Sarkari kaam · Food and Public Distribution

Ration card NFSA and One Nation One Ration Card

Ration cards are issued by your state government, not by the centre. This guide shows the official route, what most states ask for, and how to take your ration in another state.

Last updated: 1 November 2026Reviewed by IndiaDigital editors Sources

Who needs this

Households that need subsidised grain under the National Food Security Act (NFSA): Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) cards. Each state decides who qualifies.
Families who moved to another state for work: with One Nation One Ration Card you can take your NFSA ration at any fair price shop, using your ration card number or Aadhaar and a fingerprint.
Anyone who needs to add or remove a family member, or change the head of family or address on an existing card.

Official fee

For	Fee
New ration card or changesCheck your state food portal; the centre does not charge for itsource: nfsa.gov.in	Set by your state
Taking ration in another state (ONORC portability)source: pib.gov.in	No extra charge

There is no single national fee: each state sets its own. Pay only on the state portal or at the food office, and keep the receipt.

Fees checked: 1 November 2026

Steps

Open the NFSA page for applying, pick your state, and go to your state food department portal (or visit the local food supply office or a Common Service Centre).
Choose New Ration Card, fill in details of every family member, and upload the documents your state asks for.
Submit and note the application number. A food department inspector may visit to verify.
Track the status on the state portal. Once approved, the card or e-ration card is issued and linked to a fair price shop.
To take ration in another state: walk into any fair price shop, give your ration card number or Aadhaar, and authenticate with your fingerprint on the ePoS machine.
Check your entitlement, recent transactions and nearby shops in the Mera Ration app, or call the 14445 helpline where available.

Documents

Aadhaar of all family members (most states)
Proof of address (as your state accepts)
Passport-size photo of the head of family (usually the eldest woman of the house under NFSA)
Income certificate, if your state asks for it for priority category
If you had a card in another place: a surrender or name-deletion certificate, if your state asks for one
Bank account details, in some states

How long it takes

The authority does not state a fixed time for this service.

Common mistakes

Applying for a new card when you only moved within India. With ONORC you can take NFSA ration anywhere on your existing card.
Keeping a name on two ration cards. Get it deleted from the old card first.
Paying agents for a "BPL card". Eligibility is decided by the state; pay only official fees.
Not seeding Aadhaar for every member. Portability and ePoS authentication need it.

Official links

NFSA: how to apply for a ration card (state-wise) ↗ nfsa.gov.in
NFSA: ration card details on state portals ↗ nfsa.gov.in
NFSA: state food department portals ↗ nfsa.gov.in
PIB factsheet: One Nation One Ration Card ↗ pib.gov.in

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Questions people ask

Who issues ration cards?

Your state government or UT administration. The NFSA site says identifying beneficiaries and issuing AAY and PHH cards is done by the states, so apply on your state portal.

Can I take my ration in another state?

Yes, for NFSA ration. Under One Nation One Ration Card you can go to any fair price shop in India, give your ration card number or Aadhaar and authenticate with your fingerprint.

How much does a ration card cost?

It depends on your state. Check the fee on your state food portal before you apply.

Sources

Last checked: 1 November 2026

NFSA (Department of Food and Public Distribution): apply for ration card States identify households and issue AAY and PHH cards; fees and documents are set by each state.
PIB factsheet: One Nation One Ration Card