How to Apply for Ration Card Online in Tamil Nadu (2026)

Want to get a ration card in Tamil Nadu? This guide will walk you through the complete process of applying for a Smart Ration Card through the Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System (TNPDS) portal. Whether you are applying for a new card, adding a member, or converting an old card, everything is covered here.

Looking for the national overview? Read our complete guide to applying for a ration card online in India.

What Is the TN Smart Ration Card?

Tamil Nadu was one of the first states to digitise its ration card system. The Smart Ration Card is a biometric-enabled card linked to your Aadhaar number. It is used to buy subsidised rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene, and other essentials from your assigned Fair Price Shop (FPS).

Tamil Nadu issues ration cards under these categories:

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before you start the application:

Mandatory Documents

• Aadhaar Card of the head of the family and all family members
• Proof of Address – any one of: electricity bill, rental agreement, property tax receipt, or voter ID
• Proof of Income – salary slip, income certificate from Tahsildar, or self-declaration
• Family Photo – passport-size photo of the family head

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage Certificate – if applying after marriage
• Birth Certificate – for newborn additions
• Death Certificate – if removing a deceased member
• Migration Certificate – if you moved from another state or district

Tip: All documents should ideally be in the name matching your Aadhaar. Mismatches cause delays.

How to Apply Online – Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the TNPDS Portal

Go to the official website: https://www.tnpds.gov.in

Click on "Apply for New Ration Card" or "Smart Card Services" from the homepage menu.

Step 2: Register / Login

• If you are a new user, click "Register" and create an account using your mobile number and Aadhaar
• You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number
• Enter the OTP and set a password
• If you already have an account, simply login

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

After logging in, select "New Ration Card Application" and fill in:

1. Head of Family Details – name, Aadhaar number, mobile, gender, age
2. Family Members – add each member with their Aadhaar, relationship, age
3. Address Details – full address, district, taluk, and village/town
4. Income Details – annual family income (this decides your card category)
5. Preferred Fair Price Shop – choose the nearest FPS to your home

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• Aadhaar card (front and back)
• Address proof
• Income certificate
• Family photo

File format: PDF or JPG. Keep each file under 2 MB.

Step 5: Submit and Note Your Application Number

• Review all details carefully
• Click "Submit"
• You will get an Application Reference Number on screen and via SMS
• Save this number – you need it to track your application

Step 6: Biometric Verification

After online submission, you will be called for biometric verification at your nearest:

• Taluk Supply Office, or
• District Supply Office

Carry your original Aadhaar card and all original documents. Fingerprints and photo will be captured for the Smart Ration Card.

Applying Offline (Alternative Method)

If you are not comfortable with the online process, you can also apply offline:

1. Visit your nearest Taluk Supply Office or Revenue Office
2. Collect Form 1 (application for new ration card)
3. Fill the form, attach documents, and submit
4. You will get an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number
5. The verification officer will visit your home within 15–30 days

Many people in Tamil Nadu also apply through e-Sevai centres (Common Service Centres). The staff there will fill the form for you for a small service charge of ₹50–100.

Fees and Charges

Important: There is no official government fee for a new ration card in Tamil Nadu. If anyone asks for a large amount, it is likely a scam. Report it.

Processing Time

• Online application review: 7–15 working days
• Home verification visit: within 15–30 days of submission
• Card delivery: 30–45 days from application (in most cases)
• Biometric capture to card issue: 15–20 days

Total time from application to receiving your Smart Ration Card is typically 30 to 60 days.

How to Track Your Application

Online Tracking

1. Go to tnpds.gov.in
2. Click "Track Application Status"
3. Enter your Application Reference Number or Aadhaar Number
4. View the current status of your application

SMS Tracking

Send an SMS with your application number to the TNPDS helpline (check the portal for the latest number).

Helpline

• TNPDS Toll-Free Number: 1967 or 1800-425-5901
• District Supply Office – contact your local office for in-person enquiry

Common Problems and Solutions

"My Aadhaar address does not match my current address"

Update your Aadhaar address first at the nearest Aadhaar centre or online at uidai.gov.in. Then apply for the ration card.

"Application rejected due to duplicate entry"

This means someone in your family already has a ration card. Check with your Taluk Supply Office. You may need to surrender the old card first.

"Biometric verification failed"

This sometimes happens with elderly people or manual labourers whose fingerprints are worn. Request iris-based verification at the office.

"I moved from another district in Tamil Nadu"

Apply for a transfer of your ration card to the new district through the TNPDS portal under "Card Transfer" services. You don't need a new card.

"I moved from another state to Tamil Nadu"

First, get your old ration card surrendered/cancelled in your previous state. Then apply for a fresh card in Tamil Nadu with your new address proof.

Grievance Redressal

If your application is stuck or you face any issue:

1. Online Grievance: Visit tnpds.gov.in/pages/grievance.html and file a complaint
2. Call: 1967 (toll-free) or 1800-425-5901
3. In Person: Visit your District Supply Officer with your application receipt
4. CM Cell: As a last resort, file a petition at the Chief Minister's Special Cell at cmpetition.tn.gov.in

Quick Summary

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Ration Card Online (National Guide)

Last updated: February 2026. Information is based on the latest TNPDS guidelines. Always check the official portal for the most current process.