The Artisan Identity Card is the official government-issued identity for handicraft artisans in India. Administered by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts under the Ministry of Textiles, this card provides formal recognition and opens access to welfare schemes, working capital loans, training programs, and export promotion events. Any artisan working in traditional crafts, whether individually or within a family unit, is eligible to apply.
This comprehensive document gathers detailed data across several categories to build a complete profile of each artisan:
Artisans who register and receive this card gain access to a wide range of government benefits designed to support the handicraft sector. These include subsidized health coverage under the Bima Yojna scheme, eligibility for the Artisan Credit Card (ACC) to secure working capital for raw materials and tools, and priority access to training programs funded by the Ministry of Textiles.
The card also opens doors to government-sponsored craft fairs, export promotion events, and market linkage programs. Registered artisans become eligible for welfare fund contributions and gain access to support during craft cluster development initiatives. Having this card makes it significantly easier to apply for business loans from commercial banks, as it serves as formal proof of the artisan's trade and income history.
The registration process begins with completing the Artisan Identity Card form accurately and in full. Once the form is submitted, it is reviewed at the District Industries Centre (DIC) or the nearest Office of the Assistant Director of Handicrafts. The reviewing officer verifies the details provided and, upon approval, issues the Artisan Identity Card along with a unique artisan identification number.
In several states, artisans can also submit the form online through the DC Handicrafts portal at indian.handicrafts.gov.in. Applicants need to have their identity proof ready, along with details of their craft unit and income sources. Gathering these documents in advance will speed up the process. If you need to apply for an Aadhar Card before starting the artisan registration, FormsPal has the form available for download as well.
Who is eligible to apply for the Artisan Identity Card?
Any artisan engaged in traditional handicraft production in India is eligible. There is no minimum income requirement, and both rural and urban artisans can apply. Family members actively involved in craft production are also included in the application.
What is the purpose of the FAQ section on the form?
The FAQ section refers to the question-and-answer portion of the form where artisans confirm their participation in government schemes, membership in producer organizations, and any awards received. Reading through each FAQ question carefully before answering helps avoid common mistakes during submission.
Can I submit the Artisan Identity Card Form online?
Yes. The DC Handicrafts portal accepts online submissions in states where the digital system is active. Artisans in other states can submit the completed form at the nearest DIC office. You can also use FormsPal to fill out the PDF version of the form online and print or download it for submission. Artisans who also need to register a formal business unit should review the Business Registration Form available on our platform.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Artisan Identity Card Form |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | artisan card, handicraft artisan identity card status, proforma for photo identity card for handicrafts artisan, आर्टिजन कार्ड फॉर्म |