Ration card e-KYC: how every family member can complete it (free, from home or the ration shop)
Under the National Food Security Act, each member listed on a ration card must complete Aadhaar e-KYC. It is free. Do it at your fair price (ration) shop with a fingerprint on the ePoS machine, or at home with the Mera eKYC app + AadhaarFaceRD (face scan). There is no single national deadline — each state sets its own, and members who do not complete it can be removed from the card.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who must do it | Every member listed on an NFSA ration card | Dept. of Food & Public Distribution |
| Cost | Free | DFPD |
| Ways | Ration shop ePoS (fingerprint/iris) or Mera eKYC app with AadhaarFaceRD (face) | DFPD / NIC |
| Deadline | Set by each state; no single national deadline | DFPD |
| Maharashtra portal | Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Dept. | Govt of Maharashtra |
Why ration e-KYC matters
e-KYC confirms that each person on a ration card is real, alive and not listed twice. States are removing unverified names to stop leakages. If a member’s e-KYC is not done, that member’s share of grain can stop, and after the state’s cut-off date the name may be deleted.
Method 1 — At home with the Mera eKYC app (free)
- On an Android phone, install Mera eKYC (Government of India) and AadhaarFaceRD (UIDAI) from the Play Store.
- Open Mera eKYC, choose your state (Maharashtra), enter the member’s Aadhaar number, and verify with the OTP sent to the Aadhaar mobile.
- The app shows the member’s ration details. Tap Face e-KYC and scan the member’s face in good light.
- On success, the status shows as completed. Repeat for each family member.
Method 2 — At your ration shop
Visit your fair price shop with each member (or send each member). The dealer authenticates each person with a fingerprint or iris on the ePoS machine. Children’s e-KYC may need their updated biometrics — see child biometric update.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint not matching (elderly, labourers) | Try iris on the ePoS, or face e-KYC in Mera eKYC |
| OTP not coming | Update the Aadhaar mobile number, or use the ration shop fingerprint route |
| Name spelling differs from Aadhaar | Ask the supply office (tehsil) to correct the ration card details |
| Member has moved to another state | e-KYC can be done anywhere under One Nation One Ration Card |
| Member has died | Inform the supply office so the name is removed properly |
Ration e-KYC is free. Do not pay anyone for it, and never share OTPs with callers who say your card “will be cancelled”.
Frequently asked questions
Is ration card e-KYC mandatory?
Yes, for every member on an NFSA ration card. Names without e-KYC can be removed after the state’s deadline.
How can I do ration card e-KYC online?
Use the Mera eKYC app with the AadhaarFaceRD app: verify with Aadhaar OTP and complete face authentication.
What is the last date for ration card e-KYC in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra sets and extends its own dates. Check with your ration shop or the Food & Civil Supplies Department before the cut-off.
Does ration e-KYC cost money?
No, it is free.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- Department of Food & Public DistributionNFSA, e-KYC and One Nation One Ration Card
- Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer ProtectionState ration card services
- National food helplineRation and PDS complaints (state helplines also use 1967)
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