IGNOU Duplicate ID Card – Updated Guide for Old and New Students

IGNOU Duplicate ID Card 2025 – Updated Guide for Old and New Students

Did you lose your IGNOU ID card or never received it? If you’re wondering how to get it back, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news:
🎉 Most IGNOU students today don’t need a physical duplicate ID card anymore!

In this blog, we explain:

• 🔍 When a duplicate ID is actually needed
• 💻 How to download the soft copy from Samarth Portal
• 📄 How old students can apply for a duplicate physical ID
• 📎 Required documents, application form, and fees

✅ New Update: IGNOU ID Cards Are Now Available Online

If you’ve taken admission recently, IGNOU now provides the student ID card via its Samarth Admission Portal: https://ignou.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/login

👉 As soon as your admission is confirmed, you can:

• Download the soft copy of your ID card
• Take a printout to use at exam centres, study centres, etc.
• Re-download it anytime in case it’s lost or damaged

📲 You can also access your ID through the IGNOU mobile app (IGNOU e-Content or Student App).

So, if you’re a new or currently enrolled student, you likely don’t need to apply for a duplicate ID card at all.

🔁 When You Still Need a Duplicate IGNOU ID Card

The physical duplicate ID card is still relevant in these cases:

• You took admission before the Samarth portal system was introduced
• You never received your original ID card
• You lost a physical ID issued offline and cannot access a digital version

If this applies to you, read below for the offline process to request a duplicate ID.

📝 How to Apply for IGNOU Duplicate ID Card (Offline Method)

If you’re an older student or can’t download your ID online, follow these steps:

1. File a Police Report

• Write an application stating your ID card is lost
• Submit it to the nearest police station
• Get two copies attested and signed
• Keep one for your records – you’ll need it at the regional centre

2. Download the Application Form

• IGNOU provides a prescribed format to request a duplicate ID
• You can get it from your Regional Centre or download it online

👉 Download Application Form (PDF)

3. Attach the Required Documents

• Filled application form
• Attested police report copy
• Self-attested admission proof
• Passport-size photograph
• Demand Draft (DD) of ₹200 in favour of IGNOU, payable at your Regional Centre city (Note: The application fee may be subject to change. It’s recommended to verify the exact fee and payment details with your IGNOU Regional Centre before submitting your application.)

🏢 Where to Submit the Application?

Submit your completed application and documents at your respective IGNOU Regional Centre (the one where your admission was processed).

Ensure your Enrollment Number, Programme Code, and Regional Centre Code are mentioned correctly.

📅 How Long Does It Take?

Usually, the duplicate physical ID card is issued within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your regional centre. Some centres may notify you when it’s ready, while others may mail it to your registered address.

📌 Summary: Which Option Applies to You?

🔗 Useful Links

• 🎓 IGNOU Assignment Help – All Important Links
• 📝 How to Submit IGNOU Assignment Online
• 🎫 Check IGNOU Admission Status

🤔 Final Tip

To avoid losing your ID in the future:

✔️ Always save a scanned copy or PDF version of your IGNOU ID card
✔️ Take extra printouts and keep them in safe places
✔️ Bookmark the Samarth portal for quick access