Quick steps
- Check which number is on the cardThe registered mobile is usually the one that gets an SMS when you collect ration. If you get no such SMS, ask the dealer which number the machine shows.
- Open your state food portalFrom the NFSA list of state sites, tap your state. The login is usually named Citizen Login, Smart Card Login, e-Ration Card or Print Ration Card.
- Enter the mobile or the card numberType the ten digit mobile if the login asks for it. Where the portal asks for the card number, type that and it will send the OTP to the linked phone.
- Type the OTP and captchaEach code expires within minutes. If it expires, request a new one once and wait a minute before trying again.
- Download or print the card pageOpen the card or family details page and use the print option. Choose save as PDF so you keep a copy on the phone.
Open NFSA list of state ration card portalsOfficial site, opens in a new tab
A ration card download by mobile number works only when that phone number is already registered on your family card, because the portal sends a one time password to it and then opens your card. You cannot type any random number and pull out a card; the mobile acts as your key, not as a search term.
Some states use the mobile as the main login, others ask for the card number first and use the mobile only for the OTP. This page shows both patterns, gives state examples, and explains what to do if the registered number is lost or switched off. The full list of download routes is on our home page.
At a glance
- Works when
- Your mobile is registered on the card
- Second detail
- Card number, Family ID or captcha
- Time taken
- Two or three minutes if OTP arrives
- Result
- Card page with member list to save
- Number changed?
- Update it first, then download
- Central check
- Mera Ration app, for viewing details
Two kinds of ration card download by mobile number
Mobile as login. Here the first box asks for the registered mobile. After the OTP you land on your family page. Tamil Nadu's smart card portal works like this.
Mobile as OTP only. Here you first type the card number, Family ID or Aadhaar. The portal then masks your number, for example showing only the last four digits, and sends the OTP. Haryana's Family ID based download follows this pattern.
If your state only shows public reports by district and shop, as Bihar's EPDS portal does, you do not need a mobile at all. You pick the district, block and shop and find your name in the list.
State examples
| State | What you type | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Registered mobile, then OTP | Tamil Nadu e-card |
| Haryana | Family ID or Aadhaar, OTP on the family mobile | Haryana Family ID route |
| Bihar | No mobile; district, block and shop selection | Bihar download |
| Any state | Mera Ration app login to view details, not a printable card | Mera Ration guide |
Ration card status check by mobile number
When you have applied for something, such as a fresh card or an edit, a few state portals let you track progress with the mobile used while applying. Most still prefer the acknowledgement number, so keep that SMS. When you only have the mobile, try the login first; once inside, the dashboard often lists your past requests. Our status check guide covers the card number method as well.
When the registered mobile is lost or changed
Most failed logins trace back to this. The OTP keeps going to an old SIM. You have three options:
- Update the mobile on the state portal if it offers a change mobile service. Many need an OTP on the old number or Aadhaar authentication instead.
- Request the shop dealer to change it through the fingerprint machine, which many states allow.
- Submit a written request with Aadhaar at the supply office.
Each route is explained step by step on our mobile number update page. Until the change goes through, use the Aadhaar based download instead.
OTP problems and quick fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile not registered | The number on the card is different | Ask the dealer to read the number on the machine |
| OTP never arrives | Network or DND block on the SIM | Move to better signal, restart the phone, wait two minutes |
| Invalid OTP | An older OTP typed after a new request | Use only the most recent message |
| Too many attempts | Portal locked the number for a while | Try again after some hours |
What the downloaded page shows
The card page from a mobile login usually lists the card number, card type such as AAY or PHH, who heads the family, all members with their age and relation, the fair price shop number and sometimes the monthly entitlement. Check every name. If something is wrong, it is better to fix it now through a correction request than to discover it at the shop. Card categories are explained on our ration card types page.
Questions people ask
Can I do a mobile number se ration card download without the card number?
Yes, in states where the mobile itself is the login, like the smart card portal in Tamil Nadu. In other states you need the card number or family number too.
Why does the e ration card download by mobile number say not registered?
The number you typed is not the one saved on your family card. Ask the dealer to check, or update the mobile through the state portal or supply office.
Can a family member's phone be used?
Only if that number is the one registered on the card. The portal does not care whose phone it is, it only checks the number.
Is there one national site for ration card download with mobile number?
No single site downloads every state's card. The Mera Ration app shows entitlement and card details across states, but the printable card comes from your state portal.
Does downloading through mobile number cost anything?
No. Official portals do not charge you to view or save your own card. Ignore anyone asking for money to unlock it.