How to Apply for Ration Card Online in Maharashtra (2026)

Also read: National Guide — How to Apply for Ration Card Online for a general overview of the ration card process across India.

A ration card in Maharashtra lets you buy subsidised wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene from your nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS) under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Maharashtra Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department handles all ration card services through its official portal — mahafood.gov.in.

This guide walks you through the complete online application process specific to Maharashtra.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a new ration card in Maharashtra if:

• You are a resident of Maharashtra
• You do not already hold a ration card in any state
• You have a valid Aadhaar card (mandatory for all family members above 5 years)
• You are the head of the family or an authorised adult member

Types of Ration Cards in Maharashtra

The type of card you receive depends on your family income and eligibility as assessed by the department.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting your application:

Mandatory Documents

1. Aadhaar card of the applicant (head of family)
2. Aadhaar cards of all family members to be included
3. Address proof — any one of the following:
   • Electricity bill or gas bill (recent)
   • Rent agreement or property tax receipt
   • Passport or driving licence
   • Voter ID card
4. Income certificate (from Tehsildar or online through Aaple Sarkar)
5. Passport-size photographs of the head of the family (2 copies)

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate — if adding spouse
• Birth certificates — for children
• Surrender certificate — if you held a ration card in another state or district and cancelled it
• Gas connection details — LPG consumer number (if available)
• Bank account details — passbook front page or cancelled cheque

Tip: All documents should be scanned in PDF or JPEG format, under 1 MB each, for online upload.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in — this is the Ration Card Management System (RCMS) portal of Maharashtra.

You can also reach it through the main department website https://mahafood.gov.in → click on "New Ration Card Application" or "Online Services".

Step 2: Register or Log In

• If you are a new user, click on "New Registration"
• Enter your mobile number and Aadhaar number
• You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile
• Verify the OTP and create your login password
• If already registered, simply log in with your credentials

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

After logging in, select "Apply for New Ration Card" and fill in the following details:

• Personal details — Name, date of birth, gender, caste category, mobile number
• Address details — District, Taluka, Village/City, Ward, Pin Code
• Family details — Add each family member with their name, age, Aadhaar number, and relationship to head
• Income details — Annual family income
• Existing ration card — Declare if you or any family member holds a ration card elsewhere
• Bank and gas connection details

Important: Your name must match your Aadhaar card exactly. Any mismatch will delay the application.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents:

• Aadhaar card (head + all members)
• Address proof
• Income certificate
• Photograph
• Any additional supporting documents

Make sure files are clear, readable, and within the size limit.

Step 5: Review and Submit

• Review all entered information carefully
• Check the declaration checkbox
• Click "Submit Application"
• You will receive an Application Reference Number — save this! You need it to track your status

Step 6: Application Verification

After submission:

1. Taluka Supply Officer (TSO) reviews your application online
2. A field inspection may be conducted at your home by the local Fair Price Shop dealer or ward officer
3. You may receive a call or SMS to visit the Tehsil office with original documents for verification
4. The officer verifies your details against Aadhaar and other government databases

Fees

• Online application fee: Free (No charge for applying online)
• Ration card printing/issuance charge: ₹5 to ₹15 (nominal, varies by office)
• No middlemen or agents needed — the process is completely free and direct

Warning: Do not pay any agent or tout for ration card services. The entire process is free. Report corruption to the department's helpline.

Processing Time

In urban areas like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, processing may take slightly longer due to higher volume. Rural areas often get faster approvals.

How to Track Your Application Status

1. Visit https://rcms.mahafood.gov.in
2. Click on "Track Application Status" or "Application Status"
3. Enter your Application Reference Number or Aadhaar Number
4. View the current status — Submitted, Under Review, Field Verification, Approved, or Rejected

You will also receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number at each stage.

What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected

If your application is rejected:

• Check the reason for rejection on the portal (common reasons: duplicate Aadhaar, incomplete documents, income mismatch)
• Correct the issue and re-apply online
• You can also visit your Tehsil Office or Taluka Supply Office for help
• File a grievance on the portal or through the Aaple Sarkar grievance system

Offline Alternative

If you are not comfortable applying online, you can:

1. Visit your nearest Taluka Supply Office or Tehsil Office
2. Collect Form No. 10 (application for new ration card)
3. Fill the form, attach documents, and submit it at the counter
4. You will receive an acknowledgement slip with a reference number

Many Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Setu Suvidha Kendras across Maharashtra also help with online applications for a nominal service charge (₹20-50).

Important Contact Details

Quick Tips

• Link Aadhaar first — Make sure all family members' Aadhaar cards have the correct address and are linked to mobile numbers
• Use Aaple Sarkar — You can also apply through the Aaple Sarkar portal for various government services including ration card
• eKYC verification — Some offices now use biometric eKYC; carry your Aadhaar and be prepared for fingerprint verification
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) — If you move to Maharashtra from another state, you can use your existing ration card at any FPS in Maharashtra through portability. No need to apply for a new one immediately
• Keep your mobile updated — All OTPs and status updates go to your registered mobile number

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for a ration card online from my phone? Yes, the RCMS portal works on mobile browsers. You can complete the entire application from your smartphone.

Q: How many members can I add to one ration card? There is no fixed limit, but all members must be part of the same family and living at the same address.

Q: I moved within Maharashtra. Do I need a new ration card? No. You can apply for an address change or transfer through the same portal instead of a new card.

Q: Can I check my ration card details online? Yes. Visit mahafood.gov.in → "Know Your Ration Card" and enter your ration card number or Aadhaar number.

This is a Maharashtra-specific guide. For the general all-India process, read our National Guide to Applying for a Ration Card Online.