The Aadhaar card is a significant identification document issued by the Government of India (UIDAI), featuring a unique 12-digit number. This number is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and serves as proof of identity and address for any Indian citizen.
Additionally, the Aadhaar card is essential for availing various government and non-government services.
Download an Aadhaar Card
Citizens can download an e-Aadhaar through four main methods. Below is a step-by-step guide for each method:
Note: According to the Aadhaar Act, e-Aadhaar holds the same validity as the physical Aadhaar card for all purposes.
Via the UIDAI (Myaadhaar) Portal
- Visit the official website: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/.
- Click on the 'Download Aadhaar' link.
- Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar Number, 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) Number, or 28-digit Enrolment ID (EID) Number on the new page.
- If you have an Aadhaar number, enter it; otherwise, use the EID or VID.
| EID (Enrollment ID) is a 28-digit number given during the application process to track its status, while the UID (Unique Identification Number), or Aadhaar number, is a 12-digit number issued after approval, serving as proof of identity and address. |
- Click on the 'Send OTP' button and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Click on the 'Verify and Download' button.
- Your Aadhaar card will be downloaded to your device.
If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, you need to visit the nearest Aadhaar service center to update it.
| Note: If you have forgotten your Aadhaar number or enrolment ID, use the 'Retrieve EID/Aadhaar number' option by entering your name, mobile number, or email, and retrieve it using the OTP. |
How To Generate VID?
A VID (Virtual ID) is a temporary, 16-digit number generated as an alternative to your Aadhaar number for identification and verification, ensuring the security and privacy of your Aadhaar details.
To generate a VID (Virtual ID) for your Aadhaar number:
- Visit the UIDAI portal at uidai.gov.in.
- Go to the "My Aadhaar" section and select "VID Generator."
- Enter your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
Your VID will be displayed on the screen.
Via the mAadhaar Mobile Application
If you have already applied for an Aadhaar card and now wish to download it using the mAadhaar app, follow the steps provided below:
- Install the mAadhaar App: First, install the mAadhaar app on your smartphone. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Open the App and Register: Open the app and register using your registered mobile number and OTP.
- Go to the Dashboard: After registration, you will reach the app’s dashboard. Here, you will find the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option. Click on it.
- Choose Aadhaar Type: You will see two options: Regular Aadhaar and Masked Aadhaar. Choose one based on your requirement.
| – Regular Aadhaar: Displays all digits of the Aadhaar number. – Masked Aadhaar: Hides the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number. |
- Enter Required Information: Enter your Aadhaar Number, VID Number, or Enrolment ID Number, and fill in the captcha.
- Receive OTP: Click on the ‘Request OTP’ button and enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Download Aadhaar Card: After entering the OTP, click on the ‘Open’ button. Your Aadhaar card will now be downloaded in PDF format.
Important Note: The E-Copy of your Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF Format.
mAadhaar is the official mobile app developed by UIDAI, designed to securely store and access your Aadhaar card digitally. The app offers a range of services, including:
- Download Aadhaar
- Retrieve EID/VID
- Order PVC Card
- Check Aadhaar Validity
- Verify Email/Mobile
- Generate Virtual ID
- Aadhaar Status
- PVC Card Request Status
- Retrieve Order Aadhaar Status
Via DigiLocker
- Step 1: Visit the Official DigiLocker Website
- First, go to the official DigiLocker website- digilocker.gov.in.
- Step 2: Log In
- Log in using your credentials. If you don’t have an account yet, create a new one using your mobile number and email.
- Step 3: Search for Document
- After logging in, click on the ‘Search Document’ option and search for ‘Aadhaar Card’.
- Step 4: Select Aadhaar Card
- In the search results, click on the Aadhaar card option.
- Step 5: Enter Aadhaar Number and OTP
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP received on your registered mobile number to access your Aadhaar card.
- Step 6: Download Aadhaar Card
- To download the Aadhaar card, go to the ‘Issued Document’ section and click on the download icon next to the Aadhaar card. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number, and your Aadhaar card will be downloaded.
Via the UMANG Portal
If you are an Aadhaar cardholder and want to download it using the UMANG portal, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Log In to the UMANG Portal
- First, go to the UMANG portal – web.umang.gov.in. If you are not already registered, register yourself on the portal and then log in.
- Step 2: Select the ‘My Aadhaar’ Option
- After logging in, click on the ‘My Aadhaar‘ option.
- Step 3: Select the ‘Download Aadhaar’ Option
- You will see several options. Click on the ‘Download Aadhaar’ option.
- Step 4: Verification Process
- A new page will open. Click to proceed with the verification process.
- Step 5: Enter Aadhaar Number and OTP
- On the new page, enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
- Step 6: Download Aadhaar Card
- After entering the OTP, click on the ‘Verify & Download’ button. Your e-Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF format to your device
What is the e-Aadhaar Password?
The Aadhaar password is usually required when opening the PDF file of your Aadhaar e-card, which is password protected. The password is an 8-character combination based on your personal details.
Here are a few examples of how the Aadhaar password is generated:
- First four letters of your name (as in Aadhaar) in uppercase + Year of Birth
Example:
Name: Rohit Sharma
Year of Birth: 1990
Password: ROHI1990 - First four letters of your name (as in Aadhaar) in uppercase + Year of Birth
Example:
Name: Sunita Devi
Year of Birth: 1985
Password: SUNI1985
The guidelines for the Aadhaar PDF password format changed in early 2019. Before that, the password for opening the Aadhaar e-PDF used to be the PIN code associated with your registered address.
However, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) later introduced the current format, which is a combination of the first four letters of your name (in capital letters) and your year of birth (YYYY format).
This change was made to enhance security and standardize the process across users. There wasn't a specific public announcement pinpointing the exact date, but the shift became widely noticed around 2019.
The updated format helps make the password system more personalized and secure for users.
What is an Aadhaar Card?
An Aadhaar card is an essential identification document issued by the UIDAI, consisting of a unique 12-digit number that verifies the holder's identity as an Indian citizen. Established in January 2009, UIDAI had issued over 1.29 billion Aadhaar numbers by March 31, 2021.
The Aadhaar number acts as a digital identity, allowing individuals to authenticate themselves using either biometric data (fingerprint and iris scans) or a one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered mobile number.
What is e-Aadhaar?
e-Aadhaar is an electronic version of your Aadhaar card, which is digitally signed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It contains all the details of your Aadhaar card, including your 12-digit Aadhaar number, personal information, photograph, and biometric details.
The e-Aadhaar is just as valid as the physical Aadhaar card and can be downloaded from the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.
Key Features of e-Aadhaar:
- Digital format: You can store and access your Aadhaar digitally.
- Password protected: The PDF is secured with a password for privacy.
- Legally valid: e-Aadhaar holds the same legal validity as the physical Aadhaar card.
- Masked Aadhaar option: For privacy, you can download a version where the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden.
E-Aadhaar can be used for identity verification, accessing government services, and for other official purposes just like the physical card.
Uses
The Aadhaar card has a wide range of uses in India, providing convenience, identification, and access to various services. Here are some key uses:
| Use | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity and Address | Aadhaar serves as a valid ID and address proof for various government and private services. |
| Subsidies and Welfare Benefits | Linked to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for subsidies like LPG, pensions, and other welfare schemes. |
| Opening a Bank Account | Used for KYC verification when opening bank accounts. |
| Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) | It is mandatory to link with PAN for filing ITR and availing tax benefits. |
| SIM Card Issuance | Facilitates quick KYC verification for issuing mobile connections. |
| Availing Government Services | Required for accessing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, etc. |
| Pension and Provident Fund | Needed for receiving pension, EPF claims, and provident fund benefits. |
| Digital Services | Enables authentication for e-governance services and accessing online services like e-Aadhaar. |
| Aadhaar-enabled Payment Systems | Used for secure digital payments through AePS using biometric authentication at micro-ATMs. |
| Aadhaar-based Voter ID Linking | Helps in linking Aadhaar with Voter ID to eliminate duplicates and ensure accurate voter registration. |
UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India)
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a government body established in January 2009 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its primary function is to issue Aadhaar numbers, a unique 12-digit identification number assigned to every resident of India.
Aadhaar is based on biometric and demographic data and serves as proof of identity and address, widely accepted by various public and private agencies.
UIDAI has enabled Aadhaar for over 400 central government schemes and 300 state-level programs, streamlining benefits delivery through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms.
Statistics and Milestones
- Establishment: UIDAI was set up in January 2009 to provide every Indian resident with a unique identification number.
- Aadhaar Enrolment: Since its inception, Aadhaar has become one of the world's largest biometric identification systems. As of 2024, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued over 1.35 billion Aadhaar numbers. Currently, about 99% of India's adult population holds an Aadhaar card.
- Digital India: Aadhaar is a key part of the Digital India initiative, helping to streamline services like banking, healthcare, and welfare schemes. The system has helped in direct benefit transfers, ensuring that subsidies and welfare benefits are delivered directly to eligible citizens.
- Biometric Data: UIDAI collects 10 fingerprints, 2 iris scans, and a facial photograph of each individual to create a comprehensive biometric database.
- Authentication: The Aadhaar system facilitates over 53 million authentications per day (as of 2021), making it a widely-used tool for identity verification. These authentications include OTP (one-time password), biometric, and demographic checks.
- Linking with Services: As of 2021, 92% of adults in India had linked their Aadhaar with various services such as bank accounts, mobile numbers, and pension accounts. Aadhaar linkage has been essential for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, where subsidies are credited directly to beneficiaries' accounts.
As of 2024, Aadhaar is mandatory for filing income tax returns, and more than 99% of PAN cards are linked with Aadhaar to prevent duplication and fraud in tax filing.
- Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System (AePS): UIDAI has made Aadhaar a key enabler in the financial ecosystem through the Aadhaar-enabled payment system. More than 12 billion financial transactions were carried out through AePS by the end of 2021.
- e-KYC: Aadhaar-based e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verification has streamlined onboarding processes for banking, telecom, and financial services, ensuring faster and more secure identification.
Impact
- Transparency and Efficiency: Aadhaar has helped reduce fraud and corruption by ensuring that benefits reach the right individuals directly.
- Financial Inclusion: By linking Aadhaar with banking services, millions of previously unbanked individuals gained access to financial services, further promoting economic growth.
- Welfare Schemes: Aadhaar is used in welfare schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), Ayushman Bharat Scheme, LPG subsidy, scholarships, and pensions, benefiting millions across India.
Security and Privacy
UIDAI employs multiple security measures, including biometric data protection, encryption, and OTP-based authentication, to safeguard individual data. Additionally, the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 governs the use of Aadhaar data to ensure privacy and data protection.
UIDAI continues to play a crucial role in India’s digital infrastructure, with Aadhaar being a foundation for ensuring seamless identity verification across public and private sectors, making service delivery more efficient and transparent.
Helpline
For any issues related to Aadhaar, you can visit the nearest Aadhaar center or use the following contact details:
- Helpline number: 1947
- Email: help@uidai.gov.in