UDID Card in India: Benefits and How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

The UDID (Unique Disability ID) card is a single national identity card for persons with disabilities in India, issued under the Government of India's UDID project. One card, valid across the country, replacing the need to carry multiple disability certificates. This guide explains what the card does and how to apply.

What is the UDID card?

UDID stands for Unique Disability Identity. It is a card and a lifelong identification number issued to persons with disabilities after their disability is certified by a designated medical authority. The card records the type and percentage of disability and serves as a single proof document for schemes, concessions, admissions and services across India.

What are the benefits?

With a UDID card, a person with disability can access government schemes and scholarships, education accommodations and reservation where applicable, travel concessions, and priority services — without repeatedly proving disability with separate certificates. For persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the card also supports access to National Trust schemes and guardianship processes.

Who can apply?

Any person with one of the 21 disabilities recognised under the RPwD Act 2016 — including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities — can apply. For children and for persons who need decision-making support, parents or legal guardians apply on their behalf.

How to apply — step by step

1. Gather documents: recent photograph, proof of identity, proof of address, and any existing disability certificate or medical records.

2. Register on the official UDID portal of the Government of India (the Swavlamban card portal) and fill the online application, or apply through the designated medical authority / district office if online access is difficult.

3. Attend the assessment at the designated hospital or medical board when called. For intellectual disability and autism, assessment involves qualified specialists and standardised tools.

4. Track your application on the portal using your enrolment number. Once approved, the disability certificate and UDID card are issued; the e-card can be downloaded and the physical card is posted.

Common difficulties — and honest advice

Families sometimes face long waits for assessment dates, confusion about which hospital is designated for which disability, or requests to return with more documents. Keep copies of everything, note names and dates, and do not pay unofficial "agents" — the process has no legitimate shortcuts. If an assessment result seems wrong, an appeal/re-assessment can be requested.

Help from Manovikas

Manovikas has supported hundreds of Delhi families through disability certification and UDID applications for persons with IDD. Our team can guide you on documents, designated hospitals and realistic timelines, and our assessment services help families arrive prepared. Since 1997, we have believed that paperwork should never be the barrier between a person and their rights.