Dependent ID Card for Ex-Servicemen Families: Complete Application Process 2026

You must have registered yourself with your concerned Zila Sainik Board and possessing valid Exserviceman I Card. Now, it is important to have Dependent card for your family members. The Dependent ID Card issued by ZSB under the Kendriya Sainik Board is an important identity document for the dependent family members of ex-servicemen. This card helps eligible dependents receive various welfare benefits and establishes their identity as family members of former armed forces personnel.

Many ex-servicemen, widows, and family members are still unaware of the latest rules, eligibility conditions, renewal procedures, and application methods for obtaining a DIC card. This detailed guide explains everything in simple language, including eligibility, validity, required documents, online and offline application processes, duplicate card procedures, penalties, and misuse rules.

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What is a Dependent ID Card (DIC)?

A Dependent Identity Card (DIC) is issued to eligible family members of ex-servicemen through the Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) under the supervision of the Kendriya Sainik Board.

The card acts as proof that the holder is a dependent family member of an ex-serviceman or widow and may be required for availing various welfare-related services and benefits.

Who is Eligible for a Dependent ID Card (DIC)?

The following family members are eligible for DIC under specified conditions.

1. Wife of Ex-Serviceman

The wife of an ex-serviceman is always eligible.

Important Conditions

No age limit
No income limit

2. Son of Ex-Serviceman

Eligibility Conditions of Dependent Card

Must be unmarried
Age must be below 25 years
Monthly income should be below ₹9,000

3. Daughter of Ex-Serviceman

Eligibility Conditions

Must be unmarried
No age limit
Monthly income must be below ₹9,000

4. Disabled Child

Eligibility Conditions

Name must be recorded in discharge book/service records
No age limit
Eligible even after marriage

5. Dependent Parents

Eligibility Conditions

Parents’ names must exist in service records/discharge book
Combined monthly income should be below ₹9,000

6. Unmarried / Divorced / Widowed Daughter

Eligibility Conditions

Must be dependent on ex-serviceman or widow
Combined monthly income (including children’s income) must be below ₹9,000
Dependency certificate required from Panchayat or Municipal authority

If the daughter receives family pension after the death of parents, she may still be eligible provided non-pension income remains below ₹9,000 per month.

Important General Conditions for DIC

Before applying, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

Ex-serviceman or widow must already possess a Sainik Board ID card
Names, address, and date of birth should match service records/discharge book/PPO
Aadhaar details should ideally match service records
If corrections were made through Part-II Orders, copies must be attached

Validity Period of Dependent ID Card

Lifetime Validity

The following categories usually receive long-term validity:

Wife
Parents
Disabled children

Son’s Card Validity

Initially issued for 5 years and renewable until:

Age reaches 25 years
Marriage occurs
Income exceeds ₹9,000

Daughter’s Card Validity

Renewable every 5 years until:

Marriage occurs
Income exceeds ₹9,000

Minor Brother’s Card

Valid until age 18 years with periodic renewal.

When Must the DIC be Returned?

The card must be surrendered in the following cases:

Death of cardholder
Monthly income exceeds ₹9,000 (except wife)
Marriage of dependent child (except disabled child)
Son crosses 25 years age
Brother crosses 18 years age
Death of ex-serviceman — wife must surrender dependent card and apply for widow card

Important Rules Regarding Misuse of DIC

Authorities have issued strict instructions regarding misuse of Dependent ID Cards.

Prohibited Activities

1. Restricted Area Entry

DIC cannot be used to enter military restricted areas.

2. Photocopy Misuse

Unauthorized photocopy usage may lead to cancellation.

3. Tampering

Any alteration or misuse can result in:

Card cancellation
Withdrawal of facilities

4. Identity Proof Misuse

DIC photocopy should not be used as:

General identity proof
Date of birth proof

Duplicate DIC Card Process

If the card is damaged or lost, duplicate issuance is possible.

For Damaged Cards

Replacement can be requested after 5 years.

For Lost Cards

Step 1: File FIR

Step 2: Police Verification

After one month, obtain confirmation that the card is still untraced.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Submit:

Offline application
Original FIR
Passport-size photographs

Step 4: Verification

Secretary, Sainik Board will conduct inquiry before approval.

Penalty for Lost DIC Card

Loss Instance	Penalty
First Time	₹300
Second Time	₹600
Third Time	₹900

Complete DIC Application Process

The application process consists of two stages:

Online Application
Offline Submission

Online Application Process for DIC

Step 1: Registration

Visit the official Kendriya Sainik Board Website and register using service details.

Step 2: Login Credentials

After registration:

Login ID
Password

will be sent through SMS or email.

Step 3: Login & Fill Form

After login:

Select “Fresh” application
Choose your respective Zila Sainik Board

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned originals of:

Passport photos
Discharge book
PPO
Other required documents

Important Instructions

Do not scan photocopies
Verify all details before submission
Print application copy before final submit

Offline Application Process

After online submission, offline documents must be submitted to the Zila Sainik Board.

Documents Required

1. Online Application Print Copy

2. Offline Application Form

Use A4 or legal-size paper printed on both sides.

3. Photographs

(a) Group Photo

Size: 4cm × 6cm
Must include all current dependents

(b) Individual Photos

One for each member
Size: 2cm × 2.5cm

(c) ID Card Photos

Recent within 3 months
No cap or dark glasses
No excessive editing

4. Discharge Book / Widow Service Certificate

Submit relevant pages containing:

Personal details
Address
Family details

5. PPO / Pension Book Copy

6. Existing ESM/Widow ID Card

7. Aadhaar Card Copies

Signed by respective holders.

8. Dependency & Income Certificate

Required for:

Children above 20 years
Dependent parents
Divorced/widowed daughters

Certificate must confirm:

Dependency – Discharge Book
Unmarried status – Collect from Panchayet / Ward Councilor
Monthly income below ₹9,000 – Copy of 26AS – download from Income Tax Website.

Issued by:

Gram Panchayat
Municipal Councillor

Important Advice for Ex-Servicemen Families

Before applying:

Ensure service records are correct
Match names and DOB carefully
Keep scanned original documents ready
Avoid photo editing
Submit both online and offline forms properly

Incomplete documentation may delay approval.

Why DIC is Important for Ex-Servicemen Families

The Dependent ID Card helps families maintain official recognition under ex-servicemen welfare systems and simplifies access to various support services offered through Sainik Boards and related welfare organizations.

For widows, disabled children, and dependent parents, the card becomes especially important for documentation and welfare-related purposes.

Conclusion

The Dependent ID Card (DIC) system under the Kendriya Sainik Board provides essential identification support for eligible dependents of ex-servicemen and widows. Understanding eligibility conditions, document requirements, validity rules, and the application process is extremely important to avoid rejection or delays.

Applicants are advised to carefully follow both the online and offline procedures and maintain updated records for smooth approval and renewal of DIC cards.

Know more on Dependent I Card for Exservicemen Families

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