The UDID Card (Unique Disability ID) is one of the most important identity documents for persons with disabilities in India. Introduced to simplify certification, benefits access, and verification, the UDID card acts as a single national identity for differently-abled citizens.
If you are searching for UDID card apply online, UDID card download PDF, UDID card status check, or UDID card benefits, this guide covers everything in one place, step by step.
What is UDID Card?
The Unique Disability ID (UDID) is a government-issued digital identity card for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
It is issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The card contains:
- A unique 18-digit UDID number
- Personal details
- Disability type & percentage
- Validity status (temporary or permanent)
One UDID card replaces multiple disability certificates across India.
UDID Card Full Form –
UDID = Unique Disability Identification
Objectives of UDID Card
The UDID project was launched with clear national goals:
- To create a centralised national database of persons with disabilities
- To eliminate duplicate or fake disability certificates
- To ensure transparent and fast delivery of government benefits
- To track the health, financial & social development of PwDs
- To make disability certification valid across all Indian states
Key Features of UDID Card
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | UDID Card |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) |
| Validity | Pan-India |
| Mode | Online |
| Official Portal | Swavlamban UDID Portal |
Benefits of UDID Card –
Having a UDID card offers multiple real-world advantages:
- One-time disability verification
- Easy access to government schemes & concessions
- No need to carry multiple documents
- Valid proof for railway, education & pension benefits
- Digital record linked with DigiLocker
- Helps government launch targeted welfare schemes
- Faster hospital assessment & certification
- Accepted across India
A UDID card is not just an ID — it is a gateway to dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Importance of UDID Card in Daily Life
For many persons with disabilities, daily tasks often involve repeated verification and paperwork. The UDID Card simplifies this process by acting as a single, universally accepted proof of disability. Whether it is visiting a government office, applying for a concession, or accessing healthcare services, the UDID card reduces the need to carry multiple certificates. This not only saves time but also ensures dignity and ease for beneficiaries in their everyday interactions.
How UDID Card Supports an Inclusive India
The UDID initiative plays a vital role in promoting social inclusion and equality. By creating a centralised digital database of persons with disabilities, the government can design better welfare schemes, allocate resources more effectively, and identify underserved communities. This data-driven approach ensures that benefits reach the right individuals, helping build an India where persons with disabilities are empowered rather than excluded.
Role of UDID Card in Education and Employment
Education and employment are key pillars of independence. The UDID Card helps students with disabilities access scholarships, fee concessions, hostel facilities, and examination accommodations. In the employment sector, it serves as valid proof for availing job reservations, workplace accommodations, and skill development programs. With a UDID card, individuals can pursue academic and professional opportunities with fewer administrative hurdles.
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Eligibility Criteria for UDID Card
The UDID Card is available to Indian citizens with certified disabilities as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Individuals of any age—including children, adults, and senior citizens—can apply, provided their disability has been assessed and certified by a recognised medical authority. Any Indian citizen with a certified disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 can apply.
Eligible Disabilities Include:
- Blindness
- Low Vision
- Hearing Impairment
- Locomotor Disability
- Cerebral Palsy
- Mental Illness
- Intellectual Disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Leprosy-Cured
- Blood Disorders (Thalassemia, Sickle Cell, Haemophilia)
📌 No age limit applies.
Documents Required for UDID Card
You will need the following:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN)
- Address proof
- Disability certificate (if already issued)
- Signature or thumb impression (optional)
Aadhaar is NOT mandatory, but recommended.
How UDID Card Reduces Documentation Burden
Before the introduction of the UDID system, persons with disabilities were often required to submit multiple copies of medical certificates for different schemes. The UDID Card eliminates this burden by consolidating all disability-related information into a single digital record. Authorities can verify details directly through the portal, reducing paperwork, duplication, and the risk of document loss or damage.
How to Apply for UDID Card Online (Step-by-Step)
Applying for a UDID Card online is a simple and user-friendly process designed to make disability certification easily accessible to everyone. By submitting basic personal details, disability information, and required documents through the official portal, eligible individuals can complete the application from the comfort of their home.
- Visit the official UDID portal
- Click “Apply for Disability Certificate & UDID”
- Enter:
- Personal details
- Disability details
- Address & identity information
- Upload required documents
- Select hospital/medical authority for assessment
- Submit the application
You’ll receive an acknowledgment number for tracking.
Processing Time: 10–15 days
Common Mistakes While Applying for UDID Card
Many applicants face unnecessary delays or rejection of their UDID card application due to avoidable errors. Being aware of these common mistakes can help ensure a smoother and faster approval process.
One of the most frequent mistakes is uploading unclear or blurred documents, especially photographs and disability certificates. Documents that are not readable often lead to verification issues. Another common error is entering incorrect personal details, such as name, date of birth, or address, which must exactly match the supporting identity documents.
Applicants also sometimes select the wrong medical authority or hospital for disability assessment. Choosing an incorrect or distant hospital can delay the evaluation process. Additionally, providing an inactive or unreachable mobile number may cause applicants to miss important SMS updates regarding medical assessment or application status.
