Following directions from the Bombay High Court, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started issuing QR code-based identity cards to registered street vendors across Mumbai. The distribution process began on June 1, 2026, and is being carried out through all 26 administrative ward offices.
The issue of street vendors has been at the centre of civic discussions in recent weeks. Shortly after assuming office, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde had announced a drive to remove illegal Bangladeshi hawkers from the city. Against this backdrop, the long-awaited QR code identification initiative for registered vendors has finally been launched.
Of the total 99,435 registered street vendors in Mumbai, verification of around 20,000 vendors has been completed so far. The civic administration has appealed to the remaining registered vendors to visit their respective ward offices and complete the verification process by June 26, 2026.
The BMC has clarified that no verification or distribution of QR code identity cards will be carried out after the deadline.
Lists of registered street vendors have been displayed at all 26 ward offices. Copies have also been shared with local elected representatives, vendor associations and elected street vendor representatives. Registered vendors are being contacted through the phone numbers provided in their applications and are being instructed to appear in person for verification and collection of their QR code-based identity cards.
Vendors have been asked to bring their application acknowledgement receipt, original Aadhaar card and two passport-sized photographs while visiting the ward offices.
The civic administration has reiterated that vendors who fail to complete the verification process within the stipulated period may not be able to obtain their QR code-based identity cards later.
Also Read: Mumbai Metro 3: Aqua Line Expands Mobile Connectivity, Opens More Lifts and Escalators