CHENNAI: The Senior Citizen Identity Card is an official document issued by State Governments in India to residents aged 60 years and above. The card serves as a recognised proof of age and residence and enables elderly citizens to access a range of government and private benefits such as healthcare concessions, travel discounts and tax relief. Applicants can apply either online through state government portals or offline at local administrative offices.
Eligibility: Indian residents aged 60 years or above
Issuing authority: State Government Departments
Application modes: Online through state portals or Offline via Tahsildar/Seva Centres
Required documents: Proof of identity, address, age and residence
Major benefits: Tax concessions, medical discounts, travel rebates, priority services
Fee & validity: Around ₹10 (varies by state); generally valid across India
Processing time: Typically 7–15 working days depending on the state
In India, once a person turns 60, state authorities provide a Senior Citizen Identity Card as an important form of identification. While it does not replace Aadhaar entirely, it functions as an additional government-recognised ID and residence proof.
This card helps elderly citizens gain easier access to both state and central welfare schemes. Applicants can obtain it by submitting a simple application along with a nominal fee through official government channels or service centres.
Applicants who wish to download the form can follow these general steps:
Visit the National Government Services Portal or the respective State Government website.
Use the search bar and type “Senior Citizen Identity Card”.
Select the relevant link titled Application Form for Senior Citizen ID Card.
Open the form page and click Download to save the PDF.
online method
Visit the Official National or State Government Services Portal.
Navigate to your State’s service page.
Open the Senior Citizen Card application form.
Fill in personal and contact details accurately.
Upload required documents and a passport-size photograph.
Pay the prescribed application fee.
Click Submit to complete the process and note the acknowledgement number for status tracking.
Offline method
Visit the nearest Taluk/Tahsildar Office or Government Seva Centre.
Request the Senior Citizen ID Card application form.
Fill in the form and attach photocopies of required documents.
Submit the application along with the nominal fee.
To qualify for the Senior Citizen Identity Card, an applicant must:
Be 60 years or older
Possess a valid government-issued ID
Provide proof of permanent residence within the state
Applicants are generally asked to submit:
Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, Ration Card, Pension Card, Government ID, or Bank Certificate
Address Proof: Passport, Utility Bills, Rental Agreement, Registered Sale Deed, or Bank Passbook
Age Proof: Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, PAN Card, or equivalent document
Higher Interest Rates: Preferential interest on fixed and recurring deposits in banks and financial institutions.
Tax Relief: Eligibility for higher income tax exemption limits for senior citizens.
Travel Concessions: Discounts on government bus services and selected airline bookings.
Healthcare Benefits: Reduced medical fees in private hospitals and free or subsidised treatment in government hospitals.
Priority Services: Faster processing in courts, government offices, and telecom connections such as BSNL/MTNL.
Welfare Access: Easier enrolment in senior welfare centres and social schemes at reduced costs.
Nationwide Recognition: Generally accepted across India as an official senior identity document.