How to Apply for a New Labour Card Online in India 2026 – Eligibility, Documents, Registration Process and Benefits
A Labour Card is an important government identity and registration document for eligible workers in India. It helps registered workers access various welfare schemes, financial assistance, education scholarships for children, medical benefits, maternity assistance and other government facilities.
Construction workers, daily-wage workers and other eligible labourers can register with their respective State Labour Welfare Boards to receive benefits under applicable schemes.
In this article, you will learn how to apply for a new Labour Card online in 2026, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, registration fees and the application process.
Important: Labour Card registration is state-specific. In Karnataka, construction workers generally register through the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. The e-Shram card is a separate central-government registration for eligible unorganised workers.
1. Who Is Eligible for a New Labour Card?
Before applying for a Labour Card, applicants must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by their State Labour Welfare Board.
For Karnataka construction worker registration, the general eligibility conditions are:
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The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
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The applicant must be below 60 years of age.
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The applicant must have worked in building or construction-related activities for at least 90 days during the preceding 12 months.
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The applicant must provide valid identity and address details.
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The applicant must submit an employment certificate or other prescribed proof of construction work.
Eligible occupations may include:
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Construction workers and daily-wage labourers
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Masons and bricklayers
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Carpenters
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Painters
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Electricians
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Plumbers
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Bar benders and fitters
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Road construction workers
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Tile and stone workers
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Well diggers
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Other eligible building and construction workers
Eligibility and accepted occupations may differ between states.
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2. Documents Required for a New Labour Card
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the online registration process.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Mobile Number | OTP verification |
| Passport-size Photograph | Applicant identification |
| Age Proof | Age verification |
| Address Proof | Residential details |
| Bank Passbook | Bank account details |
| Ration Card | Family details, if required |
| Employment Certificate | Proof of 90 days of work |
| Signature | Application verification |
Important: The employment certificate is particularly important for construction worker registration. Karnataka accepts prescribed employment certificate formats, including Form V(A), V(B), V(C) and V(D), depending on the issuing authority.
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3. How to Apply for a New Labour Card Online in 2026
Eligible applicants can follow these steps to submit their registration application.
Step 1: Visit the official website
Open the Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board official website.
Official website: https://kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in/
Step 2: Select New Registration
Find the worker registration option on the portal. Select the option for new construction worker registration.
Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number
Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification. Use the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar wherever required.
Step 4: Fill in Personal Details
Enter the applicant’s information carefully:
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Full name
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Father’s or husband’s name
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Date of birth
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Gender
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Aadhaar number
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Mobile number
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Residential address
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District and village details
Step 5: Enter Employment Details
Provide your occupation, employer or work-related information and the required details about your construction employment.
Make sure you have the prescribed certificate proving at least 90 days of construction work.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Upload clear copies of your Aadhaar card, age proof, photograph, bank details and employment certificate in the formats and file sizes accepted by the portal.
Step 7: Review the Application
Check all personal details, bank account information and uploaded documents before submitting.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Click the Final Submit option and save your application or acknowledgement number.
Step 9: Wait for Verification
The Labour Department will examine your application and supporting documents. If approved, you can access your registration details and download or print your Labour Card through the portal.
The online registration process is also described on the Government of India’s service portal.
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4. How to Apply Offline for a Labour Card?
Workers who cannot complete online registration can visit their nearest Labour Department office or authorised Karmika Seva Kendra.
Follow these steps:
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Visit your nearest Labour Department office.
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Ask for the new construction worker registration application.
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Collect the application form.
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Fill in your personal and employment details.
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Attach the required documents.
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Submit the application to the concerned officer.
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Collect the acknowledgement receipt and check your application status.
You can also enquire about registration assistance at authorised service centres.
5. Benefits of Having a Labour Card
A registered construction worker may become eligible for several welfare benefits offered by the State Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Some important benefits include:
| Scheme | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Education Assistance | Financial support for eligible children’s education |
| Medical Assistance | Assistance for eligible medical expenses |
| Maternity Assistance | Financial support under applicable maternity schemes |
| Marriage Assistance | Assistance subject to scheme conditions |
| Accident Assistance | Financial assistance in eligible accident cases |
| Pension Scheme | Pension for eligible registered workers |
| Death Assistance | Financial assistance to eligible family members |
Note: Benefits, financial amounts and eligibility conditions vary by state and individual scheme. Having a Labour Card does not automatically guarantee every benefit.
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6. How to Check Labour Card Application Status?
After submitting your application, you can check its status online.
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Visit the official Labour Board website.
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Open the Login or Application Status section.
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Enter your registered mobile number or application number.
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Complete OTP verification if requested.
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Check whether your application is pending, approved or rejected.
If your application is rejected, check the reason and contact the concerned Labour Department office for corrections.
7. Is the Labour Card Free or Paid?
Registration charges depend on the applicable state rules and current government notifications. Check the official portal for the amount payable before submitting your application.
Avoid paying money to unauthorised agents. Always collect an official payment receipt if any fee is charged.
8. Difference Between Labour Card and e-Shram Card
Many applicants confuse these two registrations.
| Labour Card | e-Shram Card |
|---|---|
| Issued through the respective State Welfare Board | Central government registration |
| Construction workers may register under BOCW | Eligible unorganised workers can register |
| Provides access to applicable state welfare schemes | Provides an unorganised worker database and access to applicable facilities |
| Rules vary by state | Central registration system |
e-Shram registration website: https://eshram.gov.in/
9. State-Wise Labour Card Application Websites
Applicants from different states should use their respective government portals.
| State | Official website |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | Karnataka Labour Board |
| Andhra Pradesh | AP Labour Department |
| Telangana | Telangana Labour Department |
| All India Government Services | National Government Services Portal |
Some portals may require additional verification or direct applicants to a different registration service. Select the appropriate construction worker registration service for your state.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for a new Labour Card?
Eligible construction workers who satisfy their state’s age, employment and documentation requirements can apply.
2. Can women apply for a Labour Card?
Yes. Eligible women construction workers can register under the applicable welfare board.
3. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Aadhaar is required for identity verification in the Karnataka registration process. Check your state’s requirements.
4. Can I apply for a Labour Card using my mobile phone?
Yes. You can use a smartphone, internet connection and the required documents to complete online registration.
5. How many days of work are required?
For Karnataka construction worker registration, at least 90 days of construction work during the preceding 12 months is required.
6. Can I apply without an employment certificate?
You generally need prescribed proof of employment to establish your eligibility. Contact your local Labour Department if you do not have the certificate.
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A Labour Card can help eligible construction workers access important government welfare schemes and financial assistance. Workers who meet the eligibility conditions should prepare their Aadhaar card, bank details, photograph and employment certificate before applying.
Always use your state’s official Labour Department website and provide accurate information to avoid application rejection.
Official information should be checked before publication because registration rules and scheme benefits can change.