?
No. e-Shram is only for unorganised-sector workers who are not EPFO/ESIC members.
Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes — registration is Aadhaar-based. If your mobile isn’t linked to Aadhaar, use biometric registration at a CSC.
Information last verified: 16 July 2026. Benefits and rules can change — confirm the latest on eshram.gov.in before acting.