Incomplete disability information, incorrect disability percentage, or failure to upload a valid disability certificate are also common reasons for rejection. To avoid these issues, applicants should carefully review all details, ensure documents are clear and valid, and double-check the application before final submission.
By avoiding these mistakes, applicants can significantly improve their chances of receiving the UDID card without delays and benefit from a hassle-free process.
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How to Download UDID Card PDF
Once the UDID Card application is approved, applicants can download their e-UDID Card in PDF format from the official portal. By logging in with the enrolment number or registered details and completing OTP verification (if required), the card can be easily downloaded and saved for future use.
- Visit the UDID portal
- Click Get Your e-UDID Card
- Login using:
- Enrollment number
- Date of birth
- Verify captcha
- Click Download PDF
The downloaded e-UDID card is fully valid.
How to Check UDID Card Status
Applicants can easily track the status of their UDID Card application online through the official UDID portal. By entering the application reference number or registered details, users can view real-time updates such as pending verification, approval, or dispatch status.
- Open UDID portal
- Click Application Status
- Enter:
- Application reference number
- Submit & view real-time status:
- Pending
- Under Verification
- Approved
- Dispatched
Types of UDID Cards
The UDID Card system classifies beneficiaries into different categories based on the percentage and severity of disability, ensuring that support and benefits are provided in a fair and structured manner. These categories are represented through distinct card colours, making it easier for government departments, hospitals, and service providers to quickly identify eligibility for specific schemes, concessions, and assistance programs. This classification not only improves transparency but also helps authorities deliver targeted benefits efficiently, without requiring repeated verification or additional documentation from persons with disabilities.
| Card Colour | Disability Percentage |
|---|---|
| White Card | Below 40% |
| Yellow Card | 40% – 80% |
| Blue Card | Above 80% |
Validity of UDID Card
The validity of a UDID Card depends on the nature of the disability. For individuals with permanent disabilities, the UDID Card is issued with lifetime validity, while in cases of temporary or changing disabilities, the card is issued for a limited period and must be updated as per medical reassessment.
- Permanent UDID
Issued when disability is lifelong and non-progressive - Temporary UDID
Issued when disability may improve or worsen
Children must update the card every 5 years.
UDID Card Contact Details
For any queries related to UDID Card application, status, correction, or technical issues, applicants can contact the official support channels managed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India. These contact details are provided to assist persons with disabilities and ensure timely resolution of their concerns.
- Helpline: 011-24365019
- WhatsApp: +91-93549-39703
- Email: disability-udid@gov.in
- Office: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, New Delhi
Conclusion – Why UDID Card Matters
The UDID Card is more than just an identity document — it is a powerful step towards a more inclusive and accessible India. By bringing all disability-related information onto a single national platform, the government has made it easier for persons with disabilities to access schemes, concessions, healthcare, education, and dignity without repeated verification.
Whether it’s applying for benefits, booking railway tickets, or proving eligibility for welfare schemes, the UDID card removes barriers and simplifies lives. If you or someone in your family is eligible, applying for a UDID card is a small step that opens the door to long-term support and empowerment.
FAQs – UDID Card
Can I use my UDID card to buy train tickets?
Yes. Persons with disabilities can use the UDID card to book railway tickets at discounted rates through IRCTC or at physical railway reservation counters. The UDID card acts as valid proof for availing railway concessions.
Can I use my UDID card anywhere in India?
Absolutely. The UDID card is a pan-India valid document and is accepted across all States and Union Territories as official proof of disability.
Is a UDID card mandatory?
As per the Gazette Notification issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on 5 May 2021, all States and UTs are required to issue disability certificates only through the UDID portal from 1 June 2021.
While existing certificates remain valid, UDID has become the standard system.
Is the UDID card delivered to my home?
Yes. After approval, the physical UDID card is sent via Speed Post to the address mentioned during online registration.
How long does it take to get a UDID card?
Generally, the UDID card is issued within 10 to 15 days after successful registration and medical verification.
Is the UDID card linked with DigiLocker?
Yes. UDID cards are integrated with DigiLocker, allowing easy digital access and storage.
Can a PwD apply for UDID from another state or district?
Yes. A PwD can apply for a UDID card from:
Their resident district, or
A government hospital where they are receiving treatment.
Which departments provide benefits to UDID card holders?
Benefits are provided by:
State Social Welfare Departments, and
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) at the central level.
How will I know the date of my medical assessment?
You will receive an SMS notification on your registered mobile number mentioning:
Assessment date
Hospital/medical authority name
If you did not provide a mobile number, contact the District CMO office.
How do I know which hospital will assess my disability?
The assessment hospital or medical authority is mentioned on the acknowledgement receipt generated after submitting your UDID application.
What colour is the UDID card?
The UDID card colour (stripe) depends on the disability percentage:
No stripe: Disability below 40%
Yellow stripe: Disability between 40% and 80%
Blue stripe: Disability above 80%
Which government body introduced the UDID card?
The UDID project was introduced in 2016 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
